Communications Manager

The Head of Communications is a new senior role with leadership responsibility for:

Developing and delivering an integrated communications and engagement strategy to bring the diocesan vision, strategic plan and key programme areas to life, and build buy-in with stakeholders (e.g. parishes and congregations in the diocese) across a range of media.

Leading a digital channel refresh, designing channels (e.g. new website) and content around stakeholder needs and accessibility.

Day-to-day operational activity

• Advise senior colleagues (e.g. the Bishop, Diocesan Secretary, Archdeacons, etc) on all communications and engagement matters, contributing to the formation of relevant policies meeting diverse audience needs
• Line management of the Communications Team, lead on the preparation of the team’s annual operating plan, progress and KPI reporting, and oversee the preparation of the team’s annual budget and be accountable for all related expenditure.
• Keep up to date on best practice within the charity sector, latest communications and engagement insight, learning, and tools to future proof the digital offering.
• Build and maintain contacts with the Communications and Engagement community across the Church of England (which includes the East Midlands Communications network, the National Communications network and the teams at Church House, London and Lambeth Palace) to share good practice, skills and expertise.
• Build and maintain contacts with stakeholder partners e.g. Visit Derby, Visit Derbyshire, Peak District National Park.Lead the compilation, design, production and distribution of accessible printed, audio-visual, and digital materials.
• Take overall editorial responsibility for the development and management of all digital channel content (including the website) for internal and external audiences.
• Lead an expansion of the diocese’s and bishop’s social media presence, sourcing or developing content, sharing newsworthy information from across our diocese, and sharing impact reports.