The REC is engaged in PR work to promote better public understanding of RE across a number of fronts.  As part of this campaign it is looking to appoint a part time officer able to take up this challenge and build a greater understanding of RE amongst the target groups - head teachers, governors and school providers. 

Head teacher attitude is of crucial importance in determining the quantity and quality of a school's provision for RE, as OfSTED has consistently reported.  Given the increasing devolution of control over school organisation and curricula to school leaders, especially in academies, it is more important than ever that school leaders should be persuaded of the value and importance of RE. 

A second, equally important aspect of the post will be to develop and improve communications across the RE community in order to help its members work more effectively together at a time when the subject is under threat.

The post holder will work with the REC Executive Officer, the PR Committee and a PR company contracted to develop work with parliamentarians, the media and the wider public, but will also need to be able to generate his or her own ideas rather than rely on those of others.

The post will be a one year appointment in the first instance and will be based at the REC office in Shoe Lane, London EC4A 3JB.  The salary will be £40,505 (pro rata; point 44 on the NJC scale, including inner London allowance).  A contribution to a pension scheme will be available.  Conditions include 30 days paid leave + Bank Holidays (both pro rata).  Flexible working arrangements will be considered. The appointment will ideally start on 1^st January 2012.

Essential characteristics

• Ability to engage confidently, effectively and creatively with head teachers, governors and school providers
• Ability to negotiate paths through issues of inter professional sensitivity and promote mutual confidence amongst different interest groups
• Effective knowledge of current RE issues and the current educational context or ability to grasp these very rapidly when in post
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to network
• Ability to identify success indicators and to measure own achievement against them.
• Ability to work independently and be a self-starter.

Desirable characteristics

• Previous experience of PR work
• Previous successful experience of working with groups of heads and/or governors

Please send a concise CV, the contact details of two referees and a letter of application of up to 800 words giving evidence of your suitability for the post.  This should be sent to by 1 p.m. on Friday 18 November.  Shortlisted candidates will be contacted over the weekend and invited for interview on Thursday 24 November.