Community Engagement Officer

Community Engagement Officer

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 Cuthbert, Herringthorpe, and St Mary Magdalene, Whiston are seeking to appoint a Community Engagement Officer to strengthen their presence, relationships, and participation within local community life. Rooted in a shared vision of welcome, hospitality, safety, and support, this role will help ensure the church is not only open to the community but fully integrated into it, listening to local needs, building partnerships, and enabling creative initiatives that support community cohesion and wellbeing.

Inspired by the Church of England's Five Marks of Mission, the Community Engagement Officer will work at the intersection of faith, service, and community life supporting inclusive activities, nurturing relationships, and creating accessible pathways for people to feel connected, valued, and supported, and for those who wish to explore or deepen their faith as part of the life of the church.

Could you walk alongside those in need by bringing practical care and spiritual hope to our vibrant, multi‑cultural neighbourhood? Then this role is for you!

The Community Engagement Officer will play a key role in developing and strengthening the churches presence and participation in local community life, with the post based primarily at St James, Clifton, and working collaboratively with St Cuthbert, Herringthorpe, and St Mary Magdalene, Whiston. Rooted in the shared vision of the churches to be places of welcome, hospitality, safety, and support, this role exists to help ensure that the church is not only open to the community but actively embedded within it.

• Work alongside clergy and church volunteers at St James, St Cuthbert, and St Mary Magdalene to ensure that community activities reflect the churches shared values of hospitality, compassion, and respect.
• Develop and deliver community events and initiatives that bring people together, promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and neighbourliness. Initial ideas include youth work, a community engagement space with social activities, a food festival, and other activities that bring together and celebrate cultures.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local organisations identified in the parish profile, including local schools, voluntary and charitable organisations, community groups, and statutory services to support collaborative projects such as youth drop‑in sessions, intergenerational activities, family support initiatives, and local celebrations.
• Act as a welcoming and visible presence within the parishes, developing a culture of invitation and helping to identify local needs and opportunities for engagement.
• Support communication and publicity for community initiatives, including social media, local newsletters, and noticeboards.
• Keep accurate records of activities, attendance, and outcomes, and contribute to reports for funding and parish review.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers where needed for events and projects.
• Contribute to team meetings and mission action planning as a team member in the parish and wider Mission Area.

This role description provides a guide to the duties and responsibilities of the post and is not an exhaustive list. The post holder may be asked to undertake any other relevant duties appropriate to the post.

Part‑time, up to 28 hours per week;
Monday to Thursday with some flexibility for evenings and weekends. Salary £23,600 (FTE £29,500). 10% employer contribution to pension. Generous holiday entitlement.

The post is funded by a National Church grant currently until the end of 2028, with the potential for review and extension (subject to funding) to 2031.

• Educated to A-level or equivalent.
• Study or qualifications relating to community development and cohesion building.

• Experience of planning and delivering community projects or events.
• Able to work as part of a team as well as taking the initiative.
• Experience of working with young people or vulnerable groups.

• Excellent networking and relationship building skill in order to bring about change.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Strong communication abilities (verbal, written, and social media).
• Reflection on and evaluating the impact and effectiveness of different activities and ability to adapt accordingly.
• Knowledge of community development and empowerment methodologies / practice.
• Familiarity with local voluntary and statutory services.

• A commitment to inclusivity and community cohesion.
• Sympathetic to the Christian faith and supportive of the mission of the Church of England.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as required.
• A practising Christian with a…