Overview
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.
Main purpose of the role
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’s, 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. The postholder will help nurture community cohesion by listening carefully to local needs, building partnerships with local organisations, and enabling creative, responsive initiatives that meet gaps in local provision.
The work of the Community Engagement Officer will be shaped by the Church of England’s Five Marks of Mission — proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom through presence and relationship; responding to human need by loving service; seeking to transform unjust structures; nurturing new believers; and safeguarding the integrity of creation — understood not as abstract principles, but as lived, local commitments.
Through community events, collaborative projects, and relationship-building, the role will support the churches’ mission to serve their neighbourhoods with compassion, inclusivity, and openness, while also helping to create accessible, invitational pathways for those who wish to explore or deepen their faith as part of the life of the church.
Main duties & responsibilities
* Work alongside clergy and church volunteers at St James’, St Cuthbert’s, 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. We are open to the successful candidate understanding the context and exploring options. However, some initial ideas that have been discerned are; youth work, a community engagement space with social activities and opportunities for people to access information, food festival, other activities that brings together and celebrates cultures. The role would help deliver these activities through teamwork and partnership networks
* 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.The role description will be amended over time, in full consultation with the post holder, to meet the needs of the Diocese.
Location: Sheffield
Type of Contract: Part Time
Hours: Part-Time, up to 28 hours per week
* 10% employer contribution to pension
* Generous Holiday Entitlement
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