At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team managing historic church buildings and provide expert guidance.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Chichester, caring for 450 significant church buildings.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the Diocese and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving heritage and supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing historic buildings and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 53664 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Church Buildings Team Leader to lead our Church Buildings team and play a key role in supporting parishes, clergy and diocesan governance structures in the care, repair and development of the Diocese of Chichester’s significant church buildings estate. The Diocese is responsible for around 450 church buildings, of which 181 are Grade I listed, 93 are Grade II*, and 99 are Grade II. This is a portfolio of exceptional historic, architectural and community value, presenting both exciting opportunities and complex challenges.
Reporting to the Property Director, you will lead a skilled professional team and provide high-quality advice on church buildings, churchyards, faculty processes, and (subject to experience and training) mission and pastoral reorganisation. You will act as Secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), working closely with clergy, PCCs, archdeacons, external advisers and diocesan colleagues. The role will involve travel across the Diocese, with some evening and occasional weekend working (time off in lieu provided).
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Church Buildings team, including performance management and budgeting
- Support and advise the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches
- Provide expert guidance to parishes and clergy on the care, repair and improvement of church buildings and their contents
- Oversee faculty applications and permissions processes
- Build strong, constructive relationships with stakeholders across the Diocese and beyond
- Contribute to training events, communications and wider diocesan initiatives
- Depending on your experience, you will support mission and pastoral reorganisation and work relating to closed churches, with scope for training and phased responsibility of these aspects of the role
About You
You will bring substantial experience in the care or management of historic or ecclesiastical buildings, along with strong leadership skills and a collaborative approach. A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as heritage management, architecture, surveying or building conservation. You have a strong understanding of heritage legislation, permissions frameworks and national policy relating to church buildings. Experience working with clergy, PCCs, volunteers or comparable stakeholder groups. Proven line management experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. An ability to interpret legislation and provide clear, practical advice. Affiliate membership (or above) of the IHBC and familiarity with the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules are desirable, as is experience of presentation and training delivery. You will be in sympathy with the values and mission of the Church of England and committed to collaborative, professional working.
What we offer
£53,664 per annum (£48,297 during training period if Mission)
Church Buildings Team Leader employer: The Church of England
The Diocese of Chichester offers a unique opportunity for the Church Buildings Team Leader to engage with a rich portfolio of historic church buildings, fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, a commitment to work-life balance with flexible hours, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community. Join us in preserving our architectural heritage while working alongside dedicated colleagues who share a passion for the mission of the Church of England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Church Buildings Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the church and heritage sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies of your past work with historic buildings. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like the Diocese of Chichester, and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity is the best way to land the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and show us why you’re the perfect fit for the Church Buildings Team Leader role. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Church Buildings Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with historic or ecclesiastical buildings. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Church Buildings Team Leader, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your management style and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated others and managed performance, as this will resonate with us at StudySmarter.
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are key for this role, so make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your application well, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know Your Heritage
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of heritage legislation and permissions frameworks. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the complexities of managing historic church buildings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in performance management and budgeting, as this role requires strong leadership to guide the Church Buildings team effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build constructive relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to share specific instances where you've collaborated with clergy, PCCs, or other groups to achieve a common goal.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to convey complex information simply.
