Overall Job Purpose
Are you a self-motivated person with great communication skills and proven experience in event planning alongside social media engagement possessing technical knowledge? Proven experience in communications, event management, or a related field is essential.
St Swithun Wells Parish is seeking a Communications and Event Coordinator. This is a new fixed-term 18 month contract for 15 hours per week and an exciting time to join our friendly, busy, and supportive team as we implement our 10-year Mission Plan, shaping the future of our Diocese and the communities we serve.
The Parish Communication and Events Coordinator will support the parish's mission by promoting clear, consistent, and engaging communication within the parish community and beyond. This role will also coordinate parish events that strengthen community and fellowship, encourage participation, and uphold the Catholic faith.
Overall job purpose:
* Support the Parish's mission by promoting clear, consistent, and engaging communication within the Parish community and beyond.
* Manage event logistics, including scheduling, venue setup, catering, and equipment.
* Plan, organise, and manage parish events as agreed with the Parish Priest, for example community gatherings, educational workshops, retreats, and sacramental preparation sessions.
* Manage all parish communication channels, including parish website, set-up and manage new social media platforms
* Assist with grant applications or fundraising efforts related to events.
* Conduct risk assessments for all events to ensure the safety of participants.
* Coordinate volunteer teams and ensure events run smoothly and safely.
* Maintain an up-to-date parish calendar of events.
* Key aspect of the role is to ensure compliance with safeguarding and health & safety policies, GDPR & Safeguarding, and comply with copyright law.
Most importantly, you'll be sympathetic to the mission of the Catholic Church and excited by the opportunity to use your talents in service of the church and our 87 parish communities.
The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is a welcoming and mission-focused diocese covering Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands, and parts of Berkshire, Dorset and Oxfordshire. Led by Bishop Philip Egan, we are committed to renewing and strengthening the Church through formation, evangelisation, and service. Our ten-year Mission plan, 'You Will be my Witnesses', sets out our vison and priorities. With 87 parishes, 50 schools, and a range of pastoral and charitable initiatives, we offer a vibrant environment for professionals who want to use their skills to support the Church's mission.
The role is based at St Swithun Wells Parish, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DF
Occasional travel may be required for diocesan or parish training events, so you must have a full clean driving licence and your own transport.
Main Responsibilites
Communications
* Implement a parish communications plan.
* Manage all parish communication channels, including:
* Parish website
* Set-up and manage new social media platforms for the parish
* Ensure all communications reflect Catholic values and are consistent in tone and branding.
* Collaborate with the priests and ministry leaders to promote parish programmes, activities, and liturgical events via digital channels.
Communications
* Implement a parish communications plan.
* Manage all parish communication channels, including:
* Parish website
* Set-up and manage new social media platforms for the parish
* Ensure all communications reflect Catholic values and are consistent in tone and branding.
* Collaborate with the priests and ministry leaders to promote parish programmes, activities, and liturgical events via digital channels.
Events Management
* Plan, organise, and manage parish events as agreed with the parish priest, for example Community gatherings, educational workshops, retreats, and sacramental preparation sessions.
* Manage event logistics, including scheduling, venue setup, catering, and equipment.
* Ensure compliance with diocesan and parish health & safety policies during events.
* Maintain an up-to-date parish calendar of events.
* Prepare event budgets, monitor expenses.
* Assist with grant applications or fundraising efforts related to events.
* Producing parish events literature
* Conduct risk assessments for all events to ensure the safety of participants.
* Coordinate volunteer teams and ensure events run smoothly and safely.
* Work with clergy, employees and ministry leaders to integrate faith into all events.
Ad hoc duties and projects
* Carry out ad hoc reasonable duties as requested by your line manager such as booking meetings for the parish priest.
Professionalism & Values
* Uphold and promote the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.
* Work collaboratively with clergy, employees, and volunteers to support the parish mission.
* Foster a welcoming and professional parish environment for all.
* Maintain confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of the role.
Person Specification
Essential:
Technical Skills:
* Proficiency in Website Management Systems (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, Wix) with experience in website development and maintenance.
* Strong knowledge of HTML, CSS, and basic understanding of JavaScript or other web languages.
* Familiarity website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics).
* Experience managing website hosting, domain registration, and security compliance.
Creative & Design Skills:
* Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or alternatives like Canva.
* Ability to create visually engaging social media graphics, posters, brochures, and digital content.
* Understanding of branding principles to ensure consistent messaging across all parish materials.
* Experience with video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) for creating promotional or liturgical content (optional but desirable).
Communication & Content Creation
* Proven experience in communications, event management, or a related field is essential.
* First class organisational skills including the ability to prioritise work, balance conflicting priorities, monitor progress and exercise judgement about chasing progress as necessary.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)
* Ability to conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with safeguarding policies.
* Understanding of Data Protection legislation.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to deal with people at every level.
* Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
Retain a positive and flexible approach to work and able to effectively manage a high-volume workload.
Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines.
An ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and trust.
How to Apply
Please send a comprehensive and up to date Curriculum Vitae along with a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role and motivation in applying (no more than 2 sides A4) to Please state 'Communications & Events Coordinator' in the subject line of your email.
The Diocese of Portsmouth is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all who support the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.
We encourage an early application as we may close this advertisement at our discretion before the date stated, if a high number of applicants apply.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 14 September 2025 at 10pm.
Interview Details
You will be notified shortly after the closing date, should we wish to progress your application and invite you to an interview.
Appointment
Any offer of employment to work at the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is conditional upon receipt of two satisfactory employment references, provision of relevant certification of qualifications held, and completion of pre-employment checks.
You must have a valid UK Right to Work, as the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £12.21 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 15 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Application question(s):
* Do you a valid UK Right to Work, as the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship?
* Do you have a degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline such as graphic design, communications, media, or marketing?
* Are you highly computer literate, confident using Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite?
* Do you have a strong creative portfolio and excellent organisational skills?
Work Location: In person