Job Title
Church & Community Engagement Officer
Employer
Peterborough Diocesan Board of Finance
Department
Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches
Line Manager
DAC Secretary
Purpose
The role is to develop and implement an inclusive community-based approach to using church buildings as places of community action, engagement, and outreach. The goal is to catalyse the adoption of historic and modern churches by the whole local community, thereby increasing mixed use and supporting the sustainability of church assets.
Tasks and Priorities
- Build relationships with local authorities, businesses, charities, groups, and other partners that could support community use of church buildings.
- Collaborate with partners to promote church buildings as community resources and to develop projects that meet local needs and generate revenue.
- Help Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) and congregations identify and maximise potential revenue and funding sources.
- Assist PCCs in navigating legal requirements and processes for grant‑funding applications, and for planning or other applications to adapt buildings for wider community use.
- Identify local needs for community outreach and support, including coordinating with the Churches Support Officer to prioritise churches needing help.
- Develop strategic approaches for conservation and increased use of historic places of worship, establishing buildings and identifying opportunities that align with partner organisations and community priorities.
- Establish volunteering opportunities and support the development of other voluntary organisations, such as Friends groups.
- Develop mentoring and training schemes for volunteers, including Churchwardens, PCC Treasurers and Secretaries.
- Create a framework and resource suite that can be replicated across the Diocese to support sustainable community development.
- Receive internal training and development, and participate in CPD opportunities.
Key Relationships
- DAC Secretary, Churches Support Officer, Mission Team
- Community organisations: local clubs, charities, trusts, and volunteers
- Local businesses and enterprise associations
- Public sector: local authorities and networks, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, and other funding bodies
- Church of England: incumbents, archdeacons, PCCs, diocesan and national bodies
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Skills in building relationships and working with people, including volunteers.
- Experience in managing community‑led projects and fundraising.
- Ability to develop and implement strategic plans and drive income generation.
- Experience in data collection and analysis.
- Experience in heritage interpretation.
- IT and good record‑keeping skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly, widely and flexibly across the diocese.
- Willingness to work outside normal office hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Basic Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Understanding of church building contexts, history, and development.
- Experience sourcing and securing large grants for community projects.
- Knowledge of the built environment, historic buildings, conservation, and heritage sector.
- Experience developing successful community development frameworks or strategies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint.
- Understanding of Equality Act 2010 and Data Protection Act 2018 obligations.
Other Details
The Diocese operates a flexible working policy with the opportunity to work from home. During probation the post holder will work primarily from the Peterborough office, subject to later review. Travel throughout the diocese is required. The role is 3‑year grant‑funded, full‑time with a 35‑hour week.
Terms & Conditions
- Salary: £30,000 per annum.
- Pension: 10% non‑contributory scheme with life cover.
- Holidays: 25 days per year, plus 8 public holidays and the Christmas/New Year closure.
- Probationary period: 3 months.
- Application deadline: 10th August 2026, 12:00 PM.
Equal Employment
The Diocese of Peterborough is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Staff are subject to an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…