Are you a highly motivated and dedicated Communications professional looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is seeking a Communications Manager to lead its communications function and ensure effective, engaging, and mission-focused messaging across our Diocese. This is an exciting time to join our friendly, busy, and supportive team as we implement our 10-year Mission Plan, shaping the future of our Diocese and the communities we serve.
Covering Hampshire, Berkshire, South Oxford, and the Channel Islands, our Diocese is home to 87 parishes and 50 schools, serving over 27,000 practising Catholics and supporting 32,000 children and their families. Our work is both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful.
The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective professional internal and external communications strategies for the Diocese to support the Diocesan Bishop and senior leaders as part of the Mission of the Church. You will lead and manage a small, dedicated communications team of two direct reports: Creative and Digital Communications Officer and Webmaster.
As Communications Manager you will oversee the Diocese’s media relations including proactive engagement with journalists and responding to press inquiries. Produce high-quality written and visual content, including newsletters, social media posts, and annual reports. Manage and enhance the Diocese’s digital presence, including website and intranet development. Support key diocesan campaigns and initiatives to increase engagement and giving. Represent the Diocese at events, with occasional travel across the Diocese including the Channel Islands. Some out-of-hours availability is required and a full clean driving licence and access to own transport. This role ensures consistency and professionalism in all communications, to promote the Diocesan vision of bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through his Church.
The postholder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership team to support the Diocesan 10-year Mission Plan, ‘You Will Be My Witnesses.’
This role is based at St. Edmund House, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth, PO1 3QA. Offering a competitive salary of £45,000 - £48,000 depending on experience, working 37.5 hours per week. Employee benefits include 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, life assurance and employee wellbeing, contributory pension scheme, free onsite parking.
If you are inspired by the idea of working in a values-driven environment where your efforts will have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Come and be part of our mission!
1. Main Duties
Communications Strategy
- Design, develop, and implement the Diocese’s Communications Strategy which is fully aligned with the Diocese ten-year Mission plan.
- Research and identify appropriate methods and channels including secular and religious media to raise the Diocese’s profile and in turn that of the Catholic church.
- Collaborate with partners, such as the Bishops Conference of England and Wales to help shape and influence public policy aligned with Diocesan objectives.
External Communications
- Proactively identify opportunities for promoting positive news about the work of the diocese and enabling the Diocesan Bishop to contribute to thought leadership and public debate on relevant policies.
- Drafting material appropriate for publication.
- Arranging video to support key diocesan publications such as Bishops Pastoral Letters.
- Build and develop the Diocese’s links with press and media to support strategic objectives.
- Act as the point of contact for sensitive news, advising the Bishop and senior staff about media handling.
- Act as the Diocesan spokesperson when required, providing a positive and supportive representation of the Catholic Church and the Diocese.
- Develop and implement a Crisis Communications Plan, crafting media statements and briefing senior colleagues on media lines to take.
- Organise media training for senior clergy and lay leaders as required.
- Work with Bishops Office to deliver the weekly E-News, being responsible for editorial control and compliance with relevant regulations, e.g. copyright law
- Work with parishes to support our stewardship journey, including developing compelling good news stories about the work of the Catholic Church.
Internal Communications
- Work closely with HR to Oversee and improve the management of internal communications to foster transparency and engagement.
- Take overall responsibility for organising monthly team briefings for the department of Administration and for other ad hoc events involving parish employee’s clergy and volunteers.
- Manage communication channels such as the intranet, regular newsletters, and staff briefings to ensure alignment with Diocesan values and goals.
- Work with Bishops office on key publications such as the annual directory.
Website and Digital Presence
- Oversee the ongoing improvements in the functionality of the Diocesan website, ensuring it is engaging, user-friendly, up to date and supports the Bishop’s vision.
- Introduce interactive and video content to enhance user experience.
- Support parishes in developing and maintaining their local websites.
Support to Key Departments
- Collaborate with key departments to design and implement tailored communication strategies. For example, Safeguarding.
- Provide tools, templates, and guidance to ensure consistent and effective messaging across departments.
- Act as ‘brand champion’, developing, overseeing and implementing brand guidelines to professionalise and standardise all external communications output, whether it emanates from within or outside the Communications department.
- Build and maintain strong positive working relationships across the DSAS and wider Diocese to support the successful delivery of the communications strategy'
Meeting Attendance and Reporting
- Attend meetings of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee and any other meetings required, to provide briefings, regular written reports and seek approvals as needed from the Board of Trustees about Communication related matters.
- Support the work of Multidisciplinary meetings that may be called form time to time to deal with extraordinary events.
- Attend in person meetings in parishes across the Diocese where sensitive matters indicate that an in-person meeting is preferable.
- Professional approach to Online meetings.
Team Management
- Provide leadership, direction, and line management to the Communications team, ensuring objectives are met.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and annual performance appraisals.
- Promote collaborative working within the team and across the Diocese.
- Monitor and evaluate team performance against individual and collective objectives.
Ad Hoc Duties
- Carry out additional duties as requested by the Bishop, senior clergy, or the Chief Operating Officer.
2. Values
- Maintain the ethos and values of the Catholic Church, positively promoting its teachings and activities.
- Role model the Diocese’s core values of integrity, dignity, excellence, accountability, and stewardship.
Communications Manager - Person Specification
Competence, Expertise and Knowledge:
Essential
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, strategic communications, or equivalent.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in communications at a senior level, ideally in a mission-focused, charity or public sector organisation.
- Demonstrate excellent levels of written and verbal communication, with the ability explain complicated issues fluently and persuasively.
- Capable of Analysing complex situations and provide advice to senior managers.
- Contributing to resolving the problem with the ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise.
- Demonstrable experience developing, managing and motivating teams/individuals to ensure success
- Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
- Comprehensive understanding of the modern media landscape.
- Experience in crisis communication planning and response.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.
- Numerate and Excellent writing and presentation skills.
- Understanding of relevant legislation including data protection and copyright.
- Knowledge of and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and a positive approach to work.
- Experience in budget management.
- Some out-of-office hours may be required on an ad hoc basis.
- Must be able to travel across the Diocese, including the Channel Islands.
- Full Clean Driving Licence and own transport.
Desirable
- Membership of relevant professional bodies such as Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Chartered Institute of Journalists.
- Experience in working with and managing volunteers.
- Experience in Charity sector communications.
How to Apply
Please send a comprehensive and up to date Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role and motivation in applying (no more than 2 sides A4).
The Diocese of Portsmouth is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all who support the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.
Closing date is Saturday 3rd May 2025, at 6.00 pm.
Interview Details
You will be notified shortly after the closing date, should we wish to progress your application and invite you to an interview.
Appointment
Any offer of employment to work at the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is conditional upon receipt of two satisfactory employment references, provision of relevant certification of qualifications held, and completion of pre-employment checks.
You must have a valid UK Right to Work, as the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship.
This position is subject to the completion of an initial probationary period of six months.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Finance Assistant will play a key role in supporting KCLSU's finance operations, maintaining strong financial controls, and ensuring accurate financial reporting across the organisation.
Main Tasks
- Process and reconcile purchase invoices, sales invoices, and supplier payments, maintaining accurate ledgers.
- Reconcile daily income from multiple systems to banking records and update the finance system accordingly.
- Support month-end processes, including bank reconciliations, journal postings, and assisting with management accounts.
- Assist with reconciling Balance Sheet accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
- Generate financial reports and data extracts from the finance system to support financial reporting.
- Support the maintenance of internal financial controls and ensure compliance with relevant financial procedures and regulations.
- Respond professionally to financial queries from staff, students, and suppliers, providing accurate and timely information.
- Other finance-related ad hoc tasks
General Responsibilities
• Support the efficient operation of the Finance Department, ensuring organisation and professionalism. Provide cover for colleagues where necessary, contributing to a cohesive team environment.
• Develop a strong understanding of Finance Business Partnering, providing financial advice and insights to internal budget holders, aiding informed decision-making and improved financial performance.
• Lead or contribute to projects supporting the implementation of KCLSU’s Finance Strategy, driving process improvements and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with KCLSU’s financial regulations, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial operations.
• Deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, addressing finance-related queries and providing accurate, timely information.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of financial systems, ensuring sound financial controls and best practices are in place.
• Represent KCLSU professionally, supporting its objectives and upholding its positive reputation.
• Adapt flexibly to evolving responsibilities, assisting with tasks that support the wider needs of the organisation.
• Collaborate across departments, adopting a team-oriented approach to support the overall functioning of KCLSU.
Other Responsibilities
• Assist in the delivery of finance systems and procedures training for over 400 student groups, ensuring they have the necessary tools and knowledge to manage their finances effectively.
Working Hours
• The role requires 35 hours per week. On occasion, working hours may exceed this, including evening or weekend work to meet deadlines. These additional hours are included in the role's grading and contract.
Additional Information
• This job description is accurate as of 28th April 2025 and outlines the core responsibilities of the role. It is intended to assist both the post holder and KCLSU in understanding the position’s primary duties.
• The description is not exhaustive, and duties may evolve over time. The post holder may be required to work at various King’s College London sites.
• KCLSU operates a hybrid working policy, requiring employees to work in the office at least once a week and five days per month.
• KCLSU reserves the right to vary the duties and responsibilities after consultation with the post holder.
• Please note that the starting salary for this role is £31,041 with annual increases.
Candidate Specification
Qualifications
• A finance-related qualification (such as part-qualified Chartered Accountant or equivalent) is highly desirable, with at least two years of relevant finance experience, ideally within a student union or higher education environment, though other sectors will be considered.
• Alternatively, candidates with strong hands-on financial experience in a similar setting, or who are working towards a finance qualification, are also encouraged to apply.
Experience
• Proven, hands-on experience working with integrated accounting systems.
• Demonstrable experience managing all aspects of financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, reconciliation, and financial reporting.
• Experience in finance business partnering or providing financial advice and support to non-finance staff is highly desirable.
• Experience in presenting financial information clearly and effectively to senior management is desirable.
• Any experience in treasurer or fund investment management is an additional advantage but not essential.
Knowledge
• Solid understanding of accounting concepts, financial reporting, and VAT regulations, ensuring compliance and accurate financial operations.
• A working knowledge of data protection requirements, particularly in the context of a membership organisation, is beneficial.
Skills
• Excellent multitasking ability and a keen eye for detail, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced IT skills, including proficiency with Excel (intermediate to advanced), and strong Office 365 competency to produce reports and manage data efficiently.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact diplomatically with staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently under pressure, demonstrating initiative and a solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
The list above is not exhaustive. We recommend that you read through the Job Pack to understand the scope of what the role entails.
Application Process
To apply, please visit our website, download and complete the application form and the equal opportunities monitoring form below and email your completed application directly to our HR email address.
Once shortlisting is completed, we will contact you and inform you of your progress.
At KCLSU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of everything we do and we endeavour to ensure equal treatment of all candidates. We welcome a diverse range of applicants and are open to discussing flexibility with the right candidate. Reasonable adjustments will be made for candidates with disabilities at all stages of the recruitment and selection process, and to ensure that a successful candidate with a disability can undertake the post.
As you will also see on our Job Pack that we are an equal opportunities employer and live by our 4 main values: Inclusive, Collaborative, Open and Brave. KCLSU is a fun, social and flexible work environment which offers opportunities for development as well as great staff benefits.
Benefits of Working for KCLSU include:
- Hybrid Working Policy
- Pension Contribution
- Interest Free Season Ticket Loan & Computer Loan
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Enhanced Sick Pay
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
- Eye Tests & single focal glasses allowance
- 25 days holiday entitlement & bank holidays & discretionary closure days per annum
- Discounts on KCLSU venues
- Employee Assistance Programme
- "No meeting Friday" ethos
- KEATS Learning Platform & LinkedIn Learning subscription
- Death in Service
- Access to Kings Libraries
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this role you must:
- Be eligible to work in the UK, and provide proof of this (i.e. a passport/visa) prior to your start date. Please note that KCLSU is unable to provide a visa sponsorship.
- Not be a trustee of King’s College London Students’ Union
- Have a National Insurance number, or be in the process of applying for one
Thank you for applying with us. We look forward to bringing your talent onboard and working with you!
Registered Charity
101 - 500
KCLSU is an independent charitable organisation that works to further the interests of approximately 36000 students at King's College London. Join us!
Thank you!
Turn2us is a national charity tackling financial insecurity and its structural causes. We work with co-producers and partners to provide people in financial crisis with the means and agency to get back on their feet, build resilience, move forward with their lives and thrive.
Turn2us and its partners have secured £1.5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver an ambitious and innovative new programme that will support charities in England and Scotland to empower diverse and marginalised communities to respond to climate change and to get their voices heard in environmental policy and media debates.It will focus on Disabled people, those facing financial insecurity and people from ethnic minority communities. These voices are often the least heard from in national and local debates on our environment. This new work aims to change that.
As part of this programme, The National Lottery Community Fund have funded the creation of an Engagement Manager post at Turn2us to work with those facing financial insecurity. The Engagement Manager employed by Turn2us will deliver activity with smaller charities and grassroots organisations supporting those facing financial insecurity that:
- Increases awareness of the impact of environmental change and related policy on different communities
- Listens to people in these communities to find out what actions they want charities and local government to take
- Develops shared local environmental policy priorities and empowers these organisations to advocate directly to local and national policy makers
- Identifies actions that these organisations can take to support communities to respond to climate change, and helps organisations to implement them
- Identifies people with lived experience to receive hands on training in order to act as diverse champions to media and policy makers
They will work closely with Community Engagement Managers employed by Disability Rights UK, and Race Equality Foundation, focussed on reaching organisations supporting Disabled people and people from ethnic minority communities.
We offer flexible working patterns, both in terms of hours and remote working. Please note that all employees are required to work from the office a minimum of 4 days a month on a weekly basis.
Some roles may be required to be in the office more often than others and this will be agreed with the hiring manager upon starting at Turn2us.
Please note that all job offers are subject to 2 – 3 satisfactory references and a disclosure satisfactory to Turn2us from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).
As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to equity, inclusion and diversity and the value people from different backgrounds bring to a team. If, like us, you believe everyone has the right to have enough to live on, and you are ambitious about eradicating financial insecurity, join us and build your career with a charity dedicated to ensuring dignity and equity for all.
Closing date: 06/05/2025, 23:59
Interview date: w/c 19/05/25
