Community Engagement and Social Action Adviser

Are you passionate about the Church’s role at the heart of community life? Do you have the drive to support parishes in living out their faith through social action and local engagement?

The Diocese of Rochester is seeking a Community Engagement and Social Action Adviser to join our dynamic team supporting parishes as they respond to the needs of their communities. You’ll work to equip churches to live out the third and fourth Marks of Mission—responding to human need and transforming unjust structures—enabling local Christian communities to show God’s love in action.

About the Role

Reporting to the Lead Community Engagement and Social Action (CESA) Adviser, you’ll play a key part in helping churches understand their local contexts and develop impactful responses to social needs. You’ll support parishes in accessing data, funding opportunities, and partnerships, while also helping grow volunteer-led community initiatives across the Diocese.

Your key responsibilities will include;

·         Planning and supporting the delivery of diocesan community engagement and social action initiatives

·         Taking the lead on key social issues affecting local communities

·         Offering advice and signposting on funding, partnerships, and best practice

·         Developing and analysing local demographic data to inform parish strategy

·         Coordinating and expanding community networks across the Diocese

·         Encouraging and equipping parish volunteers and community hubs

·         Building strong relationships with parishes and external partner organisations

·         Acting as a bridge between local churches and wider community stakeholders

You will be a visible and supportive presence across the Diocese—helping churches to connect deeply with their communities and respond with creativity, compassion, and confidence.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

·         A disciple of Jesus with a deep commitment to faith in action and social justice

·         Experienced in community engagement, social action or voluntary sector work

·         A skilled communicator who is approachable, encouraging, and adaptable

·         A natural networker who can build strong partnerships across sectors

·         Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects

·         Experienced in project coordination and working with volunteers

·         Comfortable analysing and presenting data to support local planning

·         Confident using Microsoft Office and digital communication tools

Desirable: Bid-writing experience, and familiarity with Church of England parish structures and contexts.

There is an Occupational Requirement (OR) for the postholder to be a communicant member of the Church of England (or a Church in communion with it, or a member Church of Churches Together in England, Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland, or the Evangelical Alliance).

This role is based at our Diocesan Office in Rochester and offers hybrid working arrangements. Travel across the Diocese including some evenings and weekends.

What we can offer:

·         Flexible working, hybrid working and TOIL

·         Generous holiday entitlement

·         Contributory pension scheme

·         Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service

The Diocese is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. 

The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes.

We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide-range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.