Front page: 
Image Description: Members of Ensemble Young Company during a performance of Fools Fest: Through the Wardrobe.
Title of page: Marketing & Engagement Officer Candidate Pack
Page includes Mortal Fools logo, funder logos and workplace accreditations.
Page 2
Image Description: Image Description: Members of Ensemble Young Company during a performance of When This Is Over.
Title of page: Contents 
Page includes quote: “Mortal Fools has been such a lifeline for me. It gives me a space to truly be myself and I have met the most amazing, genuine people. The way Mortal Fools gives the young people a voice, is honestly really special.” - Ensemble Young Company Member
Page includes contents with page numbers:
3 A Message from our Artistic Director (CEO)
5 About Us
7 Our Values
8 Get to Know Our Work
10 Staffing Overview
11 Role Overview
12 Key Responsibilities
14 Person Specification
16 Why Work at Mortal Fools?
17 How to Apply

Page 3
Image Description: A black & white image of Mortal Fools’ Artistic Director (CEO) Kiz Crosbie, smiling.
Title of page: A Message from our Artistic Director (CEO)
Text on page: Thank you for your interest in joining us at Mortal Fools. Our long-standing and fabulous marketing leader is moving on for a great new career opportunity, creating the opportunity for new marketeers to join the team at Mortal Fools, supporting our next phase of organisational growth and development.
Marketing is an integral component of any successful business, and we recognise the importance of investing in both high-quality marketing people and products.
We are excited to appoint new staff members to this team who understand the importance of an organisation’s purpose and values shining through all messaging, can communicate effectively to a wide range of local, regional and national audiences and stakeholders and have new and dynamic ideas and approaches to bring into our team.
Kiz Crosbie Artistic Director (CEO)
Page 4
Image Description: Members of Ensemble Young Company during a rehearsal session.
Page includes quote: “I feel uplifted and passionate every time I come to work with Mortal Fools. Everyone is respected and held in such high regard with one another; each and every member of the company is an essential part of the Mortal Fools jigsaw.” - Mortal Fools Staff Member
Page includes quote: “Without Mortal Fools, the young people of Northumberland they co-create their productions with would not be the confident and inspiring people they are. Mortal Fools are a vital arts organisation that have understood what young people need to thrive. Their impact is enormous.” - Wendy Scott, Cultural Development Manager at Northumberland County Council
Page 5
Image Description: Brightly coloured balloons and streamers showing the Mortal Fools logo at a showcase event.
Title of page: About Us
Text on page: Mortal Fools is an award-winning creative learning charity based in Ashington, Northumberland supporting young people aged 5—21. Our purpose is to help people to have better quality interpersonal relationships – we do this by supporting people to develop their mental health & wellbeing, personal skills, and creativity.
Our regular programmes of activity provide high quality, exciting, socially relevant arts experiences where children and young people co-create theatre, film, audio and events with professional practitioners.
We deliver Arts Award qualifications and creative employability skills development and distribute our digital content to schools and youth settings. Our ‘Melva’ digital package for primary schools supports early intervention and prevention for mental health and anxiety and reaches 1000s of children in the North East.
Page 6
Image Description: A member of Team Mortal Fools looks through a camera at a Sounding Board filming day with Mortal Fools Youth Theatre.
Page includes quote: “For the first time in years, she came home with a big smile on her face. She was really anxious before she got there but managed it really well. After a terrible few years, this has given us hope. She felt listened to and really liked meeting new people. She had an amazing day and she can’t wait to do more with Mortal Fools.” - Employability Intervention participant’s carer
Text on page: Our priority is supporting and including children, young people, and communities who are disempowered or facing barriers. Many of our members are neurodivergent, have social, emotional & mental health challenges and are experiencing deprivation. We are committed and proactive in continuing to develop our inclusivity.
A key success factor of our charity is our agility and responsiveness both in our established work and new opportunities. We apply our ambition and innovation alongside sound management, good governance and positive company culture.
Our dynamism and resilience is supported by:
l Our multi-stream income generation model including grants; our Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation status; our CONNECT training programme for businesses and professionals; our Melva schools package (currently commissioned for regional distribution by the North East Combined Authority).
l Working in cross-sector strategic partnerships including education, health, arts and youth sectors.
l Working in national, regional, local and grassroots contexts, and taking a place-based approach to working in our base of Ashington, Northumberland.
l Our approach to monitoring, planning & evaluation via the development of our Wellbeing Practice Guide and Toolkit (future plans to distribute nationally).
l Our staffing structure, proactive board and accreditations (more info later in this pack).
Our Current Programmes/Areas of Work:
l Mortal Fools Youth Theatre and Ensemble Young Company.
l Creative Intervention Projects in schools & youth settings.
l Melva mental health focused digital storytelling package for primary schools.
l CONNECT training programme for businesses & professionals.
l Future Ready – a creative approach to young people’s employability.
l Outreach events in community settings.
l Digital Distribution of our young people’s co-created content.
l Strategic Development – including membership of the youth theatre national NPOs group, North East Youth Alliance, several local and regional cross-sector networks.
We are also currently planning new and expanded activities across our programmes making it an exciting time to join the Mortal Fools team.
Page 7
Title of page: Our values
Text on page:
Contributing - Everyone Matters
Growing - Becoming More
With Others - Better Together
As Ourselves - Always Authentic
Page 8
Title of page: Get to know our work
Image Description: 4 members of Mortal Fools Youth Theatre during a performance of Sounding Board.
Text on page:
To get more details about our work and the type of company we are you can:
* Visit our website www.mortalfools.org.uk and our social media channels (all @mortalfoolsuk).
* Download our Impact Report 2023/24 via our website 
* Visit our YouTube Channel to watch our digital content.
Our recent achievements include:
l Supporting approx. 9000 children & young people Apr 24 – Mar 25 in our live, digital and community activities.
l Engaging 210 children and young people in deep engagements in our youth theatre, school, creative employability and youth work projects.
l Co-creating and presenting 12 live events (performances/screenings) with 725 live audience members.
l Engaging 7,200 children and young people and 70+ schools in our digital assets and Melva programme.
l Gaining nominations as Charity of the Year 2024 in the North East Charity Awards and in the Arts Council England category at the North East Culture Awards 2024.
Page 9
Image Description: A scene from the MELVA film, in which two actors sit in an icy cave, dressed in woolly clothes.
Page includes quote: “Working for Mortal Fools is fun, exciting and keeps me feeling inspired. It has continually supported my professional development as an artist and facilitator, giving me the tools to work effectively to co-create with young people. My practice has been developed through training and is continually evolving through CPD.
As a result, I feel equipped to manage whatever challenges may arise when working with young people, whose lives are increasingly complicated and create sessions and artistic outputs that are meaningful for those involved and our external audiences. I am confident that I can connect well with the young people and staff I am working alongside; and that I can create spaces where we can collectively thrive.” - Zoe Lamming Practitioner and Coordinator, Mortal Fools
Page 10
Title of page: Staffing Overview
Diagram on page: Staffing overview diagram.
Text on page: 
Our staffing structure includes permanent, fixed-term, casual and freelance contracts for a range of full and part time staff.
Our proactive board of trustees includes three subgroups (Finance, Audit & Risk; Artistic, Delivery & Practice; and People).
Our approach has been recognised with accreditations including:
l Real Living Wage Foundation – accredited employer
l North East Combined Authority Shine Accreditation – advanced
l Cyber Essentials
l Investors in the Environment (bronze)

Page 11
Title of page: Role Overview

Text on page: 
We are delighted to be recruiting a new Marketing and Engagement Officer to join our Mortal Fools team and community.

This role will work to a new Marketing & Communications Manager and support the delivery of campaigns that connect with our community and audiences across print, social media, and digital channels.

We are looking for someone with prior marketing experience who is motivated by work to improve the wellbeing and life chances of children and young people and help to build a more inclusive, creatively engaged society.

The postholder will also be working alongside our practitioner team to deliver our community engagement programme in Ashington and the wider NE region.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their values, skills and experience align with Mortal Fools and can contribute to this community focused role.

Purpose: To support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of marketing and audience engagement activity for Mortal Fools contributing to print, digital, PR and audience engagement activities in line with our business development strategy and the communications and marketing plan.

Contract: Employed, permanent. While the role is full-time (40 hours per week), we are open to considering candidates who wish to work on a part-time basis (3–5 days per week). Flexible working and some evening and weekend working essential.

Salary: Salary Band B: £26,208 - £29,000 (depending on experience and capability)
Salary bandings and individual salaries are reviewed annually.

Responsible to: Marketing & Engagement Manager

Key relationships (external): Community audiences, venues, VCSE organisations, freelance artists/practitioners, external service providers (e.g. designers).

Based at: Hybrid working between head office in Ashington, home working, and other external work locations, as required.
This role involves liaison with various project teams/ staff members and therefore requires the postholder to commute to the office regularly and be in the office for an average of 2-3 days per week (sometimes more during busy weeks).

Holiday entitlement: 33 days including Bank and Public Holidays
Pension: Pension Contribution: 4% employer / 4% employee
Probationary period: 6 months
Notice period: 6 weeks.

Other Requirements: A Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, as required.
Ability and willingness to travel throughout the region and nationally to meetings, events and conferences.

Flexi-time system: Our flexi-time system enables employees and line managers to negotiate and manage working hours and days to suit the needs of the role and the needs of the individual. Due to the nature of our work, some weeks/months of the year are busier than others and some quieter. Overtime payments are not made.

Adjustments: As our working environment is always changing, we may need to alter roles slightly to fit business need. The job description may be reviewed at any time.

Page 12

Page Title: Key Responsibilities

Image Description: A Youth Theatre Member sitting at a piano with a microphone during a performance of Sounding Board.

Marketing
l Support the Marketing and Communications Manager to deliver integrated marketing campaigns across print, digital, press and advertising within agreed budgets and timeframe.
l Support relational marketing, including managing our social media presence, online networking, and representing Mortal Fools at events and meetings.
l Lead on the planning, scheduling and creation of digital content including blogs and vlogs.
l Create marketing and advocacy assets – e.g. case study, flyers, social media graphics.
l Produce engaging content for Mortal Fools mailing list and support subscriber growth and engagement.
l Carry out research to inform the improvement of marketing and audience development activity.
l Update and maintain websites alongside other team members.
l Liaise with external contributors such as designers, printers, publications, influencers, photographers.

Mortal Fools Youth Theatre
l Work with young people’s delivery team to market the recruitment of youth theatre members, including new groups, activities and events.
l Deliver marketing campaigns for termly Youth Theatre events and creative intervention
showcases including planning, implementation and evaluation.
l Support practitioner team with current and prospective membership communications.
l Capture content at Youth Theatre sessions, events, performances and projects for use
on social media.
l Manage media permissions with practitioner team.

Page 13

Page Title: Key Responsibilities Continued

Image Description: Mortal Fools Team Member during a devising session.

Quote on page: “Mortal Fools made the process of joining the team as a new staff member fluid and enjoyable. The induction process was clear, effective and got me up to speed quickly and efficiently with an action-based plan providing the basis for this. My colleagues were happy to discuss any questions I may have had and were always keen to support me as I got used to working as part of the
Mortal Fools team. I am delighted to be part of such a hardworking, focused and positive group of people.” -  Matt Dunbar Senior Administrator, Mortal Fools

Community & Audience Engagement
l Work with young people’s delivery team to identify purposeful community engagement and outreach opportunities (e.g. stall at a local event, creative pop-up activities).
l Support the delivery of advocacy events and programme related activities.
l Act as the main point of contact for community event organisers.
l Complete event pro-formas e.g. Health and Safety forms & risk assessments, as required.
l Manage events on box office platforms and support with ticketing, FOH, pre/post
show activities, evaluation, and event set-up and de-rig.
l Represent Mortal Fools externally through networking, meetings and events (in-person
and digital).
l Engage with Mortal Fools’ digital community in real time, building relationships with audiences and community stakeholders.

Evaluation
l Conduct audience surveys and evaluation at events, creating surveys in
Culture Counts, uploading data to Illuminate, and producing post-event audience reports.
l Work with the young people’s delivery team to collate case study content and support funder reporting.
l Contribute to social media/website /content audits, accessibility reviews and collate digital audience data for evaluation and funding reports.

General
l Undertake relevant training and team development activities.
l Complete general administrative tasks as required.
l Utilise key project management software and systems e.g. CRM and Monday.com.
l Comply with all Mortal Fools policies.

NB: The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive and are subject to change in accordance with the needs of the company.

Page 14

Page title: Person Specification 
You will be scored in your application based on how strongly
you demonstrate these requirements in your application.
The scoring system for each item in the person specification is:
0 = no evidence / 1 = little evidence / 2 = some evidence / 3 = strong evidence

Proven Experience and Knowledge:
l Minimum 1 year experience in a relevant marketing or community facing role, ideally within the arts or cultural sector.
l Understanding of key marketing and audience development principles and current digital marketing trends.
l Experience of organising in-person community engagement events such as artist workshops, performances and coordinating small teams.
l Understanding of safeguarding practices and working safely with children and
young people.
l Experience creating content and marketing materials for various platforms, including social media, websites, and email campaigns.
l Experience with box office systems, CRM, or audience development platforms.
l Experience delivering measurable engagement outcomes or campaign targets.

Skills:
l Strong written and verbal communication, copy-writing, and public speaking skills.
l Ability to manage multiple campaigns/ events concurrently using project management software e.g., Monday.com, CRM systems, Microsoft, Cloud Based storage systems (e.g. OneDrive).
l Competency in platforms and digital tools e.g. Mailchimp, Word Press/Weebly, Canva, Meta, Adobe etc. and familiarity with analytics dashboards (Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite)
l Skilled at building and maintaining strong working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Personal Attributes:
l Commitment to equity, diversity, sustainability, and inclusive communication practices.
l Lives Mortal Fools’ values and is excited to help the organisation grow and succeed.
l Team player who is flexible, reliable, and willing to take initiative.
l Genuinely committed to working with children, young people and communities and knows how to inspire and engage them.
l Robust and resilient, with the ability to work under pressure.
l Approachable and Friendly; welcoming attitude and making community members, participants, audiences and youth theatre members feel valued and heard.

Page 15

Image Description: Members of Ensemble Young Company during a performance of Brainstorm 2025.

Quote on page: “What Mortal Fools do is just incredible, the confidence they’ve given our daughter is mind-blowing.” - Mortal Fools Youth Theatre Parent

Quote on page: “Freelancing with Mortal Fools has given me consistent, well paid and well supported work. They have made me feel like a valued member of their team, which can be a rare feeling in the freelance world. Since first working with them years ago, they have helped me develop my portfolio and skills, seeing my potential and helping me grow into different types of work. I always enjoy our work together and look forward to the next project. Organisations like Mortal Fools are vital to the freelance community, and it’s a privilege to be part of their team.” - Lily Mae Kroese Freelance Animator and Illustrator

Page 16

Page Title: Why Work At Mortal Fools 

Text on page: 
Recruitment is often a person’s first contact with our organisation, and we want to make that as positive an experience as possible, even for those people who don’t go on to get a job with us.
For that reason, we have a series of recruitment promises. They can be found on our website.

We want everyone who works with us to feel that they belong and their efforts and skills are valued.

Core Benefits:
l Above statutory holiday allowance.
l Above statutory employer pension contribution.

Training Opportunities:
With Mortal Fools staff or external providers:
l Regular training in safeguarding, first aid, anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, disability awareness, mental health first aid.
l Free access to our open CONNECT training sessions.
l External professional development training and attendance at learning and networking events, where appropriate within staff roles.
We support staff in day-to-day work via:
l Regular line management check-ins and one-to-one feedback / mentoring.
l Peer-to-peer support.
l The chance to work with a cross-sector network of national partners, expanding professional networks and experience.
l A supportive, inclusive, and fun company culture where all staff can offer ideas, suggestions and contributions to company development.

Working Patterns and Operations:
l Flexible working hours and locations, to balance staff needs and organisational needs.
l Discretionary personal days to deal with life’s unexpected moments.
l Company-wide ‘office closed’ weeks to enable staff to simultaneously either take time off, or work without the expectation to have meetings, attend events, respond to emails etc.
l Support for different working styles/ options, e.g., walking meetings, a quiet and an animated office with some hot desks.
l Support for ‘Access to Work’ applications and access riders.
l Free office tea, coffee and snacks.

Social Time:
A combination of compulsory and optional activities for staff throughout the year, including:
l Away days & company development days.
l A summer beach day and a Christmas party.
l Ad-hoc social activities like after-work walks, team lunches, trips to see shows/events.

Page 17
Title of page: How To Apply

To Apply:
Fill in and send the following documents to admin@mortalfools.org.uk
l Application Form Part 1 (name and personal info - not seen by panel)
l Application Form Part 2 (assessed by panel) 
l Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form (not seen by panel) 

Please send them:
l In Word document format (not PDF) or part 2 as a video if you prefer.
l As separate attachments
l With the subject: Application: Marketing & Engagement Officer

Your name and personal information (including specific educational institutions attended) will be removed from the application form when shortlisting.

Key Dates: 
Application Deadline: 24th November, 9am
Interview Options: 8th, 9th & 11th December

Shortlisting & Interview:
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be informed by Thursday 27th November. This means candidates will have at least 1 week to prepare for interview (interview questions and task will be provided with invite to interview).

We recognise this recruitment window may clash with holidays or caring responsibilities etc. Therefore, interviews will take place across 3 days Mon 8th, Tue 9, Thurs 11th Dec.

Please indicate your availability for this week in the relevant question in your application form and we will contact you to arrange a suitable slot.

If you cannot make any of these dates, we cannot guarantee you an interview if shortlisted, but if you have an unavoidable issue, please email admin@mortalfools.org.uk and tell us about it in the relevant question in your
application form and we will do our best to make alternative arrangements.

Start date:
Ideally, we would like the successful candidate to start early in 2026 however we understand candidates may have other commitments; therefore, we can offer a phased start (e.g., working part time/flexibly initially) and/or consider a start date before the end of March 2026.
Additional Application Information:
If you prefer, you can complete Section G of your application form via video submission instead.
If you’d like to request this application pack in a different format – email admin@mortalfools.org.uk. 
If you have any general questions, queries, or feedback (including anything connected to accessibility or inclusion) please email admin@mortalfools.org.uk or call 0191 580 1250.
If you’d like an informal conversation about this role with our Executive Director, Ellie Turner, you can request this by emailing: ellie.turner@mortalfools.org.uk

Page 18
Image Description: A group of school children watching a presentation of MELVA in a classroom.

Page includes Mortal Fools logo, social media icons and website. 

Text on page:
Please make sure you read this pack carefully, before completing your application.
If you have any questions, please check the FAQs listed on our Work With Us page before getting in touch directly.