Church & Community Engagement Officer in Cambridge

The Diocese of Peterborough is a living, growing network of churches, chaplaincies and schools covering Northamptonshire, the part of Cambridgeshire formerly known as the Soke of Peterborough and the County of Rutland. Its total population is approximately 917,000. As a diocese, we are committed to being mission-focused and equipped to grow; the parish church is a key part of this commitment.

Purpose of the role: The role is to develop and implement an inclusive community-based approach to using church buildings to their full potential as places of community action, engagement, and outreach through supporting existing church groups and users. The desired outcome is to catalyse the adoption of historic and modern churches by the whole local community and to increase their mixed use.

The Community Support Officer will be a key part of making Church of England buildings used as a social and community resource, thus building their future sustainability. The buildings should be an asset both to worshipping communities and wider society, and opportunities must be found to serve or support all local people within a parish with the use of these buildings.

Tasks and Priorities:

• Build relationships with Local Authorities, local businesses, charities, groups, and other partners or organisations who might play a role in projects or events for mixed use of church buildings.
• Work alongside these organisations to promote the potential of church buildings as community resources; to develop projects in parishes or at diocesan level that will enhance community use of church buildings and meet local needs; and to generate revenue.
• Help Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) and congregations to identify and maximise potential revenue and funding sources.
• Assist PCCs in navigating the legal requirements and processes for grant funding applications, as well as planning or other applications to adapt buildings sensitively for wider community use.
• Identify local needs as regards community outreach and support, including work with the Churches Support Officer to identify churches in need of particular help.
• Develop strategic approaches for the improved conservation and increased use of historic places of worship, helping to establish these buildings and identify opportunities in the priorities of partner organisations and the local community.
• Develop volunteering opportunities and support the establishment and development of other voluntary organisations, such as Friends groups.
• Develop mentoring and training schemes for volunteers (including Churchwardens, PCC Treasurers and Secretaries).
• Develop a framework and suite of resources that can be replicated across the Diocese to support sustainable community development.

The post holder will receive internal training and development and will be encouraged to participate in CPD opportunities.

Key Relationships:

• DAC Secretary, Churches Support Officer, Mission Team
• Community Organisations: Local Clubs, associations, charities and trusts, community leaders, volunteering organisations and individuals
• Local businesses and enterprise associations
• Public Sector: Local Authorities and their networks, regional National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England officers and wider funding organisations
• Church of England: Incumbents, Archdeacons, Parochial Church Councils, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Advisory Committee members, National Church Funding Network, National Cathedral and Church Buildings Division

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Skills in building relationships and working with people, including volunteers.
• Experience in managing community-led projects and fundraising in general.
• 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 in both the rural and the urban parts of the diocese.
• Willingness to work outside normal office hours, as some work in the evenings and at weekends, will be core to the effectiveness of the role.
• A satisfactory outcome of a Basic Disclosure & Barring Service disclosure.

Desirable:

• An understanding of the context of church buildings, their history and development.
• Experience in sourcing and obtaining large grants for community projects.
• An understanding of the built environment/historic buildings/conservation/heritage sector.
• Experience in developing a successful community development framework/strategy.

Other Details:

In line with many other organisations, the Diocese is currently operating a flexible working policy with the opportunity to work some of the week from home. During the probationary period, the post holder will be expected to work from the Peterborough office. This will be subject to review once the probationary period has ended. Your place of work will be defined as the Peterborough Diocesan Office, with travel throughout the diocese as and when required.

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.

Terms and Conditions:

• Salary: £30k p.a.
• Full-time: 3-year grant-funded position
• Pension: 10% non-contributory pension scheme which includes life cover.
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Holidays: 25 days per year plus 8 Public Holidays and Christmas / New Year closure
• Probationary period of 3 months
• The role is based at the Diocesan Office, The Palace, Peterborough.

Application Deadline: 12 PM 10th August 2026