Chief Executive Officer

Lead an Organisation Connecting the North East to the World

Chief Executive Officer – International Newcastle CIC
(including Festival Coordinator for Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages)

What if your next freelance role allowed you to shape international opportunities for tens of thousands of children and young people, champion languages and cultures, and work at the heart of one of the UK’s most respected partnership models for schools?

International Newcastle CIC is seeking an experienced, values-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next phase of development — a role that also includes coordinating the Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages, the UK’s largest languages and cultures festival for schools.

As the current CEO is retiring, this is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior freelance professional who wants flexibility, influence and real social impact.

Application details and recruitment pack are online here:

• Hours: Part-time and flexible 9-20 days per month, depending on funding. Some evening or peak-period work may be required.

• Monthly pay: £1,400 (9 days minimum) up to £3,000 (20 days), depending on Festival funding

• Location: Working from home and mainly online, some meetings in Newcastle and North East and preference to be based in the North East

• Contract: 12 months rolling freelance contract, subject to annual review and budget

Recruitment Timeline

• Role advertised: From 30th January 2026
• Closing date for applications: 5pm Monday 20th April 2026
• Interviews: 6-8th May 2026 online
• Interview outcome: Applicants informed by 11th May 2026
• Proposed start date: 1st July 2026 (handover period in advance)

How to Apply

Applicants may ask to speak to the current CEO informally and confidentially before applying, to provide an opportunity to discuss the role and ask any questions.

Request a call or zoom appointment by email [email protected]

Applicants are invited to submit: A CV (maximum 3 pages) with a covering statement outlining your suitability for the role (maximum 3 pages). Please include in your covering statement:

• relevant experience aligned to the role
• why you are interested in the role
• your approach to freelance/part-time leadership
• your availability for interview between 6th and 8th May and ability to start on 1st July 2026 (with a flexible handover and briefings with the current CEO from June)

Applications should be addressed to Professor Jon Reast (Chair) and Declan Baharini (Chief Executive Officer) and emailed to [email protected]

THE ROLE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

An organisation with reach, reputation and purpose

International Newcastle has spent more than a decade building a powerful partnership framework that supports schools to promote language learning, intercultural understanding and international links. Working across Newcastle and the wider North East — and with national and international partners — the organisation helps children and young people become confident global citizens, particularly those from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds.

Its flagship initiatives, Newcastle City of Languages and Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages, are recognised nationally as exemplars. In 2025 alone, the Festival reached 428 schools and nearly 94,000 children and young people, supported by over 40 local, national and international partners. International Newcastle has also helped raise £2.2m for Newcastle schools to provide life changing experiences for over 2000 children and young people, who would otherwise not have access to these opportunities.

A leadership role with real autonomy

As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic leadership, operational delivery and partnership coordination, working independently while being supported by a highly engaged multi-stakeholder Board.

This is a freelance, part-time role (9–20 days per month, depending on funding), designed to suit someone who thrives on portfolio working, autonomy and trusted leadership. You will shape the organisation’s direction, lead fundraising and sustainability planning, oversee communications, and act as an ambassador for International Newcastle across the city, region and beyond.

Coordinating a flagship regional Festival

A key part of the role is acting as Festival Coordinator for Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages, a three-month annual programme of free activities celebrating languages and cultures for children aged 3–18.

You will lead the strategic development, coordination, promotion and evaluation of the Festival, working closely with Newcastle City Council, the North East Combined Authority and a wide network of delivery partners including universities, cultural institutes, embassies and community organisations. For someone who enjoys bringing complex partnerships together to create something inspiring and meaningful, this is a standout opportunity.

Who this role is for

This role will appeal to someone who:

• Has senior leadership experience across education, the public, voluntary or cultural sectors

• Is passionate about languages, international education, cultural exchange and equity

• Enjoys partnership-driven work and managing complex programmes

• Is confident working independently in a freelance capacity

• Wants flexibility without compromising on influence or impact

Experience of working with schools, international programmes, festivals or large-scale projects is highly valued — as is a commitment to inclusion and social justice.

Why join International Newcastle now?

You will be stepping into a role with:

• A strong reputation and trusted partnerships locally, nationally and internationally

• Clear strategic priorities and a strong track record

• The opportunity to build on significant momentum, with record Festival participation and growing demand from schools

• The chance to shape the future of languages and intercultural learning in Newcastle, the North East and beyond.

If you believe languages open doors, that international connections change lives, and that children and young people deserve access to a bigger world — this role offers the platform to make that belief count.