Partnerships & Engagement Officer in Carrickfergus

About Stand by Me

Inspired by Jesus' compassion for the overlooked and hurting, we exist to show children that they are loved, valued and full of God-given potential. Born into poverty and facing complex and traumatic circumstances, the children we care for receive long-term support designed to help them thrive. What began over 30 years ago with 60 boys in Lebanon has grown into a global ministry supporting 4,000 children. Through family-style homes, quality education, daily food and healthcare, we provide children with the safety, stability and encouragement they need to become who God created them to be. All our work is delivered through trusted local teams who know each child by name and are rooted in the communities they serve. Children who once needed our care are now teachers, nurses, business owners and community leaders, reshaping the very places where they grew up. Over three decades, we have witnessed extraordinary transformation, and we are just getting started.

The Role

The Partnerships & Engagement Officer plays a key role in helping churches, schools and supporters across Northern Ireland engage meaningfully with Stand by Me. This is a highly relational role centred on building strong partnerships, delivering inspiring talks and presentations and encouraging deeper involvement through child sponsorship, fundraising, prayer and advocacy. You will take a proactive approach to maximising engagement within existing relationships while looking for opportunities to engage new supporters.

Key Responsibilities

• Church & Supporter Engagement
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with existing church partners and supporters across Northern Ireland.
  • Deliver engaging presentations, updates and talks within churches, youth groups and Christian organisations to promote child sponsorship and fundraising campaigns.
  • Act as a key point of contact, supporting churches and individuals in developing fundraising ideas and awareness activities.
  • Assist with the onboarding and development of new church partnerships.
  • Attend church services, conferences and community events as an ambassador for Stand by Me, sharing stories of transformation.
• School Engagement & Campaign Delivery
  • Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing school partners.
  • Coordinate and promote key school campaigns, including Walk for Water and February on the Floor.
  • Deliver assemblies, workshops and presentations that educate and inspire young people about global poverty and our work.
  • Support teachers and school leaders with resources, communication and campaign planning to encourage participation in sponsorship.
• Administration & Office Support
  • Maintain accurate records of activities, engagements and supporter interactions using the CRM system.
  • Process correspondence, handle donations and process cheques in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Respond professionally to telephone, email and visitor enquiries.
  • Provide general administrative support for the Northern Ireland office and help plan regional events.
• General
  • Work with others to deliver annual engagement plans, monitor activity and report on targets.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the UK and internationally.
  • Uphold and actively promote the vision, values and Christian ethos of Stand by Me.
  • Be willing to take teams overseas to our projects, usually around 7-10 days.

About you

Essential Experience

• Experience building relationships with a wide range of people (ideally within churches, schools, youth groups or community organisations).
• Proven experience in public speaking, delivering presentations, assemblies or talks to diverse audiences.
• Experience coordinating activities, events or campaigns.
• Strong administrative skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a Christian charity or church environment.
• Experience using CRM systems and/or coordinating volunteers.

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build rapport and trust easily.
• An enthusiastic, self-motivated and dependable approach to work.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Passionate about advocating for vulnerable children and helping others engage with God's heart for justice.
• A flexible, collaborative team player.

Faith Requirement

This post has been assessed as requiring a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) under the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998. The role involves delivering teaching, ministry and communication within Christian church settings. Because these duties are genuinely religious in nature, it is an occupational requirement that the post-holder is a practising Christian.

Working Pattern & Travel

Hours: 35 hours per week. This role requires regular evening and weekend commitments (church services, youth events, etc.). Stand by Me operates a flexible working approach and provides time off in lieu (TOIL). Travel throughout Northern Ireland is required, with occasional UK/overseas travel. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Safeguarding & Values

Stand by Me is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff must uphold the highest standards of integrity, compassion and respect. Appointment is subject to appropriate checks.

Why Join Stand by Me?

This is an exciting opportunity to build meaningful relationships, inspire churches, schools and supporters, and play a key role in helping vulnerable children experience love, dignity and hope. You will join a passionate, faith-filled team committed to seeing children's lives transformed for the long term and helping supporters become part of that story.

To apply: Please click apply below and send your CV, a short cover letter (no more than 500 words) and the Application Form. Closing date: 30th July. Early applications encouraged; we may close the vacancy once a suitable candidate is found.