JOB TITLE: Communications Officer

LOCATION: Diocesan Office, St. Nicholas Church, Boley Hill, Rochester

GRADE: Grade 7

REPORTING TO: The Diocesan Secretary

PURPOSE OF JOB

Be responsible for developing and promoting Diocesan Communications, both internal and external and to manage the reputation of the Diocese, aligning communications to the priorities and strategy of the Diocese.

Be the creative lead in developing and implementing various sources of channels of communication throughout the Diocese, inspiring colleagues to engage with new ways of communicating. Work as part of a small team to support the Diocesan Office, parishes and the Bishop in sharing and promoting the good work and mission of the Church and engagement with local community and press.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Co-ordinate publicity and media for regular events undertaken by the Diocese, as well as other ad-hoc events and projects.

2. Manage the digital profile of the diocese, managing the social media accounts, planning regular content and maximising use of all channels to communicate appropriate messages.

3. Develop the diocesan website, including design planning and creation of content.

4. Proactively source and share good news stories about the work within the diocese.

5. Engage with diocesan staff and senior clergy on internal communications within the Diocese using a variety of channels, exploring new methods of digital communication.

6. Encourage, train and support parishes, clergy, schools and diocesan personnel in their communications and media work including engaging with social media and other digital mediums particularly in the publicity of new initiatives.

7. Lead the planning and production of diocesan publications, take ownership of researching and writing specific articles as required and edit incoming contributions.

8. Actively promote the work and mission of the diocese in local, regional and national media engaging with the public and media to maintain and enhance the reputation of the Diocese.

9. Research, write and prepare press releases about key diocesan events, attending events as required and distribute to local media as appropriate.

10. Responsible for line managing the Communications Assistant and liaising with other communications colleagues with a particular focus on photography, video and co-ordination of media interest at key diocesan and parish events.

11. Manage diocesan communications resources and oversee the budget for communications.

12. Manage media requests for information about the life of the diocese. Provide professional support at times of crisis or high levels of media interest and be on call for media enquiries.

13. Build good relationships with media contacts and to develop and maintain a regional contact database.

14. Undertake any additional projects from time to time, as directed by the Diocesan Secretary

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Proven experience in a Communications role An appropriate degree or Chartered Institute of Public Relations

qualification or equivalent Excellent written English and Communication skills are essential with the

ability to act as a spokesperson and advocate. Ability to guide and influence others including at a senior level Excellent organisational skills and is able to manage a variety of

competing demands A dynamic, motivated individual who is highly adaptable and resilient,

with a proactive approach to work The ability to think creatively about methods of communication with

proven experience of delivering quality communications Able to work independently with minimal guidance and as part of a team Experience and understanding of digital communications and social

media as a communications development tool Excellent IT skills, including the Microsoft office suite, website

management and design software Experience of designing creative marketing material A good understanding of the church and its structure Has own transport and full UK driving licence, is able to travel to the

parishes within the Diocese of Rochester Able to work flexible hours outside normal office hours when required

As the post holder will, at times, be the public face of the diocese, the successful candidate must feel able to support the Diocesan Ethos Statement and uphold the teaching and the current guidelines of the Church of England.

COMPETENCIES

Achievement Drive – A concern for working well. A desire to take action; doing more than required; doing it before it is required. It includes staying focused on goals over an extended period of time.

Relationships – The ability to understand the perspectives, feelings and concerns of others and build or maintain relationships with people who are, or may someday be, useful in achieving goals.

Persuasiveness – The ability to convince others of a view, conclusion, position etc. Includes the development of subtle strategies specifically designed to get others to go along with or support ones agenda.

Thinking Ability – The ability to breakdown a problem or situation into its component parts, identifying implications and the key underlying issues.

Independence – A demonstrated belief in one’s capability to select an appropriate approach to a situation. It includes confidence in one’s judgement or opinion and the ability to handle failure effectively.

Adaptability – The ability to adapt to and work with a variety of situations, individuals or groups.

Teamworking – The willingness and ability to work co-operatively and collaboratively with others.