Communications & Engagement Manager

COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Communications & Engagement Manager for the Diocese of Derby, leading parish engagement and communications to support churches across Derbyshire. Job Title: Communications & Engagement Manager Contract & Hours: FTC for 3 years, full time (35 hours per week). Part time considered (min 28 hours per week). Salary: £44,000 FTE plus up to 10% pension Location: Hybrid, Derby (min 2 days per week on-site) The Diocese of Derby is one of 42 dioceses that make up the Church of England, taking in all of Derbyshire and small parts of Staffordshire and South Yorkshire, with over 1.1 million people living in the area it covers. From busy urban centres and market towns to farming communities and the Peak District, its 257 parishes, 326 church buildings and 111 church schools serve people of all ages and backgrounds, guided by a shared vision: “The Kingdom of God, good news for all.” We're looking for a Communications & Engagement Manager to help churches, leaders and volunteers and colleagues navigate change well, while ensuring parish voices and local insight help shape diocesan strategy and decision-making. Combining engagement, communications and relationship-building expertise, you will turn strategy into practical support, training and resources, ensuring parish voices are heard, confidence grows, and churches are equipped to communicate their mission effectively within their communities. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to: Design and lead engagement for major diocesan priorities, facilitating workshops, consultations and listening events that ensure parish voices help shape strategy and decision-making. Work with the Head of Communications on a communications approach that strengthens understanding of Common Fund, helping parishes engage with how ministry is resourced across Derbyshire. Engage churches, clergy and stakeholders in preparations for the diocese's centenary year, alongside the Centenary Programme Manager and senior leaders. Strengthen communications capability across hundreds of churches through training, resources, networks and communities of practice for clergy, churchwardens and volunteers. Act as a senior member of the Communications Team, leading significant projects, supporting the 2026 Impact Report and deputising for the Head of Communications when needed. If you're a communications professional who enjoys bringing people together, building relationships, facilitating meaningful conversations and helping others navigate change with confidence, we'd love to hear from you. Benefits: Generous pension – up to 10% employer contribution Excellent holiday allowance – 38 days (includes bank holidays), plus the option to buy 5 more days. Life assurance 2x annual salary (subject to pension enrolment). Simply Health Cash Plan – offering 24/7. GP access, eye test vouchers plus more Employee Assistance Programme providing mental health support Additional leave options, including spiritual retreat days, volunteer days and more One fully funded module per year through our Deepening Discipleship Training Staff can borrow a free corporate pass to Chatsworth House Access to the Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme For further details please see the candidate pack. For an informal chat to ask any questions, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Please apply through the Charisma Charity Recruitment website with your CV and supporting statement. Key dates: Closing date: Sunday 1st November Charisma vetting interviews will be completed on a rolling basis and must be completed by: Tuesday 3rd November Interviews in person with the Diocese of Derby: Tuesday 10th November This role requires an enhanced DBS and Safeguarding check, a clean UK driving licence and the ability to travel across the diocese. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Teams. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.