At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parishes in community engagement and social action initiatives.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Rochester, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work in a diverse, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping churches connect with their communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and strong communication skills required.
Do you have the skills to fill this role? Read the complete details below, and make your application today.
Based at the Diocesan Office, Rochester (with hybrid working)
Full-time (4 year FTC) Grade 6 | Salary: £37,121
Are you passionate about the Church’s role at the heart of community life? Do you have the drive to support parishes in living out their faith through social action and local engagement? Are you someone who can help deliver and organise the strategic vision of the diocese?
The Diocese of Rochester is seeking a Community Engagement and Social Action Adviser to join our dynamic team supporting parishes as they respond to the needs of their communities. You’ll work to equip churches to live out the third and fourth Marks of Mission—responding to human need and transforming unjust structures—enabling local Christian communities to show God’s love in action.
About the Role
Reporting to the Lead Community Engagement and Social Action (CESA) Adviser, you’ll play a key part in helping churches understand their local contexts and develop impactful responses to social needs. You’ll support parishes in accessing data, funding opportunities, and partnerships, help grow volunteer-led community initiatives across the Diocese, and collaborate with multiple workstreams, contributing to the wider strategic aims of our programme.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Planning and supporting the delivery of diocesan community engagement and social action initiatives
- Taking the lead on some of the key social issues affecting local communities
- Nurturing positive working relationships with parishes
- Offering advice and signposting on funding, partnerships, and best practice
- Developing and analysing local demographic data to inform parish strategy
- Delivering and collating surveys and listening exercises, and facilitating events and focus groups
- Coordinating and expanding community networks across the Diocese
- Encouraging and equipping parish volunteers and community hubs
- Building strong relationships with parishes and external partner organisations
- Acting as a bridge between local churches and wider community stakeholders
- Working in collaboration with other departments within the Diocese on shared endeavours that help support the Diocesan Strategy
You will be a visible and supportive presence across the Diocese—helping churches to connect deeply with their communities and respond with creativity, compassion, and confidence.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- A disciple of Jesus with a deep commitment to faith in action and social justice
- Passionate about faith in action and addressing the 3rd and 4th Marks of Mission
- Experienced in community engagement, social action or the voluntary sector through working in the charity, local authority or public sector
- Has experience of organising and leading events and focus groups
- A skilled communicator who is approachable, encouraging, and adaptable
- A natural networker who can build strong partnerships across sectors
- Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects
- Experienced in project coordination and working with volunteers
- Comfortable analysing and presenting data to support local planning
- Confident using Microsoft Office and digital communication tools
Desirable: Bid-writing experience, and familiarity with Church of England parish structures and contexts.
There is an Occupational Requirement (OR) for the postholder to be a communicant member of the Church of England (or a Church in communion with it, or a member Church of Churches Together in England, Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland, or the Evangelical Alliance). This role will include travel across the Diocese including some evenings and weekends.
What we can offer:
- Flexible working, hybrid working and TOIL
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Contributory pension scheme
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service
The Diocese is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes. We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Closing date for applications: 26 July, 2026
Interviews will be held on: 5 August, 2026
Community Engagement and Social Action Adviser in Rochester employer: Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance
The Diocese of Rochester is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values faith in action and community engagement. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to employee well-being through an Employee Assistance Programme, staff are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in their communities. Join us in fostering social justice and transforming lives across the Diocese, where your contributions will be valued and celebrated.
Contact Details:
Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance Recruitment Team
