Head of Communications

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

Head of Communications in the Parish Support Team for the Diocese of Derby, shaping communications strategy and storytelling across a region serving over one million people.

• Job Title: Head of Communications
• Contract & Hours: Permanent, full time (35 hours per week)
• Salary: £58,000 – £62,000 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 Head of Communications to help tell that story. Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Engagement, and leading a team of three (Internal Communications Officer, Media and Campaigns Officer, and Communications and Engagement Manager), you'll provide strategic leadership for communications across the diocese, helping it communicate with clarity, consistency and confidence. While this is a highly strategic role, there will be the opportunity to get hands-on occasionally given the small size of the organisation.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and inspire a talented Communications Team, providing clear direction, setting priorities and creating the conditions for colleagues to thrive.
• Shape and deliver the communications strategy, turning priorities into compelling campaigns that engage audiences and support the Church's mission.
• Champion the voice, brand and digital presence, ensuring consistent, creative and impactful communications across all channels.
• Develop and drive a proactive storytelling approach, uncovering and sharing inspiring stories of faith, ministry, growth and transformation from communities across the diocese.
• Act as a trusted adviser to bishops and senior leaders on media relations, reputation and crisis communications, while building strong partnerships to raise the profile and influence.

If you're an experienced communications professional with strong editorial instincts, excellent writing skills and a talent for building trusted relationships, we'd love to hear from you. You'll have the chance to work closely with bishops, archdeacons and other senior leaders, helping to communicate the vision, priorities and stories with clarity, confidence and care.

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: Tuesday 3rd November
• Charisma vetting interviews will be completed on a rolling basis and must be completed by: Thursday 5th November
• Interviews with Diocese of Derby will be held in person on Thursday 19th November

This role requires an enhanced DBS and Safeguarding check.

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.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian.

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.