Audio Associate for Public Walks & Community Stories

Arts Council England; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 1,800 - 2,200; Part time

Job summary

Arts Council England–funded Mancunianity Flows project seeks an experienced Audio Associate to lead all aspects of audio production for six public walks along the River Irwell in Manchester and Salford. You will record, edit and deliver participant-created stories, ensuring high-quality playback for audience experiences in December 2026.

The freelance role covers workshop recording, oral histories, and archival preparation, requiring strong technical skills, storytelling sensibility, and

Qualifications

• High-quality audio recording skills.
• Audio editing and post-production experience.
• Experience with spoken-word content, interviews or oral histories.
• Ability to manage audio files and backup systems.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with participants and artists.
• Availability between October and December 2026.
• Podcast, documentary or audio storytelling experience.
• Sound art or audio theatre experience.
• Experience working with older people or community groups.
• Experience of live playback systems.
• Knowledge of Manchester and Salford communities.

Responsibilities

• Record participant stories, conversations and oral histories.
• Support workshop recording sessions.
• Edit participant-generated audio content.
• Create master playback files for public presentation.
• Prepare backup audio systems and archives.
• Manage wireless headset systems during public events.
• Deliver technical operation for six public audio walks.
• Troubleshoot audio and playback issues.
• Support accessibility through clear and high-quality audio delivery.
• Create final project audio files for legacy archive use.
• Work closely with the Producer and Actor-Musician throughout project delivery.

Skills

Audio production

Storytelling

Community engagement

Audio recording

Audio editing

Oral histories

Spoken-word content

Project coordination

Wireless headset systems

Tools

Wireless headset systems

Job description

Arts Council England–funded Mancunianity Flows project seeks an experienced Audio Associate to lead all aspects of audio production for six public walks along the River Irwell in Manchester and Salford. You will record, edit and deliver participant-created stories, ensuring high-quality playback for audience experiences in December 2026.

The freelance role covers workshop recording, oral histories, and archival preparation, requiring strong technical skills, storytelling sensibility, and