Sophia at Avocet Commercial Careers is delighted to be partnering with the Diocese of Plymouth to recruit a Communications Officer to work between Plymouth and Ashburton.
This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape communications for a values-driven organisation with a broad reach across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.
About the Diocese of Plymouth:
The Diocese of Plymouth serves Catholic communities across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, supporting parishes, schools and charitable organisations throughout the region. This is an organisation with a clear mission, a strong sense of community, and a genuine commitment to engaging diverse audiences, including younger people, through digital and other forms of communications.
About the Role:
This is a varied, hands-on role combining strategic planning with day-to-day delivery. You will take direct ownership of the Diocese's communications across digital, social media, newsletters, website and print, working closely with the Bishop, senior clergy, staff and parish communities to ensure messaging is engaging, timely and aligned with the Diocese's mission. The role also involves travel across the Diocese to capture video, photography and interviews, and some out-of-hours work will be required.
Communications Officer Responsibilities:
- Developing and delivering the diocesan communications plan in line with the Bishop's vision
- Managing and updating the diocesan website and social media channels
- Creating compelling written, visual and multimedia content using tools such as Canva
- Producing the monthly e-newsletter and overseeing the Annual Report
- Working with the external PR consultant on media engagement and press releases
- Capturing content at diocesan events, including video and photography
- Supporting parishes and teams in developing their digital presence and communication skills
- Using analytics to track performance and make data-led recommendations
Communications Officer Requirements:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification
- Proven experience in a communications role at decision-making level, ideally in a not-for-profit setting
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills across a range of styles and audiences
- Strong experience in digital content creation, social media management and website CMS
- Ability to draft press releases and manage reactive communications sensitively
- Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision across a diverse team
- Understanding of and sympathy with the mission and values of the Catholic Church
- Full UK driving licence and access to a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed)
- Willingness to work some out-of-hours
Desirable
The Role in Brief:
- Salary: £45,000–£48,999 per annum, depending on experience
- Hours: 35 hours per week (slightly reduced hours considered)
- Location: St Boniface House, Ashburton, Newton Abbot, TQ13 7JL, with regular attendance at Cathedral House, 45 Cecil Street, Plymouth, PL1 5HW
- Contract: Permanent
Benefits
- Holidays - 20 days per annum + Bank Holidays plus Maundy Thursday at Easter and time off over the Christmas period typically between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
- Pension
- Death in Service Benefit
- Mileage and car allowance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cashback and discount scheme
- Free Car parking at St Boniface House and Bishop's House
- Mobile phone allowance
- 1 day working from home
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will be a creative, experienced communications professional with a genuine connection to the Diocese's values and mission. Equally comfortable with strategy and hands-on delivery, you'll be a confident relationship builder, a skilled storyteller, and a self-starter who can engage a wide and diverse audience across multiple channels.
Application and Interview Process:
Please submit your CV to Sophia at Avocet Commercial Careers in the first instance. Following review, shortlisted candidates will be sent a full job description and application form, which must be completed and returned directly to Sophia by 9am on Monday 11th May 2026.
Applications received after this time will not be considered.
- Shortlisted candidates notified: Wednesday 13th May
- First-stage interviews: Wednesday 20th May
- Second-stage interviews: Wednesday 27th May
Interview dates are non-negotiable
Direct Contact Information:
📱 01392 642518
📨 sophia@avocetlegal.co.uk