Communications & Digital Officer
Part-time | 15 hours per week (0.4 FTE) | Fixed-term (5 months)
September 2026 – January 2027
Reporting to: Programme Manager
Salary
£41,400 per annum (full-time equivalent), plus employer pension contribution.
The role is offered at 0.4 FTE (15 hours per week) on a fixed-term contract for the duration of the project mobilisation phase (September 2026 – January 2027).
Contract
Fixed-term contract for approximately five months, commencing as early as possible in September 2026 and ending in January 2027.
This role forms part of the initial mobilisation phase of a longer-term programme. Subject to the successful completion of this phase and the securing of follow-on funding, we anticipate opportunities for the successful candidate to continue into the next phase of programme delivery from early 2027.
Working Pattern
Part-time (15 hours per week).
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are available.
Occasional travel across England may be required to support programme events, workshops and partner meetings.
Location
UK based only.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for candidates who do not already have the right to work in the UK.
Remote working will be considered for the right candidate, although attendance at meetings and events in London and other locations across England may be required.
Pension
Employer pension contribution of 3% in line with organisational policy.
Annual Leave
25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus public holidays.
Expenses
Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses incurred whilst undertaking project activities will be reimbursed in accordance with Culture Commons’ expenses policy.
Reporting To
Programme Manager
Overview
Help tell the story of one of the UK’s most ambitious programmes exploring the future of culture, creativity and devolution.
Culture Commons is seeking a creative, organised and digitally confident Communications & Digital Officer to help shape how one of England’s most exciting cultural policy programmes is communicated to partners, stakeholders and wider audiences.
Over the past two and a half years, we’ve helped bring together local government, national cultural organisations, universities, policymakers and practitioners to explore the role of culture within England’s evolving devolution agenda.
The next phase is about turning ideas into action.
Working with partners across government, Strategic Authorities, universities and the cultural sector, we’ll co-design a programme that has the potential to influence future policy, strengthen collaboration and support culture’s role within England’s devolved governance landscape.
Your role will be to make this work visible.
From creating engaging digital content as the programme progressing, to managing our social media channels, maintaining our SquareSpace website and producing newsletters, presentations and event materials, you’ll help communicate complex ideas in ways that are clear, engaging and accessible.
Working with the Programme Manager and Director & CEO, you’ll help build the profile of both the programme and Culture Commons while ensuring our partners, stakeholders and audiences remain informed, connected and inspired.
This is initially a five-month fixed-term appointment to support the mobilisation phase of the programme. Subject to future funding, there may be opportunities to continue into the programme’s delivery phase from early 2027.
About the role
You’ll be responsible for developing compelling content that showcases the programme’s ambition, communicates its impact and supports engagement with a diverse range of audiences, from senior policymakers and local government leaders to cultural practitioners, researchers and communities.
You’ll combine creativity with excellent organisational skills, producing high-quality communications across digital and print platforms while ensuring a consistent and professional brand for Culture Commons.
You’ll also play an important role in documenting the programme as it develops, helping capture stories, learning and insights that demonstrate its value and influence.
Success in this role will come from your ability to translate complex policy and partnership work into engaging content that people want to read, watch and share.
Key Responsibilities
Working closely with the Programme Manager, you will:
Develop and deliver communications that promote Culture Commons and the programme across a range of digital and print channels.
Create engaging content for social media, newsletters, blogs and the Culture Commons website.
Design reports, presentations, infographics and promotional materials using Canva and other digital design tools.
Maintain and update the Culture Commons website, ensuring content remains accurate, engaging and accessible.
Develop and manage an editorial calendar to support programme milestones and events.
Capture and share stories, case studies and programme learning through written, visual and digital content.
Support the communications and promotion of workshops, events and stakeholder activities.
Monitor digital engagement and communications performance, providing regular insights and recommendations.
Ensure all communications reflect the Culture Commons brand, values and commitment to accessibility.
Person Specification
We’re looking for someone who enjoys telling stories, creating engaging content and helping ambitious organisations communicate their impact.
Essential
You will be able to demonstrate:
Experience in communications, marketing or digital engagement.
Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and creatively.
Experience managing social media channels and developing engaging digital content.
Strong graphic design skills using Canva design software.
Experience maintaining websites using content management systems.
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
Confidence working independently while collaborating effectively within a small team.
Desirable
It would be advantageous if you have experience of:
Communications within the cultural, creative, public or voluntary sectors.
Public policy, local government or devolution.
Photography, video editing or multimedia content creation.
Media relations and stakeholder communications.
Analytics tools and measuring communications impact.
How to Apply
If you’re excited by the opportunity to help shape one of the UK’s most ambitious programmes exploring the future of culture, creativity and devolution, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit:
A current CV (maximum two pages).
A covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining:
your interest in the role and why you would like to join Culture Commons at this exciting stage of its development;
how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role; and
examples of relevant experience that demonstrate your ability to deliver in a fast-paced, collaborative and partnership-focused environment.
Applications should be submitted by Sunday 23rd August 2026 to contact@culturecommons.uk, quoting ‘Communication & Digital Office application [your name]’ in the RE window.
Interviews are expected to take place during the last week of August 2026, either online or in central London. We are looking for successful candidates to start early September 2026.
Recruitment Timetable
Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 23 August 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 24 August 2026
Interviews will be held online or in central London.
Preferred start date: Early September 2026
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Culture Commons is committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can thrive.
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities and particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented within the cultural and policy sectors.
Appointments will be made on merit following a fair and transparent recruitment process.
About Culture Commons
Culture Commons is an independent think and do tank dedicated to strengthening the role of culture, creativity and heritage in shaping thriving places, inclusive economies and stronger communities.
We work across research, policy and practice, connecting local and regional government, universities, cultural organisations, businesses and communities to develop practical solutions to complex public policy challenges. Our work focuses on translating ideas into action through evidence, collaboration and ambitious partnership programmes.
We believe culture is essential civic infrastructure – contributing not only to creative expression, but also to economic growth, place-making, health, wellbeing and social cohesion. Our work seeks to ensure that culture is embedded within the decisions that shape the future of towns, cities and regions across England.
Working nationally with partners across government, Strategic Authorities, universities, arm’s-length bodies and the wider cultural sector, we design and deliver programmes that help influence policy, strengthen collaboration and create lasting public value.
Though small in size, Culture Commons is ambitious in its outlook, bringing together expertise from across sectors to tackle some of the most significant opportunities facing culture, creativity and place in England today.