Church Buildings Support Officer - Community Engagement Enabler

Church Buildings Support Officer – Community Engagement Enabler Hours: 35 hours per week. Salary: £30,000 - £33,000 dependent on experience. This is a fixed term contract commencing late summer 2026 for three years ending 30th June 2029. The Community Engagement Enabler role is a diverse one, supporting mission and ministry across the Diocese by helping parishes ensure that community engagement is an integral part of their building projects. Our churches are at the heart of their communities, so this role plays a key part in enabling them to serve both the worshipping congregations and wider society. The Community Engagement Enabler works directly with parishes, local partners, and stakeholders to develop creative, inclusive community-based projects that increases the use of churches, generates income, and supports long-term sustainability of the building asset. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference by helping communities thrive while preserving and reimagining historic spaces for future generations. The Organisation The Diocese of Bristol is the administrative area of the Church of England that covers the cities of Bristol and Swindon and the rural parishes of adjacent North Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire. There are more than 200 churches in the Diocese, led by hundreds of clergy, and around 15,000 children and young people attend our 72 church schools. In many ways the best description is that the Diocese is a family of the 30,000 or so Clergy, Staff, Parish Officers, and Church attenders who work together with a common goal. You will be working in the Church Buildings Team which is part of the Property and Estates Directorate and collaborating with other teams within the Diocesan office. This role is based in our office at Stoke Gifford in North Bristol and you will be expected to travel within the diocese in fulfilling the job requirements. About You You are highly organised, reliable and motivated, with a genuine interest in church buildings and how they serve local communities. You enjoy working with a wide range of people and be able to respond sensitively and professionally to sometimes challenging situations. Experience in understanding needs and working with stakeholders is an essential requisite of this role to be able to deliver tangible outcomes and outputs for our parishes. You are able to communicate well and give advice and information in concise and effective ways. You are equally happy working independently and as part of a team so willing to take direction while also using your initiative. You are supportive of the charitable aims of the Diocese and the promotion of the Christian faith through the local church and are committed to good practice in safeguarding. You do not need to be a practicing Christian to apply to this role, but you should be comfortable in working closely with a faith community and in interacting directly with members of the clergy and their families. Desired Skills and Experience There is a requirement to be skilled in building relationships and working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Being confident in leading workshops, presenting, and producing clear written reports is key to this role. You will need to think strategically and develop sustainable, income-generating ideas with parishes. You need to be organised, self-motivated and able to manage multiple projects and be sensitive to working with historic buildings and community spaces. There will be occasions when you need to be flexible to attend meetings outside of normal working hours. We Also Offer Flexible working 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) pro rata A contributory pension scheme and life assurance A Health Cash Plan Company sick pay Free onsite parking A warm, supportive and values‑led team The Diocese of Bristol is committed to being a fair, respectful and inclusive organisation. We believe diversity helps us flourish, and we warmly welcome applications from under‑represented groups. It is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, to which all staff and volunteers are expected to share. Closing Date: Monday 17th August 2026 Interviews: Applicants to state availability for interview if short listed, to be held between Monday 24th August and Friday 4th September. Full Job Description The Diocese of Bristol is committed to being a fair, respectful and inclusive organisation. We believe diversity helps us flourish, and we warmly welcome applications from underrepresented groups.