At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local churches and communities, enhancing engagement and sustainability.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Leicester, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous pension, 25 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a chance to work with diverse communities across Leicestershire.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving historic churches and empowering local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community projects, strong relationship-building skills, and project management abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join the Diocese of Leicester as our Church and Community Support Officer. Are you passionate about strengthening communities and supporting historic churches to be open for future generations? We are looking for somebody relational, empowering and adaptable to work with our parishes and their communities, helping to build local engagement and ensure church buildings remain sustainable as a place of worship and a resource for the local community.
This is a new fixed‑term post made possible by a grant from the Church Commissioners of the Church of England through their Buildings for Mission funding.
About the role- Provide on‑the‑ground support to Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) to increase local engagement and volunteer capacity.
- Support PCCs and congregations to engage with their communities through consultation, surveys, and outreach initiatives.
- Help churches identify ways to maximise the potential of their buildings, including generating income and securing funding.
- Develop volunteering opportunities and support the creation of Friends Groups and other local initiatives.
- Build partnerships with local authorities, businesses, charities and community organisations.
- Support PCCs in exploring new models such as Festival Churches.
- Facilitate shared learning across the Diocese.
- Experience of managing community‑led projects and working with volunteers.
- Ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including clergy, PCCs and external partners.
- A proactive, self‑starting approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- An open‑minded approach with the ability to adapt to local needs.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiating and communication skills.
- Strong project management skills, including planning, monitoring and evaluation.
- Good IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and databases.
- Ability to travel regularly across the Diocese and work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Sympathy with and commitment to the values and mission of the Church of England and the Diocese of Leicester.
- Experience of heritage funding (e.g. NLHF)
- Knowledge of Church of England structures
- An interest in historic buildings
- Be part of a collaborative and experienced Church Buildings Team.
- Hybrid working with a Leicester office base.
- An opportunity to work with a variety of different communities across Leicestershire, each with its own needs.
- Make a tangible difference to local communities and the future of historic church buildings.
- Generous pension (10% employer contribution) and annual leave (25 days plus bank holidays).
- Opportunities for training, development and professional growth.
Apply via the Pathways recruitment website. For an informal conversation about the role, contact Gill Elliott, Church Buildings Enabler: Tel: 07947 353129, Email: Gill.Elliott@Leicestercofe.org.
Closing Date: Sunday 19th July
Shortlisting date: Wednesday 22nd July
Interview Date: Friday 31st July
Anticipated Start Date: Autumn 2026
We particularly welcome applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority Heritage candidates, especially those of Black descent, who are currently underrepresented in our organisation.
The Diocese of Leicester, part of the Church of England, is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church community. We follow the Church of England’s Safeguarding Policies and relevant statutory guidance. We believe that safeguarding is everybody’s business.
This post is subject to a Basic DBS check and proof of right to work in the UK. The Diocese is unable to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Church and Community Support Officer in Leicester employer: Church of England
The Diocese of Leicester offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact as a Church and Community Support Officer, working collaboratively within a supportive team dedicated to strengthening local communities and preserving historic churches. With a hybrid working model based in Leicester, generous benefits including a 10% employer pension contribution, and a commitment to professional development, this role is perfect for those looking to engage with diverse communities and contribute to their sustainability. Join us in making a tangible difference while enjoying a fulfilling work culture that values adaptability and relationship-building.
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