Communications Officer

Responsibilities

• Strategic communications: Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of communication that supports Church of England Birmingham’s strategic programme. This includes identifying appropriate audiences, messages and communications channels for planned activity across our four strategic themes.
• Writing and editorial: Research, write and edit communications materials for a range of platforms including website and social content, video scripts, publications, presentations, press materials and newsletters. This includes writing around theological and faith-based themes.
• Story development: Oversee delivery of a range of stories to creatively showcase the impact of strategic activity across a range of formats (such as written, video, photo) and for a range of platforms (such as social media, website, media engagement). This includes telling stories of God’s transforming work in people and churches. This may include managing freelance videographers and photographers to produce compelling and engaging content.
• Stakeholder engagement: Develop effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders – including churches, clergy, senior colleagues, relevant boards and committees, partners, journalists and national church colleagues – to support delivery of the programme.
• Communications projects: Working with colleagues, support delivery of strategic projects that will help deliver our vision, such as website redesign and brand refresh.
• Advice, training and support: Working with the Director of Communications, develop and roll-out resources and support for church leaders, staff and volunteers on effective communications that will support their church’s growth and mission.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Monitor, analyse and evaluate cross-channel communications activity against agreed objectives, supporting board-level reporting and fostering a culture of improvement and learning.

Requirements

• Professional experience across one or more communications discipline, such as strategic communications, digital communications, media relations and PR, or marketing.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt messages to different audiences and formats.
• Experience developing creative, compelling stories and features that inspire others – using visual and written content – identifying key messages, story angles and headlines.
• Ability to understand complex and sensitive information – including around faith-based, theological and church issues – and turn it into material that is clear and accessible to people without specialist knowledge.
• Experience working in a busy communications environment, managing several pieces of work simultaneously, delivering projects to deadline and prioritising competing demands.
• A problem-solver who can take initiative.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders across a range of seniorities, able to build trust and inspire confidence of others.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team.
• Good judgement, able to anticipate issues and risks.
• Commitment to training and learning in communications best practice

Preferred

• Communications, marketing, digital or related professional qualification.
• Member of communications or marketing professional body.
• Experience of working in a church, Christian environment or not-for-profit organisation.
• Experience measuring and evaluating communications activity.
• Experience working across cultures, traditions and communities.

Benefits

• Salary and Pension: £35,000 per annum, plus membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with 12% employer contribution.
• Holidays: Five weeks annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, plus three discretionary diocesan days.