Head of Engagement and Participation

Job Description:

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 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 Irelands 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.

The Head of Engagement and Participation is a member of the Senior Management Team and will help strengthen Corrymeela's collective leadership model by enabling meaningful participation, shared stewardship, clear communication and deeper connection across members, staff, volunteers, supporters and partners. They will represent Corrymeela with integrity and confidence, in a manner that honours its Christian foundation and participate in the creation of its vision for the future 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 organisations 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 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…