About The Role
The Communications & Engagement Officer will lead the day-to-day communications and engagement activities of St Marylebone Parish Church, helping to promote the Parish Church’s mission, worship, events, music programme, community outreach, and charitable activities through effective digital, printed and in-person communications. The postholder will also provide cover for key parish administration functions during periods of annual leave and staff absence, helping to ensure the smooth running of the Parish Church’s operations and visitor experience.
The role requires a creative and organised individual who can build engagement with congregation members, visitors, residents, supporters, volunteers, partners, and the wider community.
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of the Safer Recruitment practice guidance. This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
Key Responsibilities:
Communications
• Develop and deliver a communications plan to support the Parish Church’s mission and priorities.
• Create engaging content for the Parish Church website, newsletters, social media channels, and printed publications.
• Manage and regularly update the Parish Church website.
• Produce and schedule content across digital channels.
• Draft news stories, articles, announcements, and promotional materials.
• Ensure all communications reflect the values, identity, and voice of St Marylebone Parish Church.
• Maintain a library of photographs, video content, and marketing materials.
Community Engagement
• Support initiatives that strengthen engagement with the congregation and wider community.
• Promote church services, special events, festivals, concerts, lectures, and outreach activities.
• Develop relationships with local organisations, schools, businesses, community groups, and stakeholders.
• Help coordinate volunteer communications and engagement activities.
• Gather feedback from members of the congregation and visitors to improve engagement.
Events and Marketing
• Promote Parish Church events through digital and traditional communication channels.
• Create marketing campaigns to maximise attendance and participation.
• Support the planning and delivery of community and fundraising events.
• Coordinate event communications before, during, and after events.
Media and Public Relations
• Act as a first point of contact for media enquiries.
• Draft press releases and communications materials.
• Identify opportunities to raise the profile of the Parish Church and its activities.
• Develop relationships with local media and community publications.
Internal Communications
• Produce regular parish newsletters and congregational updates.
• Support communications between clergy, staff, volunteers, and church members.
• Ensure key information is communicated clearly and consistently across all audiences.
Fundraising and Development Support
• Support communications relating to fundraising campaigns, appeals, stewardship programmes, and grant-funded projects.
• Produce donor communications and impact stories where appropriate.
• Assist in promoting charitable and community initiatives.
The postholder will also provide cover for key parish administration functions during periods of annual leave and staff absence which will include the following:
• Act as a first point of contact for parish enquiries, welcoming visitors and responding to telephone and email enquiries in a professional and pastoral manner.
• Support the administration of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other occasional offices as required.
• Assist with maintaining parish records, registers, databases, and administrative systems.
• Assist with the preparation and distribution of parish communications, service materials, notices, and correspondence.
• Provide administrative support for clergy, staff, and volunteers during periods of annual leave or other absences.
• Ensure continuity of front-office operations and parish administration services as required.
Essential
• Experience in communications, marketing, public relations, community engagement, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience producing content for websites, newsletters, and social media platforms.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with a wide range of people.
• A commitment to supporting the mission and values of St Marylebone Parish Church.
• On occasions prepared to work weekends and evenings if required. Time off in lieu (TOIL) will be provided for approved additional hours worked outside normal working hours.
• Eligible to work in the UK.
• A satisfactory Enhanced DBS check is required for this role and will be obtained following appointment.
Desirable
• Experience working within a church, charity, cultural, heritage, or community organisation.
• Experience managing websites using a content management system.
• Knowledge of email marketing platforms.
• Experience of photography, video, or digital content creation.
• Understanding of Anglican church life and the role of the Parish Church in the community.
• Experience of office administration, reception, customer service, or charity/church administration.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
• Enthusiastic and creative.
• Warm, welcoming, and relationship focused.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Passionate about community engagement and effective communication.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME) and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.