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)

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.

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."

• 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 peace building partners.
  • Support donor…