Community Engagement Officer

About the Diocese and the Community

The Diocese of Sheffield is called to grow a diverse network of Christ‑like, lively and sustainable Christian communities in every place which are effective in making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and God's world. The churches of St James, Clifton, St Cuthberts, Herringthorpe, and St Mary Magdalene, Whiston seek a Community Engagement Officer to strengthen their presence, relationships, and participation within local community life.

Rooted in the shared vision of welcome, hospitality, safety, and support, the role will help ensure the churches are open to the community, fully integrated, listening to local needs, building partnerships, and enabling creative initiatives that support community cohesion and wellbeing. The role is inspired by the Church of England’s Five Marks of Mission and focuses on inclusive activities, nurturing relationships, and creating accessible pathways for people to feel connected, valued, and supported.

• Work with clergy and volunteers to ensure community activities reflect the churches’ shared values.
• Plan and deliver inclusive community events that promote wellbeing and connection.
• Support initiatives such as youth work, intergenerational projects, and cultural events.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local schools, community groups, charities, and statutory services.
• Serve as a visible and welcoming presence within the parishes, identifying local needs.
• Promote activities through social media, newsletters, and noticeboards.
• Record activities and outcomes, and contribute to reports and reviews.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers as needed.
• Contribute to parish and Mission Area meetings and mission planning.

Hours: Up to 28 hours per week (part‑time, Monday to Thursday with some flexibility for evenings and weekends)

Salary: £23,600 (FTE £29,500)

10% employer contribution to pension, generous holiday entitlement, and National Church grant funding until the end of 2028, with potential review to 2031.

Location:

St James, Clifton, working collaboratively with St Cuthberts, Herringthorpe, and St Mary Magdalene, Whiston.

Apply by sending completed application to recruitmentlican.org before Monday 2 March 2026. Shortlisting w/c 2 March 2026, interview w/c 16 March 2026.

Contact:

• Rev Caroline Wyman, carolinewyman
• Alex Shilkoff, alex.shilkofflican.org

• Qualifications/Key Attributes
• Educated to A-level or equivalent.
• Study or qualifications relating to community development and cohesion building.
• Experience
• Planning and delivering community projects or events.
• Teamwork and initiative.
• Working with young people or vulnerable groups.
• Skills & Knowledge
• Excellent networking and relationship building.
• Strong organisational and communication abilities (verbal, written, social media).
• Reflection and evaluation of impact, ability to adapt.
• Knowledge of community development and empowerment methodologies.
• Familiarity with local voluntary and statutory services.
• Personal
• Commitment to inclusivity and community cohesion.
• Sympathetic to the Christian faith and supportive of the Church of England’s mission.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• Practising Christian with a deep‑rooted faith.

Basic DBS check may be required in accordance with Safer Recruitment and Safeguarding provisions.

• Population: ~15,000 in 1.2 square miles.
• High deprivation: 71st nationally.
• Youthful: 1/3 under 20, >50% under 45.
• Economic challenges: one in three children, adults, and pensioners live in poverty.
• Educational inequality: >33% adults lack formal qualifications.
• Diverse faiths: 33% Christian, 25% Muslim, 33% none.
• Key facilities: substantial church building, hall, kitchen, stage, community rooms.
• Active partnerships: schools, local organisations (including REMA, Flux, Clifton Learning Partnership, Rotherham Minster Social Supermarket, ROAR, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church).