Address
Form of work
SalarySummary
We Include. You Belong.
Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.
Reconciliation is one of the three stated priorities of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. Difference (difference.rln.global) is part of his reconciliation ministry. Difference aims to encourage, support and mobilise a generation to live out their calling as peacemakers and reconcilers, pursing a just flourishing world. This role is a post, created to deliver significant growth and engagement of Difference.
This role will support the bold outcomes for the Archbishop of Canterbury's Reconciliation Ministry.
The Difference course explores following Jesus in a conflicted world, equipping participants with three reconciling habits - Be Curious, Be Present and Reimagine. The course equips people to cross divides, navigate disagreement and see transformation in everyday encounters.
Introduction
As Church Engagement and Relationship Manager you will inspire and support others to engage with the work of reconciliation, and equip churches, dioceses, organisations and individuals to engage with Difference. The purpose of this role is to help grow the network of groups running Difference and support those already running it.
Key to this is building relationships and primarily supporting churches, alongside chaplaincies, schools, youth workers and organisations nationally to run Difference. This includes managing training for Difference course Hosts and supporting UK champions.
You will work with and through Anglican systems, structures and networks, as well as across the breadth of Christian denominations and organisations. As well as working with civic and community organisations and networks.
This post is offered as a fixed term contract expected to last for up to 12 months (Maternity Cover).
The working hours are 28 per week to be worked over 4 days. The working arrangements will be discussed further at interview.
The full-time salary of £46,577 per year will be prorated for 28 hours per week, giving a salary of £37,261 per year.
For an informal conversation please contact:
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 3 April 2024.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 16 April 2024
A comprehensive and supportive induction programme will be put in place for the post holder to ensure that they have all the information, access and contacts required to quickly acclimatise and excel in this role.
The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups.
We offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, season ticket loans and a range of benefits including discounted entry to attractions and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our scheme.
The Role
Champion Difference and grow the network of churches running Difference
- Devise and implement a UK church engagement plan, as agreed by RLN director.
- With prayer and resources, support a growing movement of churches engaging with Difference and the ministry of reconciliation.
- Develop external relationships and partnerships to engage new audiences with Difference. Proactively connect with churches, chaplaincies, schools, organisations and networks, with the aim to see significant increase in the number of groups running Difference.
- Develop ecumenical relationships across Christian denominations.
- Generate tactics to raise awareness and increase engagement.
- Champion Difference at regional and national events, gatherings, conferences and speaking engagements.
- Capture content at events for Difference social channels.
Equip groups and manage training
- Support the network of groups running Difference across churches, chaplaincies, schools, leadership teams, workplace, youth groups and other contexts.
- Utilise the Difference Training and Resources Hub to support existing Difference Hosts and those interested in running Difference.
- Where needed provide additional training and support face-to-face (online or in-person).
- Ensure a high level of retention in churches and groups regularly engaging with Difference, including supporting next steps and deepening the ministry of reconciliation.
- Support senior leaders using Difference as part of a wider strategy for reconciliation in their church, parish, diocese, context.
Manage and develop a network of UK Champions
- Identify and equip passionate individuals as they strengthen engagement with Difference in their own contexts.
- Support and resource a cohort of Difference champions in the UK who envision others with this ministry and promote Difference.
- Create new ways of bringing champions together to learn from each other and share best practice.
- Work with champions to identify strategic opportunities for growing engagement with Difference in their contexts.
Impact & Reports
- Monitor and report on performance indicators.
- Contribute to report writing and presentations on impact.
- Proactively collate stories of transformation and impact, nationally and internationally. Feed into wider communications.
- Proactive in researching and ongoing learning on reconciliation and peacemaking, including developing a working knowledge of the Archbishop's reconciliation expertise and experience.
Other
- The team at Lambeth Palace works closely and collaboratively, providing assistance across portfolio areas at times when extra capacity is needed. As such, an important part of this role will be to help out other team areas as required and as capacity allows.
- All employees working at Lambeth Palace share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture with regard to children and vulnerable adults, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.
The Requirements
Essential
Skills/Aptitudes
- Ability to represent the Archbishop of Canterbury's reconciliation ministry effectively and with confidence.
- Excellent inter-personal and influencing skills.
- Excellent communication skills; public speaking, facilitation and writing.
- Ability to shape key messages for church engagement and envision others.
- Ability to strategically support leaders in implementing a ministry of reconciliation in their context.
- The ability to work under pressure, adapting to changing and competing demands.
- Ability to work with a wide range of people, for example senior leaders, prison leavers, teachers, young people.
- Good IT skills, Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft PowerPoint.
Knowledge/Experience:
- In-depth knowledge and networked with a wide range of church denominations, valuing and understanding the breadth of the Christian church.
- Track record of strategic relationships that lead to effective engagement with a project, ministry or product.
- Proven track record in managing and working with a wide range of stakeholders and relationships, including senior leadership.
- Good knowledge of Christian faith and theology, with a biblical understanding of the ministry of reconciliation.
Education:
- Education to degree level or relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience.
Personal Attributes:
- Motivated, enthusiastic, proactive and takes initiative.
- Operates with discretion and integrity.
- Collaborative and builds trust across relationships, including at a senior level.
- A desire to mobilise people to live out their calling as peacemakers and reconcilers, passionate about equipping people to follow Jesus in a conflicted and complex world.
- Embody and model the practices of reconciliation across working relationships, internally and externally.
Circumstances:
- Whilst the NCIs are committed to wellbeing and work/life balance, a willingness and availability to occasionally work outside normal office hours is required, on occasion.
- Flexible in order to meet the demands of the post (attending events including weekend events when required).
- Ability to travel nationally.
Desirable
Skills/Aptitudes:
- Ability to edit WordPress.
- Effective use of content and social media for the target audience.
Knowledge/Experience:
- Experience of working on issues of reconciliation, such as with young people, racial justice, interfaith context, prison chaplaincy.
- Experience communicating with a global audience.
- Experience of working digitally in the Church or charity sector, utilising social media for engagement.
- Experience of using social media in a voluntary, personal or professional capacity.
Education:
- Training or qualification of relevant disciplines (such as: theology, mission & discipleship, youthwork, peacebuilding & reconciliation).
About Us
In the National Church Institutions (NCIs), we support the mission and ministries of the Church of England. We work with parishes, dioceses, schools, chaplaincies and other ministries, and with national and international partners including mission agencies, and other denominations and faith groups.
Find out more about working for the National Church Institutions at
NCI values
- We strive for excellence
- We collaborate
- We act with integrity
- We show compassion
- We respect others
We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels our progress and drives us forward. The NCIs are a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We welcome applications from people of all faiths and of no faith. We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people who share our values. Even if you have never thought about working for us before, if you have the skills and experience we're looking for then we would like to hear from you.
If there is anything we can do to support you in your application please get in touch via email to .
As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively look to attract, recruit and retain those of you who are disabled.
We are a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and welcome applications from those of you who have served in our Armed Forces and their families.
