Strategic communications manager jobs in carlisle, cumbria

Are you passionate about school libraries? Do you believe in the power of school libraries to transform children and young people’s experiences in education? Can you communicate confidently to a wide audience and range of stakeholders?  

The School Library Association (SLA) supports approximately 2000 members working in schools across the UK with advice, training and advocacy. The School Library Lead will be at the forefront of our member offer and outreach, to help us deliver on our mission to support all those working in school libraries, so that more children and young people reach their full potential through the school library.   

This role will lead on providing advice, inspiration and support for schools looking to develop their school library provision and all the benefits this brings. An expert in school libraries, you will be comfortable supporting members 1:1, delivering training to larger audiences, providing consultancy to schools and sector organisations, writing training and resources, or preparing book recommendations. An exciting opportunity for someone experienced in school libraries with knowledge of the curriculum, teaching and learning and children’s books, you will be the first port of call for library advice and expertise, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the membership network.

You will be experienced in developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders at all levels relish a busy role. This will include supporting our Branch network, collaborating on initiatives for development, delivery and new projects as they come online. As resident children’s book expert, you will support with programmes and projects such as the SLA Information Book Award and member book-related events. You will work with your SLA colleagues to develop and deliver high-quality member events and training as well as advocacy events to raise awareness of the importance of school libraries. Using your sector insight, you will identify opportunities for development of initiatives that will support the SLA vision and mission enabling us to reach more children and young people through our work.  This is a busy and rewarding role and will suit someone with passion and resilience. 

This is a full time role working remotely, throughout the year (37 hours per week). Find out more about the role including full job description and how to apply by downloading the job specification pack. 

Application deadline: 19th December 

Interviews: First round interview (online): 13th/14th January

Second round interview in person TBC: 20th/22nd January 

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.   

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.  

Contract: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week), permanent with 6-month probation period

Salary: £56,650-70,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Remote working, with option to use co-working space

Start Date: As soon as possible

Reports to: Executive Director

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Closing Date: 4th January 2026 (23:59 GMT)

To apply, please submit the following: 

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)

• CV

Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function during a period of sustained growth. The Financial Controller will work across Programme teams ensuring strong financial management and reporting to funding partners, maintain strong financial controls, ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, and provide accurate financial reporting to our Directors and Board of Trustees.

The Financial Controller will oversee the small finance team, including line management of a Finance Assistant and management of an external bookkeeper consultant. This team will be responsible for the majority of financial accounting, processing payroll, and accurate bookkeeping, for which the Financial Controller will be ultimately accountable.

The role includes managing restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements and programme needs, preparing statutory accounts for external audit, and overseeing payroll processing. This role reports directly to the Executive Director to prepare annual budgets and financial strategy, and works closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee to present its implementation.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills, experience in charity finance, and a proven track record of effective financial management of a growing organisation. You should be comfortable both managing a small team and working hands-on when needed, building collaborative relationships across the organisation. You will need to be a multitasker with the ability to work at pace, and be willing to develop the finance function and best practices to enable the organisation to grow further.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Oversee the maintenance of accurate financial records and bookkeeping in accordance with charity accounting standards (SORP)

• Prepare monthly management accounts including variance reporting and rolling forecasts

• Prepare annual statutory accounts and manage the annual independent audit process in its entirety

• Manage restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements

• Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and funding partners

Financial Operations

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including payment processing, staff expenses, and cost allocation (including staff costs)

• Oversee monthly payroll using QuickBooks (led by Finance Assistant)

• Manage treasury functions including bank and cash management

• Oversee procurement of key assets such as IT equipment

• Cashflow management

Grant and Budget Management

• Support budget development for funding bids and proposals

• Monitor spend against grants and projects, working towards full cost recovery

• Prepare financial reports for donors and funding partners

• Lead annual budget-setting and forecasting processes in collaboration with the Board and Executive Director

Financial Systems and Controls

• Develop and maintain robust financial systems, processes, and controls

• Continuously improve finance processes and identify efficiencies

• Advise on financial governance and best practice

• Manage financial risks and opportunities (e.g., insurance, foreign exchange)

Team Management and Stakeholder Relations

• Line manage the Finance Assistant and oversee external bookkeeper consultant

• Build collaborative relationships across the organisation

• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders including banks, international transfer services, and audit partners

• Work closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee and BASIC's Treasurer

Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or part-qualified with significant relevant experience
• Proven experience in a mid-level to senior finance role, with responsibility for financial accounting and reporting
• Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audit processes
• Experience in a growing organisation, implementing and improving financial systems and controls
• Strong technical accounting skills and understanding of financial controls
• Excellent numeracy and attention to detail
• Proficiency with accounting software (experience with QuickBooks highly desirable)
• Strong Excel/spreadsheet skills
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable working hands-on when needed while also providing strategic oversight
• Ability to work at pace in a fast-growing organisation
• Commitment to BASIC's mission and values

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in charity finance and understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP)
• Experience line managing finance staff
• Experience in an international organisation or with international funding
• Understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements

EFAM

For more than twenty years, Education For All Morocco has worked to ensure that girls from Morocco’s most disadvantaged rural communities can access — and complete — their education. What began as a small initiative providing safe boarding for girls in the High Atlas has evolved into a nationwide organisation creating long-term pathways from secondary school to university and employment.

Today, EFA Morocco operates a growing network of boarding houses, specialist education centres, and university scholarship programmes, supporting girls with diverse needs — including those with disabilities — to learn, thrive, and shape their own futures. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and a holistic support model, EFA Morocco is driving systemic change so that every girl, no matter where she is born, has the opportunity to learn, lead, and transform her life and community.

The Role

The Finance & Operations Coordinator is a central position in a small, purpose-driven team. The role provides direct support to the Managing Director and works closely with the Finance Committee to ensure that the charity’s financial and operational systems are well managed, compliant and effective.

This is a broad and hands-on role that involves managing day-to-day UK operations, supporting financial oversight, ensuring smooth coordination with our in-country partners, and keeping our administrative framework in excellent order.

You will be responsible for maintaining clear systems, meeting key reporting deadlines, and ensuring that the organisation runs efficiently behind the scenes. The role suits someone who is proactive, reliable, and comfortable managing a wide variety of tasks with independence and initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Finance and Reporting

• Maintain accurate financial records in Xero, reconciling transactions and processing payments for invoices, payroll and expenses.

• Allocate receipts and donations to the correct funds and ensure supporting documentation is filed systematically.

• Prepare and submit Gift Aid claims to HMRC.

• Collate quarterly financial and narrative reports from Moroccan partner NGOs and follow up on missing information.

• Support the Managing Director and Finance Committee with budget preparation, analysis and audit documentation.

• Ensure that annual accounts and financial reports are submitted in line with Charity Commission requirements.

Operations and Administration

• Oversee and improve shared filing systems (Teams/SharePoint), ensuring that all administrative and financial records are accurate, up to date and easy to access.

• Manage the main email inbox, responding to or redirecting correspondence promptly and professionally.

• Coordinate logistics for meetings, events, and annual project visits in Morocco.

• Support the Managing Director with scheduling, documentation, and general administrative follow-up.

• Monitor compliance tasks, ensuring that all Charity Commission and internal governance requirements are up to date and properly documented.

Donor and Partner Relations

• Act as a first point of contact for donors, supporter schools, hotels and individuals.

• Process and acknowledge donations, issue receipts and maintain accurate donor records.

• Proactively follow up with existing and potential supporters, helping to build and maintain relationships.

• Liaise with Moroccan partners to ensure that project and financial reporting are on track and shared on time.

Governance and Oversight

• Support the Finance Committee and Managing Director with preparation for trustee and committee meetings, including gathering reports and ensuring actions are followed up.

• Assist with external audits and reviews, coordinating with UK auditors and Moroccan partners as needed.

• Maintain oversight of risk management, safeguarding and health and safety documentation, ensuring relevant information is filed and accessible.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience with Xero or similar accounting software, and confidence handling day-to-day bookkeeping.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word) and comfortable using Teams/SharePoint.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Able to work independently and take initiative, with good judgement about when to seek input.

• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and adapting to a varied workload.

• Interest in education, international development or girls’ empowerment.

Organisation: Education For All Morocco (EFA Morocco)

Responsible to: Managing Director
Location: Remote (with annual project visit to Morocco)
Hours: 24/32 hrs per week
Salary: £25,000 – £29,000 per annum (pro rata)
Annual leave and benefits: 25 days annual leave (pro rata, excluding bank holidays) + pension scheme (as per regulatory requirements)