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 be our Church and Community Support Officer 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.
What We’re Looking For
- 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.
Desirable:
- Experience of heritage funding (e.g. NLHF)
- Knowledge of Church of England structures
- An interest in historic buildings
Why Join Us?
- 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.
How to Apply
Apply via the Pathways recruitment website.
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.
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The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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For over 30 years, RASASC has provided specialist, trauma-informed support to survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse across Cheshire and Merseyside.
As Managing Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team, funders, commissioners and partners to ensure RASASC continues to deliver high-quality, survivor-centred services while building a sustainable future.
The opportunity:
- Shape and deliver RASASC’s strategy, growth plans and future direction
- Lead and inspire a committed team, creating a culture of excellence, collaboration and learning
- Ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience
- Develop relationships with funders, commissioners, partners and stakeholders
- Champion survivor voices and influence the wider sexual violence support sector
- Drive innovation, service improvement and long-term impact
We are looking for an experienced senior leader who can demonstrate:
- Strategic leadership experience within the charity, public, voluntary or social purpose sector
- A strong track record of managing budgets, resources and organisational performance
- Experience working with Boards, Trustees or Non-Executive Directors
- Success in securing funding through grants, contracts, tenders or partnerships
- The ability to lead people, manage change and build effective relationships
- A commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and survivor-centred practice
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation with a powerful mission — ensuring survivors of sexual violence receive the support, advocacy and voice they deserve.If you are an ambitious, compassionate and strategic leader who wants to create lasting change, we would love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.