Communications and Engagement Lead NEW

Church of England

In this role as Communications and Engagement Lead, you will work with audiences across the Church and beyond, ensuring that communications are clear, consistent, and effective, supports stakeholder understanding and adoption of MTF initiatives.

The purpose of this part-time role is to develop and deliver communications and stakeholder engagement activity for the Ministry Training Fund (MTF) implementation project. The MTF is a national Church of England programme introducing new funding arrangements for ministerial training. The aim of the implementation project is to put in place the processes, procedures, and technology needed to enable the effective operation of these new arrangements.

Working with audiences across the Church and beyond, the role ensures that communications are clear, consistent, and effective, supports stakeholder understanding and adoption of MTF initiatives, and helps shape communications strategy through ongoing engagement, feedback, and evaluation. Through effective communication and relationship management, the role supports the Ministry team’s objectives and the wider mission of the Church of England.

This is a hybrid role with one day per week expected in Church House, Westminster.

This is a fixed-term contract until 30 September 2027 for 21 hour per week.

Interviews will be held on 17 November 2026.

Closing Date – 10 November at 23:55.

Strategy and Planning
Develop and maintain the MTF communications strategy, defining communication objectives, audiences, key messages, channels, and approaches.
Develop, maintain, and deliver the MTF stakeholder engagement plan, ensuring engagement activity supports project objectives and stakeholder needs.
Identify, map, and analyse stakeholder groups, understanding their communication needs, preferences, priorities, and perspectives across the Church and wider sector.
Plan and coordinate communications activity to ensure timely, effective, and targeted delivery of messages through appropriate channels and spokespersons.
Establish mechanisms to gather, collate, and analyse stakeholder feedback to inform ongoing communications activity.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications, using insights and feedback to continuously improve engagement and impact.

Communications Delivery
Lead the delivery of communications on behalf of MTF, ensuring messaging is clear, accurate, accessible, and tailored to stakeholder needs.
Draft, edit, and review a range of communications materials for MTF and the wider Ministry team, maintaining consistency of tone and messaging.
Work with internal and external partners to develop, coordinate, and deliver joint communications activity where required.
Produce and deliver presentations, briefing materials, meeting packs, workshops, and other stakeholder engagement resources.
Assist in developing and delivering guidance, training, and supporting materials to help stakeholders understand, adopt, and effectively engage with MTF processes, systems, and initiatives.
Respond proactively and appropriately to emerging, urgent, or sensitive communications requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Leadership
Promote effective communication practices across the project, supporting colleagues to deliver clear, consistent, and audience-focused communications.
Build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders, gathering feedback and strengthening engagement with MTF initiatives.
Collaborate with communications professionals across the NCIs to share knowledge, best practice, resources, and lessons learned.
Represent MTF and the Ministry team at meetings, governance forums, and stakeholder events.

Essential
Knowledge/Experience
Experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, or a related role within a complex organization.
Experience developing and delivering communications and engagement strategies.
Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Experience planning and delivering multi-channel communications and engagement activities.
Experience producing communications materials, presentations, guidance, and training resources.
Experience gathering feedback and evaluating communications effectiveness.
Experience supporting projects, programmes, or change initiatives.

Skills & Abilities:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to tailor messages for different audiences and channels.
Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Ability to analyse feedback and identify opportunities for improvement.
Collaborative approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital communications tools.

Personal Qualities
Commitment to supporting the mission and values of the Church of England.
Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-focused.
Adaptable, creative, and open to new ways of working.
Professional, resilient, and effective under pressure.
High attention to detail and strong personal integrity.