We are seeking a freelance Strategic Communications & Advocacy Consultant to help shape, articulate and elevate Edge of Wonder, a major new place-based cultural programme in Ellesmere Port. We are looking for a freelance consultant with experience in strategic communications, advocacy, arts and cultural communications, place-based storytelling, impact communications or related fields. You should be confident shaping clear public narratives, working across different audiences and identifying what is distinctive within emerging practice. The consultant will help shape and strengthen the strategic narrative for Edge of Wonder and the wider Gold & Green strategy. This includes developing clear messaging, articulating the programme's values and ambitions, and helping position the work within wider conversations about culture, place and child-centred practice. Please send a short Expression of Interest (maximum 1–2 pages) outlining:Job Summary
Job Description
Edge of Wonder is the first major phase of Gold & Green, a long-term cultural strategy developed through the Ellesmere Port Cultural Learning Exchange (EPCLE), supported by ACE's Place Partnership programme.
At the heart of the programme is a child-centred philosophy: exploring how qualities often associated with childhood - curiosity, playfulness, openness, imagination and experimentation - can shape artistic practice, collaboration, participation and cultural life across a town.
We are looking for someone who can help develop a clear, ambitious strategic narrative and build wider advocacy for child-centred cultural practice locally, regionally and nationally.
This is not a day-to-day delivery role. We already have a Communications Manager to deliver ongoing content, campaigns and marketing. This role is about strengthening the bigger picture: helping us define what is distinctive about the work, why it matters, how it connects to wider conversations about culture, place and systems change.
The consultant will work closely with Theatre Porto's CEO/Artistic Director, ED, Comms Manager, programme partners and evaluator.
The role is likely to include:
- Strategic Narrative & Messaging
- Developing a strong communications narrative for Edge of Wonder / Gold & Green
- Articulating the values, ambitions and distinctiveness of the work
- Defining clear messaging for different audiences
- Strengthening Theatre Porto's profile as lead organisation
- Advocacy & Sector Leadership
Total available budget: approximately £4,500-£5,000 inclusive of fees and any associated delivery costs.
Working hours
This is a freelance consultancy role with an anticipated commitment of approximately 100-105 hours in total across the two-year programme period (equivalent to around 13-14 consultancy days)Job Requirements
An understanding of children and young people's arts, participatory practice, socially engaged cultural work or cultural place-making would be valuable.
You will be collaborative, reflective and able to balance strategic thinking with practical outputs. We're particularly interested in people who can communicate values, relationships and processes as well as activity, and who understand how communications can support long-term cultural, civic and systems change.Job Responsibilities
You will provide strategic communications advice across community, stakeholder and sector audiences, support advocacy with funders and policy makers, and work with the programme evaluator and communications team to turn learning and impact into compelling stories, case studies and advocacy materials.
The role will also offer strategic input into digital presence, content planning and long-term positioning.Useful Links
How to Apply
• why this opportunity interests you
• your relevant experience and approach to strategic communications and advocacy
• any early thoughts on how you might approach the role
• examples of relevant previous work (links welcome)
• your availability across the programme period
Please also include your CV or a short biography.
We welcome applications in written, visual or conversational formats.
Send your Expression of Interest to [email protected] by Friday 3 July 2026, 12 noon.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a second stage to develop a fuller proposal and will receive a £150 fee in recognition of their time.