Director of Communications

Overview

A varied and dynamic role, with the opportunity to lead the communications strategy for Southwark Vision, serving the Diocese as part of the Bishop’s Staff Team.

You should have experience in a similar role for a values based organisation, with the ability to deal with press enquiries.

Introduction

The role will provide opportunities to:

• lead the communications strategy of the diocese, enabling wide engagement with Southwark Vision
• to help the clergy and lay leaders of the diocese to develop communications plans and strategies to serve the rich diversity of our parishes and communities, fostering our common purposes during challenge and change.
• to provide media advice and press management to the Bishop of Southwark, Area Bishops, and other senior clergy
• to play a collaborative and committed role as a member of the Senior Management Team, bringing communication skills and expertise especially in a more digital context, with a willingness to develop these skills in others.

Main Responsibilities

• Public relations, press and media management, including Press Officer to the Bishop of Southwark and press support to the Area Bishops.

• Development and implementation of diocesan communications and engagement strategy, in a challenging economic environment working collaboratively with the Diocesan Secretary, Archdeacons, and other members of the Bishop’s senior staff team.
• Leadership of the Communications Department and budget in line with diocesan policies and the culture of ‘lead, enable, serve’ which underpins our approach .
• Development of further digital communications and multi-media plans in line with Southwark Vision.

The post will require occasional evenings and weekends especially in press matters (for which time off in lieu is given).

The Ideal Candidate

• Minimum 8 years Communications / Press experience including experience in a management position, ideally in a value driven, mission focussed setting.
• Graduate education in English, Theology or another communication related subject.
• A skilled communicator able to relate your professional aptitude to your Christian faith. 
• Excellent written communication and confident use of social media and digital communication
• Able to develop strategic plans and demonstrate strategic thinking in relation to the role of communication.
• At least intermediate level in Microsoft ’Word’, with the ability to use Excel and Powerpoint
• Credible communications professional who will inspire trust and confidence.
• Have a collaborative approach and able to inspire respect working across a diocese rich in diversity including churchmanship, ethnicity, economic affluence and poverty, urban, suburban and rural contexts.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, combined with good listening skills, tact, diplomacy and sensitivity - can be relied upon to maintain confidentiality
• Be well organised, used to managing conflicting demands, and be able to prioritise time and resources effectively, often within tight deadlines and changing priorities
• Have experience of, and be effective in, self direction, working in a team environment as well as a team leader

About us

Southwark is a diverse and vibrant Diocese in so many ways, from the energy of the inner city to the beauty of the Surrey Hills. We are one of the largest Dioceses in the Church of England, serving the people of South London and East Surrey. We take joy in the distinctiveness and variety of God’s gifts and people. You will find churches that offer welcome, care and dignity in Christ’s name to their parishes; chaplains walking along side those in education, hospitals, and prison; and pioneering communities seeking to reach out and serve in new ways.

We seek to be Christ-centred and outward-focused in all we do.