Freelance Communications Specialist
(Marketing and Audience Development)
Freelance Role Brief – 2026
About Moonstruck Astronaut
Moonstruck Astronaut is a not-for-profit community theatre company based in Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire. We create inclusive, co-creative community theatre projects that bring together neurodivergent and neurotypical children and young people.
We are currently awaiting the outcome of an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant application. Subject to funding confirmation, this role will support the delivery of Telford Tall Tales: Town & Trees, a 27-month programme of weekly theatre workshops, summer intensives, school outreach and community performances running from Autumn 2026 to Summer 2028.
We are seeking an experienced communications and marketing professional with a passion for the arts to join our core team during this exciting next phase of development.
Role Summary
The Freelance Communications Specialist (Marketing and Audience Development) will lead on communications, marketing and audience development activity for Moonstruck Astronaut, helping to grow awareness, participation and support for our work.
Working alongside the Artistic Director and Assistant Producer, you will be responsible for communications planning and delivery, participant recruitment campaigns, audience development and maintaining consistent messaging across our channels and projects.
We are looking for an experienced communications and marketing professional who can work independently, identify opportunities, make recommendations and take genuine ownership of the communications function. The successful candidate will become a trusted member of our small core team as Moonstruck Astronaut enters its next stage of growth.
Fee & Commitment
- Freelance fee: £240 per day (based on an 8-hour working day)
- Project period: July 2026 – October 2028 (approximately 30 days across the project)
- Workload: This will vary across the project, with more intensive work during project launch, participant recruitment campaigns and ahead of each new phase of activity.
- Location: Remote with regular face-to-face meetings and attendance at project activities across Telford & Wrekin.
- Applicants should live within Telford & Wrekin or within reasonable travelling distance.
- Team meetings are typically held during daytime hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Important: The successful candidate will be expected to commence work from the week beginning 27 July 2026 and must be available to commit at least one day per week during August and September 2026 to support project launch, communications planning and participant recruitment activity. Availability during this period is an essential requirement of the role.
Core Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver marketing strategies and campaigns
- Lead audience development, outreach planning and participant recruitment
- Create and schedule content across social media platforms and digital communications
- Work with project partners to activate existing networks and reach children, young people and families who may face barriers to participation
- Support the development of the Moonstruck Astronaut brand, identifying opportunities to increase awareness, engagement and participation
- Create quarterly newsletters, email marketing campaigns, press releases and engaging content that communicates the impact of our work
- Build relationships with media, project partners and community organisations
- Contribute evidence, statistics (email open rates, social media reach etc) and content for project evaluation and reporting.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven professional experience in communications, marketing or audience development
- Experience planning and delivering successful marketing campaigns
- Strong strategic, creative and communication skills, with experience producing engaging written and visual content
- Confidence working independently and remotely, taking initiative and identifying opportunities without requiring close supervision
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience with digital tools including Canva, MailerLite, social media platforms and basic analytics
- Ability to build positive relationships with partners, participants and stakeholders
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience working within arts, culture, charity or community organisations
- Experience developing audiences for participatory projects or live events
- Experience working with children, young people and families
- Understanding of inclusive and accessible communications
- Experience working alongside neurodivergent colleagues
- Experience in capturing and editing photo and video content
- Knowledge of, connection to, and genuine enthusiasm for the communities of Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire
Personal Qualities
- Strategic and proactive
- Creative and resourceful
- Warm, collaborative and community-minded
- Reliable and able to work independently
- Able to balance big-picture thinking with attention to detail
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity to become a trusted member of our core team and help shape the next chapter of Moonstruck Astronaut’s development.
How to Apply
Please email Heather on admin@moonstruckastronaut.com with the following:
A recent CV
A short cover letter or video (max 3 minutes) explaining your interest in and suitability for the role
Links to examples of previous marketing and communications work, where available
Please note that applicants must be available to commence work from 27 July 2026 and commit at least one day per week during August and September 2026 to support project launch and participant recruitment activity. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide consistent support throughout the life of the project.
If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please contact Heather, who will be happy to help.
Deadline to apply: Thursday 2nd July 2026, 12 noon
Interviews held: Friday 10th July 2026
Start date: Week commencing 27th July 2026
