Job Description

About Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is the cathedral of the archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England and symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Located in Canterbury, Kent, it is one of the oldest Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site.


This is a FIXED TERM CONTRACT of 4 MONTHS


Post: Internal Communications Officer


Responsible to: This post reports to HR Manager

Canterbury Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Summary of the Post

The Internal Communications Officer will play a central role in shaping and delivering the cathedrals internal communications strategy to foster a positive, curious and inclusive community culture, in line with our new Strategic Plan. Working with the Canon Missioner and Receiver General, the postholder will design and deliver creative internal communications and campaigns that inform, engage, and inspire our Cathedral Community which includes staff, volunteers and the congregation


This is a proactive and strategic role, requiring a skilled communicator who can craft compelling narratives, support cultural transformation, and ensure that key messages from the Senior Leadership Team are communicated effectively across the cathedral community. The postholder will also evaluate the impact of internal communications initiatives using feedback, analytics, and surveys to drive continuous improvement.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Strategic Communications

Develop and implement an internal communications plan aligned with the cathedrals strategic plan, values, and strategic objectives.


Act as a key driver of cultural change by promoting openness, curiosity, collaboration, and engagement among our staff, volunteers, and clergy.


Plan and deliver internal communications and campaigns to support the strategic plan awareness and delivery, organisational initiatives and projects

Content Creation and Campaign Delivery

Draft engaging, accessible, and inspiring content for internal channels, including newsletters, SharePoint, digital screens, and team briefings to deliver our internal communications strategy.


Produce original and eye-catching messages (choosing the appropriate channel) to communicate internally the good work were doing across the cathedral.


Manage editorial calendars, ensuring messages are timely, coordinated (including with the Cathedrals external messaging), and consistent with organisational values.


Work closely with the Cathedrals Marketing and Communications team to ensure that communications both internal and external are aligned.

Stakeholder Engagement

Work closely and build strong relationships with the Senior Leadership Team to communicate key organisational messages and priorities.


Work with our internal communication task and finish group to drive effective internal communications which resonate and build mutual understanding and engagement.


Support a wide range of colleagues in cascading information effectively and advising them on how to best target their communications in ways that resonate with their teams.


Build strong relationships across departments to encourage open dialogue and mutual understanding.

Measurement and Evaluation

Monitor, analyse, and report on the effectiveness of internal communications using surveys, analytics, and qualitative feedback.


Use insights to recommend improvements and inform future communication approaches.


Ensure internal communication channels remain effective, relevant, and user-friendly.

General

Champion internal communications best practice and act as a trusted advisor to colleagues at all levels.


Work closely with the Marketing and Communication team Be sensitive to instances where the Cathedrals internal and external communications may overlap or impact each other.


Manage competing priorities and deliver multiple projects within deadlines.


Uphold and promote the cathedrals ethos, values, and commitment to inclusion and respect.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The Cathedrals four core values; Compassion, Collaboration, Commitment and Curiosity embody our Community Culture which is the way we do things and the way in which our community should live and work together. The person will be expected to uphold these values and demonstrate the commitment to creating a positive, inclusive and respectful community at Canterbury Cathedral, where everyone can flourish and contribute to making real in this place the gift of life in all its fullness.


The personal specification below indicates the qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills required to undertake the role effectively.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

- Proven experience in internal communications, employee engagement, or a related field.

Demonstrable experience of creating and delivering original digital and written communication campaigns to engage a wide and diverse audience. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to produce content that informs and inspires. Experience managing multiple projects independently and driving a programme of work from conception to delivery, setting clear objectives for your work and meeting deadlines. Ability to interpret organisational strategy and translate it into clear, compelling messages. Strong analytical skills to evaluate communication effectiveness and present insights to senior stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to influence and advise at all levels. Competence in using digital communication tools (e.g. intranet platforms, newsletters, surveys, analytics dashboards).

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

- Experience working within a large, complex, or faith-based organisation.

Professional communication qualification. Understanding of change management principles and how communications can support cultural transformation. Familiarity with cathedral or church governance, mission, and community engagement. Experience using visual and multimedia tools for creative storytelling.

Our recruiting Approach

As applications are received, interviews may take place prior to the advertised closing date.


We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.


We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.