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- Tasks: Support the future use of church buildings and manage their maintenance.
- Company: Durham Diocese, committed to safeguarding and community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, pension scheme, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on church communities and preserve heritage.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 34262 - 34262 £ per year.
A 3 Year Fixed Term Contract (potentially extendable subject to securing further funding).
Location: The Diocesan office - Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham, DH1 3RY. The organisation is currently adopting a hybrid working approach which may allow flexibility around some home working.
The Diocese of Durham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Key Relationships:
- Chair and members of the Closed Churches Uses Panel
- Archdeacons
- Parish clergy, churchwardens and PCCs affected by church closures
- Governance Support Manager
- Buildings for Mission Secretary
- Diocesan Secretary
- Church Commissioners' case officers
- Parish Giving Champion
- Diocesan Advisory Committee
- Diocesan Registrar
- Diocesan appointed estate agents and external stakeholders
Background:
The job role will support the care of church buildings, including both those which are open for worship and those which are closed, or planning to close.
Job Summary:
The post-holder will develop suitable future uses for closed churches in conjunction with the church commissioners and other stakeholders, whilst ensuring the maintenance of closed churches for which the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance (DDBF) holds responsibility. The post-holder will liaise between grant-making bodies and parishes in order to support the development of high-quality successful grant funded projects.
Key Duties and Responsibilities Specific to this Post:
- To identify alternative uses for closed church buildings;
- In liaison with the Buildings for Mission Secretary, to manage the church closure process on behalf of the diocese:
- record the contents of closed churches and arrange for the approved relocation or disposal of their contents;
- In partnership with the Church Commissioners, manage the process for dealing with redundant churches, taking the lead until an offer has been recommended and then supporting the Commissioners until sale has been finalised.
Governance:
- To draft and circulate agendas and papers for meetings of the Closed Churches Uses Panel, to attend those meetings and produce accurate minutes liaising with the Chair of the Closed Churches Uses Panel and making recommendations/presenting as necessary;
- To attend meetings relating to closed churches; advising and minuting as appropriate;
- To prepare faculty applications for any work to and removal of items from closed churches.
Supporting Church Building Projects:
- Liaison with grant-making bodies to identify potential sources of funding for church building projects including capital alterations and maintenance;
- Communicating potential sources of funding to parishes;
- Working with parishes and their professional advisors to develop grant applications, particularly supporting those with limited grant application experience and expertise;
- Developing good practice in parishes around management of maintenance and repairs;
- Liaising with the Buildings for Mission Secretary and DAC when working with parishes that are preparing faculty submissions;
- Developing and promoting diocesan and national church resources and training to support parishes with building projects and maintenance.
General:
To undertake other duties as may be required within the context of the care of church buildings and to provide cover for other members of staff in that area of work as appropriate. The main duties and responsibilities of your post are outlined in your job description. This list is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect your main tasks and areas of work. Changes may occur over time and you will be expected to agree any reasonable changes to your job description that are commensurate with your banding and in line with the general nature of your post. You will be consulted about any changes to your job description before these are implemented.
Closing Date: Monday 12th January
Interviews: Wednesday 21st January
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 36 months
Pay: £34,262.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Durham DH1 3RY
Church Building Support Officer in Durham employer: Diocese of Durham
Contact Detail:
Diocese of Durham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Church Building Support Officer in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the church community and related sectors. Attend local events or online webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Diocese of Durham and its mission. Understand their values and how your skills can contribute to their goals, especially regarding church building support.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Church Buildings Support Officer role. Highlight your experience with grant applications and managing projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Church Building Support Officer in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Church Buildings Support Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to the care and management of church buildings, so don’t hold back!
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you're excited about this position! Share your enthusiasm for supporting church buildings and working with various stakeholders. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it helps us keep track of applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Durham
✨Know Your Church Buildings
Familiarise yourself with the specific church buildings and their histories in the Diocese of Durham. Understanding the context and significance of these buildings will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since you'll be liaising with various stakeholders, think about how you would approach communication with them. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships or projects involving multiple parties in the past.
✨Showcase Your Grant Application Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with grant applications. Highlight any successful projects you've been involved in, especially those that required collaboration with external bodies or parishes.
✨Understand Compliance and Legislation
Brush up on relevant church building legislation and compliance requirements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your preparedness for the responsibilities of the role.