Internal communications and engagement officer jobs

Location: Home based, or office based at Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1, in line with NCVO’s flexible working policy or home working policy.

​Closing date: 08.00 Tuesday 6 May 2025

​Shortlisting date: Thursday 8 May 2025

Interviews: Thursday 15 May 2025

About NCVO

We are the charities charity. For over 100 years, NCVO has stood shoulder to shoulder with communities, championing and celebrating voluntary action.

Our membership is made up of over 17,000 voluntary organisations across England, from small, grassroots community groups and social enterprises, to large, far-reaching charities.

We believe that communities are strengthened by voluntary action. We therefore want charities to thrive and be empowered to deliver for people and communities.

About the Transformation directorate

This role sits within the newly formed Transformation Unit.

​​The Transformation Unit comprises the Strategic Review; People, Culture and Inclusion; Technology, Programmes and Innovation; and Data and Insight teams. It will deliver key strategic projects that have a demonstrable impact on the organisational culture, growth and capabilities.

About the Insights Hub team 

The Insights Hub sits within NCVO’s Transformation Directorate and acts as the organisation’s central intelligence engine.

Bringing together expertise in research, data, performance and CRM, the team supports strategic decision-making through robust research and data analysis. From delivering flagship research projects like the UK Civil Society Almanac to optimising data systems and supporting internal and external stakeholders, the Hub transforms complex data into clear, actionable insights.

The Insights Hub ensures that everything we do is grounded in robust evidence and aligned with real-world impact across the charity and voluntary sectors.

About the role

The Research Officer will contribute to the Insights Hub’s qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.

This role supports the Research and Insights Manager with research projects including our flagship UK Civil Society Almanac, designing and analysing data, writing reports, and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders.

The Research Officer will also coordinate the Research Ethics Committee (REC) work, manage client relationships, and oversee research administration.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

NCVO is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our sector. We want this to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and identities. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in the voluntary sector and those with diverse, lived experience. As part of our commitment to employing disabled people, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirement for all competencies on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview.

If you have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a pre-interview task and will have one week to complete the exercise. Interview questions will be shared in advance. 

NCVO is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from everyone. Charity No. 225922.

Benefits for NCVO employees

NCVO offers attractive benefits including:

• 25 days’ annual leave (for full time staff and pro-rata for part-time staff) and office closure between 25 December and 1 January inclusive. After three years' service annual holiday increases to 27 days, and after five years to 30 days, (pro rata for part time staff)
• the option to purchase or sell up to five more days each year
• five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
• 2.5 extra ‘wellbeing’ days off during the year
• enhanced pay for sick/maternity/adoption leave
• subsidised gym membership
• season ticket loan
• flexible working, including opportunities to work from home/off site
• monthly homeworking allowance for permanent homeworkers
• monthly office worker allowance for those who have to work from the office on a daily basis
• generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary, into our stakeholder pension scheme (linked to employee contribution)
• training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to join Hospital Saturday Fund health cash plan for free at the basic level of cover, or at a reduced rate for other levels of cover
• 24-hour free and confidential employee assistance programme

We’re located a short walk from London King’s Cross station in a modern accessible building, overlooking Regent’s canal.

The Third Age Trust is seeking to appoint a Senior Volunteering Officer who will: 

• have oversight of the support we provide to 400 Trust Volunteers who directly support the work of the Trust; 

• oversee the development and delivery of training to help members run their u3a 

• implement and develop how the Trust works with and supports region and nations across the UK.

This role will also identify some of the key challenges for u3as relating to volunteering and will work with staff and volunteers develop support and guidance.

Reporting to the Head of Learning and Volunteering the role will work with staff, u3a members and Trust Volunteers. This role will also involve some UK-wide travel including in person meetings and visiting u3as. 

The Fundraising and Marketing Assistant will support the charity’s fundraising activities, helping to generate income through community fundraising, events, grants, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement.

The role involves administrative support, donor communication, event coordination, and database management to ensure the success of fundraising campaigns. The assistant will be working closely with both managers in the Fundraising and Communications team.

Based at our headquarters in Chipping Campden, we can offer a flexible working pattern throughout the week 

Please send a cover letter and CV

About the Angelou Centre

The Angelou Centre is a Black-led women’s organisation committed to empowering Black and racially minoritised women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. Our centre provides trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and holistic support to help survivors heal, recover, and rebuild their lives.

Role Overview

The Communications and Community Engagement Specialist will play a pivotal role in shaping the Angelou Centre’s voice and presence across digital and community platforms. This is a creative and strategic position responsible for managing communications, enhancing the organisation’s visibility, and deepening engagement with local communities. You will lead on digital content creation, website management, social media, campaigns, and outreach communications, while ensuring all messaging reflects the Centre’s anti-racist, feminist values and the lived experiences of the women we support. This role offers a unique opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices and support social justice through meaningful storytelling and connection-building.

As a team member, you will:

a) Work collaboratively with your teammates and actively support colleagues across teams and functions to deliver on The Angelou Centre’s (AC) mission

b) Champion a culture of mutual respect, accountability and excellence within your team and across the Angelou Centre

c) Embody and champion black-led feminist values, principles and ethos 

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Brief role description:

The Communications Manager will play a key role in sharing the inspiring and powerful stories of our clients and the wider military community we support across the UK. They will be responsible for securing high-profile, meaningful media coverage that raises awareness of our mission to provide life-long, life-changing support, employment and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. As we mark our 140th anniversary, this is a pivotal time for the Communications Manager to develop and deliver an integrated communications strategy across PR, traditional and new media, social media, and public affairs. Reporting to the Head of Brand and Communications, you will work closely with the Marketing Manager and the Community Engagement Manager and their teams to ensure consistent and aligned messaging across all marketing and
communication activity.​​

Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Please visit the Charity Website

Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description attached.                                                                           

What’s in it for you? Check out the Benefits sheet attached.

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date Wednesday 14 May 2025.

​Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. ​If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.​

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.​

​We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

ABOUT US

Campaign Against Antisemitism is the UK’s leading organisation fighting antisemitism nationwide. Our volunteer-led charity is dedicated to exposing and countering antisemitism through education and zero-tolerance enforcement of the law.

We raise awareness through front-page media campaigns and major outreach events such as the March Against Antisemitism. Our litigation continues to set landmark precedents. We pride ourselves on working intelligently and fast to deploy innovative and aggressive campaigning strategies against antisemites.

Every year, we reach millions of people through our work in the media and social media. We have become a go-to source of information and comment for journalists, tens of thousands follow us on social media, hundreds of thousands read our website and our research is widely relied upon.

We are a small team of staff with our main office in London, working with hundreds of dedicated and talented volunteers. We operate with an entrepreneurial, positive, passionate and thoughtful mindset to accomplish our mission.

THE ROLE

The full-time Creative Communications and Events Officer works within the Communications team to help inform the public about antisemitism using a variety of media.

You will be joining our small, fast-paced, entrepreneurial staff team based at our office in central London.

The role brings a diverse set of responsibilities and an opportunity to work within a charitable organisation with a strong sense of purpose.

Responsibilities

• You will design graphics across our organisation, from social media posts and placards to pamphlets to pledge cards
• Work with creative colleagues to conceive and implement a variety communications campaigns to raise awareness about antisemitism and educate the public, sometimes at short notice and with tight deadlines
• Provide logistical support for communications projects, including scouting and booking locations, ordering materials, liaising with third parties and conducting internal research
• Plan, script, shoot and edit videos on various topics for different audiences on our numerous social media channels
• Growing our social media presence, including paid campaigns, to maximise reach and engagement
• Play a significant role in podcast production, from researching and booking guests to audio and visual editing
• Strategically planning and executing key events for the organisation throughout the year, ensuring maximum impact
• Design merchandise for our website and oversee the logistical aspect of sales
• Measure and analyse performance and outcomes of campaigns to increase reach and effectiveness
• Correspond with members of the public who write in to us
• Support units across our organisation in the preparation of materials relevant to their areas of work that conform to our house style and brand
• Work with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers in our pioneering Communications Unit

Skills required

• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfortable working as part of a growing team
• Creative and meticulously organised, even under pressure
• Ability to prioritise and respond quickly
• Fast-learner eager to take on responsibilities, learn new skills and adapt quickly
• Thrive in a fast-paced, mission-led environment
• Passionate about CAA’s mission and making a difference within a team
• Prepared when necessary to work out of hours to ensure that campaigns are implemented in a timely manner and that events are appropriately staffed

The ideal candidate will either be entry-level or have one or two years’ experience in one of the relevant areas, save that any candidate must be able to demonstrate a graphic design ability.

What you will gain

You will gain a wealth of experience in:

• Conceiving, producing and editing multimedia content that grabs and holds the attention of diverse audiences, including video and podcast production
• Graphic design for a range of different products in keeping with an organisation’s brand language and tone
• Social media management and marketing
• Managing logistics for diverse creative projects and developing and executing exciting events for supporters and stakeholders
• Working within a team of staff and volunteers and supporting others across a charitable organisation
• Building interpersonal skills in a fun and supportive office environment

You will play a key role in the development of CAA’s work in the UK and supporting its growth. You will receive training in areas where you do not yet have experience.

You will have the opportunity to be part of a charismatic, positive and passionate team.

We are looking for an additional Community Engagement Officer to join our team working on a contract we hold with the Care Quality Commission. 

Do you live in the south of England? (Please note that this role is remote but you should be based in the south of England and will be required to travel within that region).

Do you have a range of excellent communication skills?

Do you have the skills and experience of engaging with a diverse group of individuals, organisations and groups who represent seldom heard communities?

Are you able to provide outstanding customer care and represent Choice Support in a positive and professional manner to both internal and external agencies?

Are you able to be home-based and have the ability to travel to different locations in the South of England?

Do you want to develop your skills, knowledge and experience of inclusion and diversity and work closely with our Care Quality Commission colleagues?

Then this is the role you’ve been looking for!

What we are looking for:

· A thorough understanding of inclusion and engagement work

· A thorough understanding of seldom heard communities

· To be able work to a high standard with a demanding and ever-changing workload

· Good communication and presentation skills

· Enthusiasm and a positive attitude

· The ability to manage and prioritise a demanding workload

What you’ll receive in return:

· A supportive and collaborative team

· Training and development

· Attendance bonus

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

· Life assurance

· Discounted shopping vouchers

We are looking for an additional Community Engagement Officer to join our team working on a contract we hold with the Care Quality Commission.

Do you live in the London or East of England region? (Please note that this role is remote but you should be based in London or the East of England and will be required to travel within those regions).

Do you have a range of excellent communication skills?

Do you have the skills and experience of engaging with a diverse group of individuals, organisations and groups who represent seldom heard communities?

Are you able to provide outstanding customer care and represent Choice Support in a positive and professional manner to both internal and external agencies?

Are you able to be home-based and have the ability to travel to different locations in London and the East of England?

Do you want to develop your skills, knowledge and experience of inclusion and diversity and work closely with our Care Quality Commission colleagues?

Then this is the role you’ve been looking for!

What we are looking for:

· A thorough understanding of inclusion and engagement work

· A thorough understanding of seldom heard communities

· To be able work to a high standard with a demanding and ever-changing workload

· Good communication and presentation skills

· Enthusiasm and a positive attitude

· The ability to manage and prioritise a demanding workload

What you’ll receive in return:

· A supportive and collaborative team

· Training and development

· Attendance bonus

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

· Life assurance

· Discounted shopping vouchers

Kentown Support is a new charity, here to ensure that every child with a life-limiting condition and their family across the UK has access to a model of integrated community children’s palliative care. We will:

· REPLICATE and roll out the Kentown model to reach more children;

· CREATE sustainable teams around the child and family; and

· EQUIP professionals and parents/carers with the knowledge and expertise to deliver the best health and social care for children with life-limiting conditions through high-quality research, education and training.

Our Marketing and Communications Manager will play a key role in growing our reach and influence, building Kentown Support’s brand across the children’s palliative care sector.  

In this home based role, you will use your creative flair to develop and deliver strategic communications and marketing plans to our audiences using a range of channels. Working closely with colleagues, partners and service users, you will lead and implement all aspects of our communications’ strategy: Brand management & development, Web & social media, PR & Media and Storytelling & publishing.

We are building a compassionate and high performing organisation at Kentown Support.  We are looking for an ambitious, energetic and collaborative colleague who has both a passion for their work and the difference it can make to children and their families. This is a rare opportunity to join an incredible charity at the beginning of its journey.

With the privilege of starting a new organisation is the ability to define the way in which we work.  We are creating an environment based on trust and integrity with everyone’s wellbeing at the of core of its success.  More traditionally, Kentown Support also offers 25 days’ holiday (pro rata) with an additional day off in your birthday month, 2 paid volunteering days (pro rata), an employee assistance program (including death in service) and 6.5% employer’s contribution to our workplace pension.

Purpose of role

To create engaging content and communications for our charitable services, fundraising and internal communications across all our channels. The role is a critical part of Thrive’s new strategy as we move towards a more digitally focussed and data driven approach to marketing, raising awareness and influencing the sector.

Job Description

Thrive’s vision is that gardening is actively encouraged as part of personal health and wellbeing management and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) services are available wherever people live.

We are looking for a creative, dynamic and enthusiastic member of the Communications and Marketing Team who can support us in the development and delivery of Thrive’s communication and marketing strategy and boost our awareness and engagement using both online and offline channels.

Broad Outline of Key Responsibilities –

• Creating web pages and managing content and assets such as video, images, case-studies

• Supporting the delivery of internal and external email newsletters; creating content, managing email lists, automations and segmentations

• Translate media stories into compelling content across channels to grow audience understanding of the charity and consideration to support

• Attend external events to network and represent Thrive

• Monitoring channels and producing regular reports on performance from analytics

This a versatile role, encompassing skills and experience across digital marketing, content creation, press and media as well as social media. So you will need to be creative, have a passion for storytelling and identifying and writing engaging content across all our channels.
If you are a confident marketeer and have experience of working in a comms and marketing environment, we can offer you a rewarding challenge.

For the full job description and person specification, please download the information pack 

About IMO Charity

Inspire Motivate Overcome (IMO) was established in 2006 to create safe, engaging, and inspiring spaces for young people through recreational and diversionary activities. Our roots are in the Audley & Queen’s Park ward in Blackburn, Lancashire – a vibrant but often under-resourced area. What began as a small initiative has since evolved into a respected grassroots charity that works at the heart of the community.

Over the years, IMO has expanded its reach and impact by listening to local voices and responding to real needs. We work collaboratively with residents, statutory services, and partner organisations to fill service gaps, tackle social inequalities, and create opportunities for all.

Our projects span youth engagement, education, employment support, mentoring, mental health and well-being, and community development. Whether it’s through sports programmes, training workshops, youth leadership initiatives, or one-to-one support, our goal is to empower individuals to thrive and inspire those around them.

Our Ethos
At IMO, we believe in the power of community. Our ethos is rooted in supporting those who shape future generations – be they family members, peers, educators, businesses, or community leaders. By equipping people with the tools, confidence, and networks they need, we help build a more resilient, inclusive, and hopeful society.

Why Join IMO?

Working with IMO means becoming part of a passionate, dedicated team that values innovation, integrity, and compassion. We offer a supportive and flexible working environment where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your work makes a visible difference. This is more than a job – it’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, right at the heart of community change.

Our Organisational Value:

1. Passion
2. Respect
3. Accountability 
4. Team Work
5. Knowledge
6. Action
7. Equality & Diversity 

Purpose of Post:

The Marketing & Communications Officer will be responsible for the administration and co-ordination of consistent marketing and communications messages and activities, promotions, exhibitions, PR campaigns, social media, digital/website content, uphold brand integrity, which enhances and grows the reputation and awareness of IMO Charity.

The Marketing and Communications Officer will play a key role in supporting the Business Development Manager to manage the ‘public face’ of IMO Charity. It is expected that the Marketing & Communications Officer will contribute strategically and creatively about how to promote the organisations services and activities to engage all members and stakeholders, offering inventive ideas for creating captivating marketing content and the drive to deliver it with a flair for language, keeping up-to-date with changes in the social media and attention to detail.  

The Marketing & Communications Officer will work closely with the staff, supporting them to develop and deliver communication plans, in line with meeting the overall strategic objectives of the organisation.

A prime area of responsibility will be to work with the Business Development Manager and other team members in delivering contractual obligations and impact reporting associated with marketing and communications across all projects.

The officer will support the IMO Charity team by inputting and contributing towards the activities and development of tenders, grant applications, market research, membership support, data analysis, events and any other activities required to achieve IMO Charity marketing objectives.

Employee Benefits:​

1. 25 days plus 8 bank holidays
2. Flexible working arrangements
3. Pension Scheme
4. Sick pay
5. Internal staff well-being group to support staff welfare
6. Personal development opportunities
7. Free staff parking
8. Health Benefits

To view the marketing & communications job specification view the marketing doccument attached. 

Position: Director of Engagement
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in London with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £73,653 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band 5

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

It is a very exciting time to join the MS Society as Director of Engagement a brand-new role in the organisation. We are implementing an ambitious cross-organisational transformation programme.  And we have just started a new 2025-29 strategy. Engagement is at the heart of both.

Engagement is everything. We define engagement as any interaction anyone has with the MS Society. We need to grow the audience we engage with. And deepen our audience relationships through engagement.  Growing and deepening engagement with all our audiences will enable us to deliver transformational impact for the MS Community. And contribute to our ultimate vision of a world free from MS.

We are looking for someone to provide strategic and thought leadership to engagement.  Someone who can work collaboratively across the organisation to lead and drive forward our ambition for engagement.

You will have significant experience of leading strategic engagement and customer experience to a complex multi-audience landscape within a complex cross-organisational operating model.  And be able to provide sector-leading thought-leadership and strategic expertise within engagement and customer experience.

You will have proven experience of delivering significant and sustainable business benefits through change programmes. And deep and broad experience of brand, marketing, digital and content.

You will have experience in understanding complex and wide-ranging external trends, taking the lead development of relevant cross-organisational strategic responses.  And significant experience of cross-functional and cross-organisational strategic leadership.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 am Monday 12 May 2025
Anticipated interview dates:
First interviews: Tuesday 27 May or Wednesday 28 May
Second interviews: Wednesday 4 June or Friday 6 June

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

The focus of parkrun’s Communications Team is to make sure that parkrun’s communications are ‘always on’, accessible, inclusive and reaching those that too often are under-represented. The team also provides first-class support and guidance to the entire charity, working closely with outreach, and with our commercial team, which covers fundraising, partnerships and retail.

Working closely with the junior parkrun Impact and Engagement Manager, the Senior Communications Officer will proactively lead and shape the marketing communications activity for junior parkrun. They will provide expert communications project management to plan, deliver and report on a variety of internal and external campaigns. The role has a particular focus on junior parkrun, with the aim of increasing participation amongst groups that are marginalised from opportunities to take part in social, physical activity, and who may be inactive/less active or in lower states of health.

Are you a highly motivated and dedicated Communications professional looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is seeking a Communications Manager to lead its communications function and ensure effective, engaging, and mission-focused messaging across our Diocese. This is an exciting time to join our friendly, busy, and supportive team as we implement our 10-year Mission Plan, shaping the future of our Diocese and the communities we serve.

Covering Hampshire, Berkshire, South Oxford, and the Channel Islands, our Diocese is home to 87 parishes and 50 schools, serving over 27,000 practising Catholics and supporting 32,000 children and their families. Our work is both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful.

The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective professional internal and external communications strategies for the Diocese to support the Diocesan Bishop and senior leaders as part of the Mission of the Church. You will lead and manage a small, dedicated communications team of two direct reports: Creative and Digital Communications Officer and Webmaster.

As Communications Manager you will oversee the Diocese’s media relations including proactive engagement with journalists and responding to press inquiries. Produce high-quality written and visual content, including newsletters, social media posts, and annual reports. Manage and enhance the Diocese’s digital presence, including website and intranet development. Support key diocesan campaigns and initiatives to increase engagement and giving. Represent the Diocese at events, with occasional travel across the Diocese including the Channel Islands. Some out-of-hours availability is required and a full clean driving licence and access to own transport. This role ensures consistency and professionalism in all communications, to promote the Diocesan vision of bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through his Church.

The postholder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership team to support the Diocesan 10-year Mission Plan, ‘You Will Be My Witnesses.’

This role is based at St. Edmund House, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth, PO1 3QA. Offering a competitive salary of £45,000 - £48,000 depending on experience, working 37.5 hours per week. Employee benefits include 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, life assurance and employee wellbeing, contributory pension scheme, free onsite parking.

If you are inspired by the idea of working in a values-driven environment where your efforts will have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.

Come and be part of our mission!

1. Main Duties

Communications Strategy

• Design, develop, and implement the Diocese’s Communications Strategy which is fully aligned with the Diocese ten-year Mission plan.
• Research and identify appropriate methods and channels including secular and religious media to raise the Diocese’s profile and in turn that of the Catholic church.
• Collaborate with partners, such as the Bishops Conference of England and Wales to help shape and influence public policy aligned with Diocesan objectives.

 External Communications

• Proactively identify opportunities for promoting positive news about the work of the diocese and enabling the Diocesan Bishop to contribute to thought leadership and public debate on relevant policies.
• Drafting material appropriate for publication.
• Arranging video to support key diocesan publications such as Bishops Pastoral Letters.
• Build and develop the Diocese’s links with press and media to support strategic objectives.
• Act as the point of contact for sensitive news, advising the Bishop and senior staff about media handling.
• Act as the Diocesan spokesperson when required, providing a positive and supportive representation of the Catholic Church and the Diocese.
• Develop and implement a Crisis Communications Plan, crafting media statements and briefing senior colleagues on media lines to take.
• Organise media training for senior clergy and lay leaders as required.
• Work with Bishops Office to deliver the weekly E-News, being responsible for editorial control and compliance with relevant regulations, e.g. copyright law
• Work with parishes to support our stewardship journey, including developing compelling good news stories about the work of the Catholic Church.  

Internal Communications

• Work closely with HR to Oversee and improve the management of internal communications to foster transparency and engagement.
• Take overall responsibility for organising monthly team briefings for the department of Administration and for other ad hoc events involving parish employee’s clergy and volunteers.
• Manage communication channels such as the intranet, regular newsletters, and staff briefings to ensure alignment with Diocesan values and goals.
• Work with Bishops office on key publications such as the annual directory.  

Website and Digital Presence

• Oversee the ongoing improvements in the functionality of the Diocesan website, ensuring it is engaging, user-friendly, up to date and supports the Bishop’s vision.
• Introduce interactive and video content to enhance user experience.
• Support parishes in developing and maintaining their local websites.

 Support to Key Departments

• Collaborate with key departments to design and implement tailored communication strategies. For example, Safeguarding.
• Provide tools, templates, and guidance to ensure consistent and effective messaging across departments.
• Act as ‘brand champion’, developing, overseeing and implementing brand guidelines to professionalise and standardise all external communications output, whether it emanates from within or outside the Communications department.
• Build and maintain strong positive working relationships across the DSAS and wider Diocese to support the successful delivery of the communications strategy'

Meeting Attendance and Reporting

• Attend meetings of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee and any other meetings required, to provide briefings, regular written reports and seek approvals as needed from the Board of Trustees about Communication related matters.
• Support the work of Multidisciplinary meetings that may be called form time to time to deal with extraordinary events.
• Attend in person meetings in parishes across the Diocese where sensitive matters indicate that an in-person meeting is preferable.
• Professional approach to Online meetings.

Team Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and line management to the Communications team, ensuring objectives are met.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and annual performance appraisals.
• Promote collaborative working within the team and across the Diocese.
• Monitor and evaluate team performance against individual and collective objectives.

 Ad Hoc Duties

• Carry out additional duties as requested by the Bishop, senior clergy, or the Chief Operating Officer.

2. Values

• Maintain the ethos and values of the Catholic Church, positively promoting its teachings and activities.
• Role model the Diocese’s core values of integrity, dignity, excellence, accountability, and stewardship.

Communications Manager - Person Specification

Competence, Expertise and Knowledge:

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, strategic communications, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in communications at a senior level, ideally in a mission-focused, charity or public sector organisation.
• Demonstrate excellent levels of written and verbal communication, with the ability explain complicated issues fluently and persuasively.
• Capable of Analysing complex situations and provide advice to senior managers.
• Contributing to resolving the problem with the ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise.
• Demonstrable experience developing, managing and motivating teams/individuals to ensure success
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Comprehensive understanding of the modern media landscape.
• Experience in crisis communication planning and response.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.
• Numerate and Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Understanding of relevant legislation including data protection and copyright.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and a positive approach to work.
• Experience in budget management.
• Some out-of-office hours may be required on an ad hoc basis.
• Must be able to travel across the Diocese, including the Channel Islands.
• Full Clean Driving Licence and own transport.

Desirable

• Membership of relevant professional bodies such as Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Chartered Institute of Journalists.
• Experience in working with and managing volunteers.
• Experience in Charity sector communications.

How to Apply

Please send a comprehensive and up to date Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role and motivation in applying (no more than 2 sides A4).

The Diocese of Portsmouth is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all who support the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.

Closing date is Saturday 3rd May 2025, at 6.00 pm.

Interview Details

You will be notified shortly after the closing date, should we wish to progress your application and invite you to an interview.

Appointment

Any offer of employment to work at the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is conditional upon receipt of two satisfactory employment references, provision of relevant certification of qualifications held, and completion of pre-employment checks.

You must have a valid UK Right to Work, as the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship.

This position is subject to the completion of an initial probationary period of six months.