Bylines Networks Limited

We're looking for contractors to help shape the future of citizen journalism. Apply by 17 April. Bylines Network is at a pivotal moment. We are a national grassroots journalism network, publishing 400 articles a month in 10 online publications and a host of other content, and powered by more than 2,500 volunteers. At the heart of what we do are citizens with important stories to tell and a passion for speaking truth to power - writers, editors, proofreaders, technical experts, social media champions - people who believe journalism is a public good. Our people create 100s of written articles a month, and a host of digital, audio, and visual content. In our best months, we engage 500,000 readers and over 300,000 people on social media. We don't have billionaire owners or corporate owners. We are supported by people who believe in independent, progressive, fact-based journalism. Since our launch in 2020, we've grown fast. Now we want to: Make the move from content consumption to active community support. Design the systems that will allow a large, dispersed, volunteer-led organisation to thrive whilst holding true to its democratic ethics and values. We need a contractor to build the growth engine and another to be the architect of our volunteer system, for fees of £6,000 and £7,000 respectively. Or perhaps someone who can do both. Opportunity 1: Engagement and Growth Lead We're looking for a contractor who can: Develop our approach to turning readers into supporters without being transactional Build conversion pathways that respect editorial integrity Create an engine for multimedia and short-form content that volunteers can realistically deliver Use our CRM (Donorfy) intelligently to deliver meaningful supporter benefits Increase engagement, recurring income and supporter trust Over six months, you could help us: Design reader-to-supporter conversion journeys Systematise our Friends of Bylines Network scheme and embed benefits through Donorfy Create a roadmap for audiovisual and short-form growth Build dashboards that make engagement and revenue visible Help us reach £2,700 in monthly recurring income by month six How you do this is up to you. We're looking for someone who can set up replicable structures and mechanisms, not just make more content. You might be: A digital growth strategist who prefers building systems over chasing trends A membership or supporter-scheme specialist A CRM and automation thinker with community instincts A portfolio consultant who enjoys helping mission-driven organisations scale sustainably You will be comfortable working alongside a small core team and a passionate volunteer community. You understand that growth in a values-driven organisation is about alignment, not manipulation. Practicalities Six-month commission (April-September 2026) Remote and flexible £6,000 (negotiable depending on approach and scope) We expect this to be delivered flexibly alongside your other commitments. We are interested in your thinking, your frameworks, and your ability to leave something behind that works. If you can help us build sustainable systems, not one-off campaigns, then get in touch. If this sounds interesting, send us: A short outline of how you would approach the commission Relevant experience or case studies Your proposed milestones A budget breakdown Two referees A note on why this work appeals to you For full details and/or an informal conversation about the tender, please email our Managing Director, Ben Dickenson - . To download the full tender specification, visit: Opportunity 2: Volunteer Systems Lead We're looking for a contractor who can: Bring clarity to hundreds of volunteer roles without creating bureaucracy? Onboard and support contributors at scale without losing warmth? Embed policy and compliance in a way that feels enabling rather than restrictive? Turn a CRM (Donorfy) into the quiet engine of a national movement? Over six months, you could help us: Map and structure our volunteer ecosystem Create role frameworks that make sense of complexity Design onboarding journeys that feel human but are systematised Embed training pathways that scale Configure Donorfy so it becomes the backbone of volunteer engagement Leave behind documentation and workflows that we can confidently run without you How you do that is up to you. We're not looking for someone to manage volunteers. We're looking for someone to design the infrastructure that supports them. Who this might suit An organisational designer who enjoys building operational clarity A CRM specialist who understands community, not just data A consultant who has worked with distributed or volunteer-led networks Someone who likes creating systems that empower people rather than control them You will be comfortable working alongside a small core team and a passionate volunteer community. You know how to introduce structure without flattening culture. Practicalities Six-month commission (April-September 2026) Remote and flexible £7,000 (negotiable depending on approach and scope) We are far more interested in your thinking than in how many hours you propose to spend. Can you help us build sustainable systems, without becoming corporate? Then get in touch. If this sounds interesting, send us: A short outline of how you would approach the commission Relevant experience or case studies Your proposed milestones A budget breakdown Two referees A note on why this work appeals to you For full details and/or an informal conversation about the tender, please email our Managing Director, Ben Dickenson - . To download the full tender specification, visit: