Community Engagement Officer in Rotherham

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!

Role Purpose

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.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.

Working Pattern, Salary & Benefits

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.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Key Attributes

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

Experience

• 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.

Skills & Knowledge

• 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.

Personal

• 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 deep‑rooted faith.

Please note this role may be subject to a Basic DBS check in accordance with Safer Recruitment and Safeguarding provisions.

Contact & Application

Applications: Send your completed application form to recruitment@sheffield.anglican.org. For more information on the role, please email Rev Caroline Wyman at carolinewyman@stjamesclifton.org or call 07835 287653. Alternatively, email Alex Shilkoff at alex.shilkoff@Sheffield.anglican.org. Closing date: Monday 2 March 2026. Shortlisting date: w/c 2 March 2026. Interview: w/c 16 March 2026.

Job Details

Employer: Sheffield Diocesan Board of Finance. Responsible to: Oversight Minister (Vicar) Rev Caroline Wyman. Hours: Up to 28 hours per week.

Vision & Context

At the heart of St James is a simple but demanding vision: To be a place of welcome, hospitality, safety, and support; a place where people of all faiths and none can gather; where community is nurtured; and where gaps in local provision are met with compassion and creativity. Our life is grounded in the Church of England's Five Marks of Mission: To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom; to teach, baptise, and nurture new believers; to respond to human need by loving service; to seek to transform unjust structures of society; to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain the life of the earth.

Parish Profile – St James, Clifton

The parish sits at the heart of a dense urban community in Rotherham with a population of just under 15,000 living within 1.2 square miles. The area is one of the most economically challenged, ranking 71 out of 12,178 nationally for deprivation. Nearly a third of the population is under 20; over half are under 45. A significant number live in poverty (one in three children, working‑age adults, and pensioners). Educational inequality is high, with over a third of adults having no formal qualifications. Clifton is richly multi‑ethnic and multi‑faith: about one‑third Christian, almost a quarter Muslim, and nearly a third no religion. A sizable Romani Slovak population also adds to the diversity. St James houses a substantial church building and a well‑used hall with kitchen, stage, and three additional meeting rooms used regularly by groups such as a warm room, drama and music groups, choirs, and foster carer groups. The hall is also hired for one‑off events and community use. The church is working to strengthen partnerships with local schools, community groups, and organisations such as REMA, Flux, Clifton Learning Partnership, Rotherham Minster Social Supermarket, ROAR, the Methodist Church, and the United Reformed Church. Looking ahead, the parish seeks to grow by engaging with complexity, strengthening partnerships, stewarding resources wisely, renewing buildings purposefully, and shaping mission that is responsive, relational, and grounded in prayer.

Closing Information

This position is funded by a grant from the National Church until the end of 2028, with potential review and extension to 2031. No guarantees can be made. Applications are currently being accepted and will close on Monday 2 March 2026. For further details, visit our website or contact the HR team at HR@sheffield.anglican.org.