What if your next freelance role allowed you to shape opportunities for thousands of children and young people, champion languages, cultures and international experiences and work at the heart of one of the UK’s most respected multi-agency partnership models for schools?
International Newcastle CIC is seeking an experienced, values-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation and our successful Our Newcastle Our World partnership approach 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.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior freelance professional who wants flexibility, influence and real social impact.
Professor Jon Reast
Chair of International Newcastle
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.
This is a unique role for a unique organisation with a strong reputation and track record.
Declan Baharini
Chief Executive Officer, International Newcastle
This has been the most rewarding role of my career, because of the partnership, the freedom to innovate and the real impact it has on children and young people.
As I am retiring, I hope that I can hand over to someone with drive and passion who will take the organisation and its activities from strength to strength.
Recruitment Timeline and pack
- 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)
Click here to download the CEO Recruitment Pack
An organisation with reach, reputation and purpose
International Newcastle (IN) 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.
IN’s 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 94,000 children and young people, supported by over 40 local, national and international partners. Working with Newcastle City Council (School Effectiveness), IN has also helped raise over £2.2m from the UK Turing Scheme to enable 2000 children and young people from Newcastle schools have life-changing visits abroad.
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 Festival funding), designed to suit someone who thrives on portfolio working, autonomy and trusted leadership and who has a track record in managing and developing multi-agency partnerships. Working with IN’s Chair and Board, you will help 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, now in it’s 6th year.
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 and is experienced in 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 demonstrable impact
- The opportunity to build on significant momentum and a strong track record
- The chance to shape the future of languages and intercultural learning in the North East and beyond