Head of Communications - Diocese of Derby

Shaping communications strategy and storytelling across a region serving over one million people.

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Location: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in Derby

The Diocese of Derby takes in the City of Derby, all of Derbyshire and small parts of Staffordshire and South Yorkshire – with over 1.1 million people living in the area it covers. Through churches, schools, hospitals, prisons and community initiatives, the Church of England 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.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a talented Communications Team, providing clear direction, setting priorities and creating the conditions for colleagues to thrive.
• Shape and deliver the communications strategy, turning priorities into compelling campaigns that engage audiences and support the Church's mission.
• Champion the 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 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 vision, priorities and stories with clarity, confidence and care.

Benefits

• Generous pension – up to 10% employer contribution
• Excellent holiday allowance – 38 days (includes bank holidays), plus the option to buy 5 more days.
• Life assurance 2x annual salary (subject to pension enrolment).
• Simply Health Cash Plan – 24/7 GP access and eye test vouchers.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing mental health support
• Additional leave options, including spiritual retreat days and volunteer days
• One fully funded module per year through our Deepening Discipleship Training
• Staff can borrow a free corporate pass to Chatsworth House
• Access to the Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme

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 practising 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 Team on info@charismarecruitment.co.uk. 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.