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Freelance Advocacy Lead
Project: Culture Start
Contract: Freelance, part time – December 2025 until September 2026 (with possible extension to March 2027)
Fee: £6000
Location: Sunderland-based (hybrid working possible)
Deadline: 10am on 26 November 2025
We are seeking an experienced Freelance Advocacy Lead to raise the profile of Culture Start and support existing efforts to position the project as a leading example of place-based cultural investment.
The role will focus on building strategic relationships, developing a clear advocacy narrative and driving engagement with local, regional and national funders, policy makers and influencers.
About Culture Start
Culture Start launched in April 2024 as an ambitious place-based programme supporting children and young people aged 5-18 (up to 25 years old for SEND young people) in Sunderland to access and benefit from cultural opportunities. Culture Start is led by Sunderland Culture on behalf of a strong citywide partnership.
The partnership brings together schools, cultural organisations, community partners and youth services that are committed to reducing the impact of poverty through improved access to cultural and creative opportunities.
Now in its second year, Culture Start is working to strengthen its profile and influence. A key milestone will be an Advocacy and Learning Event in March 2026, designed to share evidence of impact, celebrate progress, and engage funders, policy makers and strategic partners in shaping the programme’s legacy beyond 2027.
Key Responsibilities
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- Develop and implement a refreshed Advocacy and Influence Plan for Culture Start, aligning with the programme’s strategic aims
- Support the Culture Start team in developing compelling narratives, press releases, case studies and stakeholder communications, including event content, presentations and speeches to amplify impact and profile
- Collaborate with the Sunderland Culture Press and PR Lead to leverage media coverage and visibility in key sector publications
- Identify and engage key stakeholders – including the local and combined authorities, local, regional, and national funders, policy and decision-makers
- Lead targeted stakeholder engagement and audience development for the Advocacy and Learning Event in March 2026, securing attendance from key individuals and organisations. Carry out stakeholder management during the advocacy event, including liaising with key stakeholders’ office ahead of the event
- Advise on event positioning, branding, and communications to maximise impact
- Monitor engagement and provide insight reports and recommendations to strengthen influence
- Ensure all advocacy activity reflects the values of inclusion, collaboration, and child/young person-centred practice
Person specification
Essential
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- Proven experience in advocacy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement or strategic communications
- A strong track record of influencing policy makers, funders or senior decision-makers
- Strong skills in storytelling, communications, and profile building for programmes or organisations
- Ability to develop and deliver targeted strategies to grow profile and influence
- Understanding of cultural, educational, and/or youth sector contexts
- Capacity to deliver work flexibly and collaboratively from appointment through to September 2026, including attendance at the Advocacy and Learning Event in March 2026 (exact date tbc)
Desirable
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- Existing networks and relationships with cultural funders, regional/national policy makers, or similar
- Knowledge of Sunderland, North East, or comparable place-based contexts
- Experience positioning programmes for long-term sustainability and investment
Budget
A total freelance fee of £6000 is available for this commission.
This is inclusive of:
- All planning, delivery, and reporting time
- Attendance at meetings and liaison with partners/stakeholders
- Travel and subsistence costs
- All applicable taxes (including VAT, if chargeable)
The fee will be paid in instalments on receipt of agreed deliverables and invoices, with a payment schedule agreed with the appointed freelancer.
How to apply
To apply for this opportunity please submit:
- a brief CV (maximum 2 pages)
- A proposal (maximum 2 sides of A4) that addresses:
- Your approach: How you would raise the profile of Culture Start and ensure high-level engagement in the March 2026 event
- Relevant experience: Examples of advocacy and stakeholder engagement work you have led, including outcomes achieved
- Fee proposal and availability: Your proposed fee (inclusive of all taxes/expenses) and confirmation of your availability until September 2026
Send applications to Michael.Barrass@sunderlandculture.org.uk
Deadline: 10am, Wednesday 26 November
Culture Start is supported by a £1.2m Place Partnership award from Arts Council England through the National Lottery, and generously funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, and the Gillian Dickinson Trust.
