Head of Communications

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

Location: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in Derby

The Diocese of Derby serves communities across almost all of Derbyshire, the City of Derby and parts of Staffordshire, reaching over a million people. Through churches, schools, hospitals, prisons and community initiatives, the Diocese plays an important role in local life. Its ministry reaches into urban and rural communities alike, supporting everything from work on local estates to farming and environmental initiatives, as it seeks to share the good news of Jesus and serve people of all ages and backgrounds.

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 Parish Communications Enabler), you'll provide strategic leadership for communications across the Diocese, helping it communicate with clarity, consistency and confidence.

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 Diocese's communications strategy, turning priorities into compelling campaigns that engage audiences and support the Church's mission.
• Champion the Diocese's 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 Diocese's 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 opportunity to work closely with bishops, archdeacons and other senior leaders, helping to communicate the Diocese's vision, priorities and stories with clarity, confidence and care.

Why work for the Diocese of Derby?

• Lead role shaping the voice, brand and reputation of a diocese
• Generous pension – up to 10% employer contribution
• Excellent holiday allowance – 38 days (includes bank holidays)
• Life assurance
• A supportive, faith-centred senior leadership team
• The chance to translate a bold vision, “The Kingdom of God, good news for all”, into stories and campaigns that genuinely connect

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: Sunday 9th August
• Charisma vetting interviews will be completed on a rolling basis and must be completed by: Tuesday 11th August
• Interviews with Diocese of Derby:
  • 1st stage: w/c 24th August
  • 2nd stage: 8 September

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.