Manchester and Stockport Methodist District

Working with a network of 130 churches and projects, using website, email, and social media, but also with an awareness of communities which are digitally deprived, you will manage the digital and general communications of our District. You will support, and where appropriate provide, pro-active communication, both internal to the District and between our churches and the public sphere. You will pay attention to target, design, and method, and successfully increase both the public profile of the Methodist Church in our area, and the strength of relationships within the District. Who we are looking for: We will want you to have a qualification or equivalent experience in social media and online engagement. We will want you to be in sympathy with the aims and purpose of the Methodist Church : centred on the good news of Jesus Christ inclusive and welcoming to all working for a good and just society You will be IT literate, and will demonstrate the capacity to develop and implement a communications strategy across our geographically dispersed district (Oldham to Knutsford, and Buxton to Salford). You will also be able to develop social networking websites, and be able to work with Zoom, Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms. You will have some experience of developing and offering training packages, and of building links with the media. We need someone with good interpersonal and social skills, able to relate to a wide range of people, and with excellent written and oral communication skills. We need someone who is prepared sometimes to work irregular hours including weekends, and who has an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and security in information sharing. You will need a professional and positive approach, with a commitment to professional development and self-improvement. You wil also need the be able to develop constructive working relationships and be very comfortable working in a team environment with other employees and volunteers. You will show that you are able to set and work to goals and deadlines without direct supervision, while exercising deiscretion and retaining a high degree of confidentiality when required. You will demonstrate excellent organisational skills. Key Responsibilities Raise the profile and awareness of the work of the district internally and externally Ensure communication structures are fit for purpose and fully utilised Ensure district staff involved in communications are suitably equipped and trained Establish a set of common resources for all district staff Identify key stakeholders - who needs to know what when and how and ensure that contentis sent in a targeted way. Enable people in district and circuits to be equipped to exercise their particularly ministryand fulfil their calling Increase the awareness of learning opportunities Enable officers and other across the district to see new ways of doing things Enable a flow of relevant information between churches, circuits, and individuals Better inform churches and circuits about opportunities leading to new activities Ensure that information which is available to be discovered (primarily the website and social media presence) is of high quality, up to date and easily accessible; Promote stories of good news; Work with the connexional communications team to manage communication in relation to crisis events. Key tasks To monitor and develop a communications strategy and plan for the District which will support the effective achievement of the District Mission and Development Plan. To produce and develop electronic publications for use within the District, including by producing and writing appropriate material and the annual prayer handbook in printed and electronic forms. To edit and develop the District website and the use of social media, ensuring they promote positive stories of the work of the Methodist Church throughout the District. To work with the District Administrator to further develop the weekly bulletin and other regular communications from the district to circuits and churches. To provide support to churches and circuits to help them develop and improve their communications, through networking, facilitated training and other means. To provide support to district officers to enable their work to be better known throughout the District.