Communications & Engagement Manager - Diocese of Derby

Charisma Recruitment Ltd; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 10%

38 days holiday with buy 5

Life assurance 2x salary

Health plan/Wellbeing

Employee Assistance Programme

Deepening Discipleship Training

Chatsworth House corporate pass

Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme

Job summary

Charisma Recruitment Ltd is assisting the Diocese of Derby in recruiting a Communications & Engagement Manager to lead parish engagement and communications across Derbyshire. The role is hybrid in Derby with minimum two days on-site each week, for a three-year FTC at full-time hours, with part-time considered.

The post focuses on turning strategy into practical support for parishes, training and resources, and ensuring parish voices inform diocesan decisions. DBS and safeguarding checks apply.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to design and lead engagement for diocesan priorities.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical support and resources.
• Experience in communications across diverse parish communities.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead engagement for major diocesan priorities.
• Collaborate with Head of Communications on fund and resourcing communications.
• Engage churches, clergy and stakeholders in centenary preparations.
• Strengthen communications capability across hundreds of churches through training and networks.
• Lead significant projects within the Communications Team and deputise for Head of Communications.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication strategy

Workshops facilitation

Relationship building

Tools

DBS check

Job description

Communications & Engagement Manager for the Diocese of Derby, leading parish engagement and communications to support churches across Derbyshire.

• Contract & Hours: FTC for 3 years, full time (35 hours per week). Part time considered (min 28 hours per week).
• 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

Key dates:

• Closing date: Sunday 1st November
• Charisma vetting interviews will be completed on a rolling basis and must be completed by: Wednesday 4th 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 on [e-mail]. 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.