Job Description:Head of Engagement and Participation Accountable to:Accountable through the interim collective leadership arrangements agreed by Council, with day-to-day line management provided by a Council-appointed lead. Location: The Corrymeela Centre, Ballycastle and Belfast Office, with flexibility required Role Status:Member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) Contract:12-month Fixed Term contract commencing January 2027 until December 2027 (subject to review) Introduction Corrymeela is Northern Irelands oldest peace and reconciliation community. Founded in 1965, by the Reverend Ray Davey, we bring people together across religious, political, cultural and social differences to build understanding, strengthen relationships and support reconciliation. Our community of members, staff and volunteers and are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and faith traditions and work together to contribute towards building a more cohesive and hope-filled society for everyone. The Head of Engagement and Participation is a member of the Senior Management Team and will help strengthen Corrymeela's collective leadership model by enabling meaningful participation, shared stewardship, clear communication and deeper connection across members, staff, volunteers, supporters and partners. They will represent Corrymeela with integrity and confidence, in a manner that honours its Christian foundation and participate in the creation of its vision for the future Overall Purpose As a member of the SMT, to collaboratively develop and deliver the strategy for the whole organisation, upholding the Corrymeela Community Charter and contributing to the collective leadership, organisational health and future readiness of Corrymeela. The Head of Engagement and Participation has particular responsibility for strengthening participation, volunteering, membership engagement, communications, supporter and donor engagement, contributing to safeguarding arrangements, and coordinating worship and spiritual life, so that Corrymeela can live more fully into its mission and philosophy of Be the Change. Key Responsibilities 1. Participation, Membership and Shared Stewardship Lead approaches that strengthen participation, belonging and contribution across members, volunteers, staff, Council, partners and supporters. Develop ways for members and others to contribute their gifts, experience and leadership. Create mechanisms for listening, consultation, feedback and dialogue across the Community. 2. Collective Leadership and Organisational Stewardship Collaborate with SMT colleagues and Council to develop, deliver and report on strategic priorities, annual operating plans and budgets. Share responsibility for organisational leadership, culture, wellbeing, strategic planning, sustainability, risk management and stakeholder relationships. Model cross-team collaboration, shared stewardship and healthy participation. Contribute to decision-making arrangements that clarify responsibility, participation and accountability. Act as an ambassador for Corrymeela. 3. Volunteering and Volunteer Development Provide strategic leadership for volunteering and volunteer development. Strengthen volunteer recruitment, induction, support, communication, development and recognition. Ensure volunteering is safe, purposeful and aligned with safeguarding practice and organisational needs. 4. Communications and Engagement Lead internal and external communications in partnership with Communications Manager. Oversee digital communications, website content, social media engagement and audience development strategies. Ensure communications strengthen trust, clarity, participation and shared purpose. Oversee communications planning, channels, messaging and content. Support public engagement and storytelling aligned with Corrymeela's mission. 5. Supporter, Donor and Relationship Engagement Lead the organisations approach to supporter and donor engagement, working in partnership with the Fundraising Manager Develop and maintain effective relationships with statutory, community, faith organisations, academic and peacebuilding partners. Support donor and supporter engagement in partnership with the Fundraising Manager, nurturing relationships that strengthen long-term sustainability. Nurture relationships with supporters, donors, members and friends of Corrymeela. 6. Worship, Spiritual Life and Community Rhythms Coordinate a small team of members to look after worship, prayer, theological reflection and spiritual life. Support gatherings, events and rhythms that express Corrymeela's Christian identity and peacebuilding vocation. Encourage shared leadership in worship and spiritual life. 7. Safeguarding Contribute to the effective implementation of safeguarding arrangements across Corrymeela, ensuring policies, training, reporting requirements and safe practice are understood and embedded within areas of responsibility. Promote a safe and respectful culture across the organisation. 8. Staff and Team Leadership Lead relevant staff and functional areas within the engagement and participation portfolio. Manage performance, supervision and appraisal processes. Support collaboration across organisational teams. Champion equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging across all aspects of community life. 9. Planning, Reporting and Accountability Develop operational plans and budgets. Monitor progress, risks and impact. Ensure compliance with GDPR, safeguarding and organisational policies. Contribute to organisational learning and future planning. 10. Other Duties Undertake other reasonable duties as a member of the SMT. Participate in ongoing review and development of the role in response to organisational needs. Flexible Work Patterns It is the nature of the work of Corrymeela that tasks and responsibilities are unpredictable and varied. All staff are required to work in a flexible way to meet the needs of the organisation. This will include evening and weekend working from time to time. Statement on Confidentiality It is in the nature of the work of Corrymeela that staff become aware of information that will be sensitive and/or confidential. It is crucial that this information is maintained in strictest confidence, within the context of Corrymeelas policies and procedures, and that failure to do so will be viewed as gross misconduct and will be subject to the appropriate level of the disciplinary procedures. Safeguarding Policy We require all staff and volunteers to work according to Corrymeelas Safeguarding Policy. Where appropriate, offers of employment are subject to a check by AccessNI. A copy of the AccessNI Code of Practice is available on request. Employment of Ex-offenders Corrymeela has a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. A criminal record will not necessarily debar anyone from being offered employment. General Responsibilities Members of staff are expected at all times to provide the appropriate service and to treat those with whom they come into contact with, in a courteous and respectful manner. All staff must comply with the Corrymeela Community No Smoking Policy on Corrymeela premises and while on duty for the charity. All duties are carried out in compliance with Corrymeelas Health and Safety Policy and Statutory requirements. The Corrymeela Community is an Equal Opportunities Employer. You are required to adhere to Corrymeelas Equal Opportunities Policy throughout the course of employment. Staff should be familiar with the Corrymeela Community Charter. To ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in the staff of Corrymeela Community, staff must ensure they maintain the high standards of personal accountability. Further Information Further information regarding entitlements and staff policies will be found in a comprehensive staff handbook, presented to staff upon commencement of employment. How to Apply andClosing Date Applicants can obtain an application form by emailing . Completed application forms should be returned by clicking in the apply button below before 5.00pm on Monday 28th September 2026. Location: Corrymeela Centre, Ballycastle. Travel elsewhere may also be required to meet the needs of Corrymeela. Contract Type: Full time, temporary until December 2027 (subject to review) Hours: 37.5 hours per week, flexibility in working hours including weekend and evening work is required to fulfil the obligations associated with the post. Salary: £42,000 - £52,000 depending on experience Pension: A Corrymeela Community Pension scheme is in operation. Notice Requirement: Three months notice. Probationary Period:A six-month probationary period will apply. Terms & Conditions of Employment: Appointment is subject to receipt of two satisfactory references, one which must be from a current or previous employer. Successful applicants must provide evidence of their right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, as it does not meet the criteria for sponsorship and the salary falls below the required threshold. Proof of relevant academic and professional qualifications will be required. Applicants must provide evidence of appropriate vehicle documentation, where applicable. The role is subject to an AccessNI check. Essential Criteria(Please do not exceed a word count of 300 words per criteria) Demonstrated commitment to Corrymeelas purpose as a Community of peace and reconciliation. Strong understanding of communications, organisational culture, and the values of participation, belonging, volunteering, shared stewardship and collective leadership. Clear understanding of GDPR, risk, accountability and good governance practices. A University Degree or equivalent and at least 2 years senior leadership experience within a charity, community, faith-based, membership, volunteering, public engagement or social change context; OR At least 4 years senior leadership experience within these contexts. Experience developing and implementing engagement, participation, volunteering or community involvement strategies. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to adapt to varied situations and to work effectively with people of all backgrounds and abilities. Ability to support others to contribute their gifts, leadership and participation. Comfortable working with complexity, ambiguity and change. Strong networking skills and proven ability to build and maintain relationships. Ability to represent Corrymeela with integrity and confidence, in a manner that honours its foundation and vision for the future. Experience of working with Boards, Trustees, Councils or other governance bodies Desirable Criteria(Please do not exceed a word count of 300 words per section) Experience of nurturing and supporting the spiritual life of a community. Experience in peacebuilding, reconciliation, restorative practice, trauma-informed work or reflective practice. Experience developing effective internal and external communications. Experience of engaging with supporters and donors. Experience of managing safeguarding responsibilities or embedding safe practice. Experience of planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
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