Communications Manager
Salary: £45,000 – £48,000 depending on experience | Location: Portsmouth
Are you a highly motivated and dedicated Communications professional looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is seeking a Communications Manager to lead its communications function and ensure effective, engaging, and mission-focused messaging across our Diocese. This is 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.
Covering Hampshire, Berkshire, South Oxford, and the Channel Islands, our Diocese is home to 87 parishes and 50 schools, serving over 27,000 practising Catholics and supporting 32,000 children and their families. Our work is both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful.
The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective professional internal and external communications strategies for the Diocese to support the Diocesan Bishop and senior leaders as part of the Mission of the Church. You will lead and manage a small, dedicated communications team of two direct reports: Creative and Digital Communications Officer and Webmaster.
As Communications Manager you will oversee the Diocese’s media relations including proactive engagement with journalists and responding to press inquiries. Produce high-quality written and visual content, including newsletters, social media posts, and annual reports. Manage and enhance the Diocese’s digital presence, including website and intranet development. Support key diocesan campaigns and initiatives to increase engagement and giving. Represent the Diocese at events, with occasional travel across the Diocese including the Channel Islands. Some out-of-hours availability is required and a full clean driving licence and access to own transport. This role ensures consistency and professionalism in all communications, to promote the Diocesan vision of bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through his Church.
The postholder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership team to support the Diocesan 10-year Mission Plan, ‘You Will Be My Witnesses.’
This role is based at St. Edmund House, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth, PO1 3QA. Offering a competitive salary of £45,000 – £48,000 depending on experience, working 37.5 hours per week. Employee benefits include 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, life assurance and employee wellbeing, contributory pension scheme, free onsite parking.
If you are inspired by the idea of working in a values-driven environment where your efforts will have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Come and be part of our mission!
How to Apply
Please send a comprehensive and up to date Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role and motivation in applying (no more than 2 sides A4) to recruitment@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Please state ‘Communications Manager’ in the subject line of your email.
The Diocese of Portsmouth is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all who support the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.
The closing date for applications is Saturday 3rd May 2025, at 6.00 pm.
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.
This position is subject to the completion of an initial probationary period of six months.