Data, Communications and Planning Officer

About the Department

The Archbishops’ Advisers for Appointments and Vocations (AAAV) team is a key team within the Office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, supporting and advising the Archbishops and the wider Church on the appointment process for senior clergy. The team supports the work of the Crown Nominations Commission in the nomination of Archbishops and Diocesan Bishops, those involved in appointing Suffragan Bishops, and the selection panels who nominate new cathedral Deans. The team supports senior clergy in their vocation and discernment, working closely with the Ministry Development team and others to develop and equip a diverse pipeline of candidates for senior roles. The team also helps ensure that senior clergy are equipped for the Church of England’s missional challenges and for the vital role it plays in the life of the nation.

What you will be doing

The post holder will be responsible for collecting, retaining and manipulating data and information and will play a key role in the department’s planning and communications. You will assist the Archbishops’ Secretary for Appointments, the Recruitment Manager, the Diversity and Inclusion Adviser, the Vocations and Development Adviser and the Appointments and Vocations Adviser with project work and research, as necessary. This role provides an excellent opportunity to work in a small, friendly, committed, professional, and busy team that supports a complex, detailed, and fast-paced portfolio of senior appointments, vocational discernment, and associated projects.

Core Responsibilities:

• Collating, storing and manipulating data and information in the creation of graphs, tables, reports etc. to aid accessibility and understanding and to support decision-making within the team or with other stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and implementation of temporary and long-term planning solutions, addressing both regular cyclical activities, appointment processes and wider activity.
• Holding the administrative responsibility for policy reviews, the recording and retention of guidelines, file notes and process documents, ensuring these are stored and curated professionally.
• Acting as the lead within the AAAV team and working alongside others in the NCI’s to bring together the structure, ideas and content for the AAAV website (web designer or programming skills or experience is not required nor expected).
• Developing and maintaining a pattern and style/tone of communications that supports and communicates the work of the team, using a variety of platforms.
• Provide administrative cover in other areas in the event of the absence of another team member, or at critical times.
• Drafting and preparing high-quality papers, correspondence briefs and other materials for governance meetings and similar.
• Providing a small amount of administrative support, as needed, to the Appointments and Vocations Adviser and the Vocations and Development Adviser.

Key role requirements:

• Hybrid working arrangements and must be able to work within the office - Lambeth Palace, at least 2 days per week.
• A basic DBS check will be required as part of our pre-employment checks.

To succeed in this role, you will need to have the following:

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, data manipulation), and strong working knowledge of Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and other Microsoft 365 apps. This includes proofreading skills, ensuring accuracy and professionalism when producing high-quality correspondence and briefing materials.
• Database experience with the ability to navigate and understand basic functionality and design.
• High standards and accountability with a commitment to producing quality work and responding promptly.
• Confidentiality and discretion with the ability to handle sensitive information tactfully, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and conflicting deadlines.
• Sound judgement especially when managing urgent or complex matters.
• Proactive and organised with strong planning and time management skills.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with an emphasis on clear and effective external communication.
• Initiative and resilience, working independently and remaining calm under pressure.

What we offer

Your Salary: A salary of £42,114 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

Your Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays. We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department’s needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance. We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, Shared Parental Leave. Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP Private prescription service and health Stress related helplines. Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.

ABOUT NATIONAL CHURCH INSTITUTIONS

The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation - a church that is simpler, humbler, bolder. We Include. You Belong. Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background. Living out our values in all that we do, we: Strive for Excellence Show Compassion Respect others Collaborate Act with Integrity We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels our progress and drives us forward. The NCIs are a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We welcome applications from people of all faiths and of no faith. We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people who share our values. Even if you have never thought about working for us before, if you have the skills and experience we’re looking for then we would like to hear from you.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for the role. Shortlisting will take place week commencing 24/25 February 2026, and the interviews have been scheduled for 4 March 2026.