Head of Engagement and Participation

Head of Engagement and Participation

Accountable to: Accountable through the interim collective leadership arrangements agreed by Council, with day-to-day line management provided by a Council-appointed lead.

Location: The Corrymeela Centre, Ballycastle and Belfast Office, with flexibility required

We also rent a room in Belfast for staff to work from/Council to meet in:

Skainos Centre
239 Newtownards Road
Belfast BT4 1 AF

Role Status: Member of the Senior Management Team (SMT)

Contract: 12-month Fixed Term contract commencing January 2027 until December 2027 (subject to review)

Introduction

Corrymeela is Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation community. Founded in 1965, by the Reverend Ray Davey, we bring people together across religious, political, cultural and social differences to build understanding, strengthen relationships and support reconciliation.

Our community of members, staff and volunteers and are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and faith traditions and work together to contribute towards building a more cohesive and hope-filled society for everyone.

Overall Purpose

As a member of the SMT, to collaboratively develop and deliver the strategy for the whole organisation, upholding the Corrymeela Community Charter and contributing to the collective leadership, organisational health and future readiness of Corrymeela.

The Head of Engagement and Participation has particular responsibility for strengthening participation, volunteering, membership engagement, communications, supporter and donor engagement, contributing to safeguarding arrangements, and coordinating worship and spiritual life, so that Corrymeela can live more fully into its mission and philosophy of "Be the Change."

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Participation, Membership and Shared Stewardship
• Lead approaches that strengthen participation, belonging and contribution across members, volunteers, staff, Council, partners and supporters.
• Develop ways for members and others to contribute their gifts, experience and leadership.
• Create mechanisms for listening, consultation, feedback and dialogue across the Community.

2. Collective Leadership and Organisational Stewardship

Collaborate with SMT colleagues and Council to develop, deliver and report on strategic priorities, annual operating plans and budgets.

Share responsibility for organisational leadership, culture, wellbeing, strategic planning, sustainability, risk management and stakeholder relationships.

Model cross-team collaboration, shared stewardship and healthy participation.

Contribute to decision-making arrangements that clarify responsibility, participation and accountability.

Act as an ambassador for Corrymeela.

3. Volunteering and Volunteer Development

Provide strategic leadership for volunteering and volunteer development.

Strengthen volunteer recruitment, induction, support, communication, development and recognition.

Ensure volunteering is safe, purposeful and aligned with safeguarding practice and organisational needs.

4. Communications and Engagement

Lead internal and external communications in partnership with Communications Manager.

Oversee digital communications, website content, social media engagement and audience development strategies.

Ensure communications strengthen trust, clarity, participation and shared purpose.

Oversee communications planning, channels, messaging and content.

Support public engagement and storytelling aligned with Corrymeela's mission.

5. Supporter, Donor and Relationship Engagement

Lead the organisation's approach to supporter and donor engagement, working in partnership with the Fundraising Manager

Develop and maintain effective relationships with statutory, community, faith organisations, academic and peacebuilding partners.

Support donor and supporter engagement in partnership with the Fundraising Manager, nurturing relationships that strengthen long-term sustainability.

Nurture relationships with supporters, donors, members and friends of Corrymeela.

6. Worship, Spiritual Life and Community Rhythms

Coordinate a small team of members to look after worship, prayer, theological reflection and spiritual life.

Support gatherings, events and rhythms that express Corrymeela's Christian identity and peacebuilding vocation.

Encourage shared leadership in worship and spiritual life.

7. Safeguarding

Contribute to the effective implementation of safeguarding arrangements across Corrymeela, ensuring policies, training, reporting requirements and safe practice are understood and embedded within areas of responsibility.

Promote a safe and respectful culture across the organisation.

8. Staff and Team Leadership

Lead relevant staff and functional areas within the engagement and participation portfolio.

Manage performance, supervision and appraisal processes.

Support collaboration across organisational teams.

Champion equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging across all aspects of community life.

9. Planning, Reporting and Accountability

Develop operational plans and budgets.

Monitor progress, risks and impact.

Ensure compliance with GDPR, safeguarding and organisational policies.

Contribute to organisational learning and future planning.

10. Other Duties

Undertake other reasonable duties as a member of the SMT.

Participate in ongoing review and development of the role in response to organisational needs.

Flexible Work Patterns

It is the nature of the work of Corrymeela that tasks and responsibilities are unpredictable and varied. All staff are required to work in a flexible way to meet the needs of the organisation. This will include evening and weekend working from time to time.

Statement on Confidentiality

It is in the nature of the work of Corrymeela that staff become aware of information that will be sensitive and/or confidential. It is crucial that this information is maintained in strictest confidence, within the context of Corrymeela's policies and procedures, and that failure to do so will be viewed as gross misconduct and will be subject to the appropriate level of the disciplinary procedures.

Safeguarding Policy

We require all staff and volunteers to work according to Corrymeela's Safeguarding Policy. Where appropriate, offers of employment are subject to a check by AccessNI. A copy of the AccessNI Code of Practice is available on request.

Employment of Ex-offenders

Corrymeela has a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. A criminal record will not necessarily debar anyone from being offered employment.

General Responsibilities

• Members of staff are expected at all times to provide the appropriate service and to treat those with whom they come into contact with, in a courteous and respectful manner.
• All staff must comply with the Corrymeela Community No Smoking Policy on Corrymeela premises and while on duty for the charity.
• All duties are carried out in compliance with Corrymeela's Health and Safety Policy and Statutory requirements.
• The Corrymeela Community is an Equal Opportunities Employer. You are required to adhere to Corrymeela's Equal Opportunities Policy throughout the course of employment. Staff should be familiar with the Corrymeela Community Charter.
• To ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in the staff of Corrymeela Community, staff must ensure they maintain the high standards of personal accountability.

Further Information

Further information regarding entitlements and staff policies will be found in a comprehensive staff handbook, presented to staff upon commencement of employment.

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