Following a lengthy process of reflection, consultation and planning each of the 12 deaneries that make up our diocese have devised a strategic plan for how they will be fruitful and sustainable. A key aspect of this is how the buildings the parishes in these deaneries are managed and used – How to ‘treasure, transform and safeguard our churches and buildings, now and for future generations – in an effective and efficient manner’.

The Buildings for Mission programme, funded by the national Church of England, aims to support parishes with the care of their churches. This role will work as part of a wider team to do this.

This role is to work alongside parishes and deaneries that are busy with multiple pressures on their time and resources, helping them to devise and progress plans to sustain and develop their church buildings. This has a focus on practical advice, fundraising and project implementation support and must respond to and value the unique and iconic nature of the buildings, and the volunteers and communities that care for them.

The right person for this role will understand buildings in community settings and how they are used. They will be interested in heritage buildings and also know about, or want to learn about, churches and how to care for them. We need a strong communicator who can adjust to different audiences, engaging people in the cause rather than bulldoze them. The skills to bring people together to collaborate are key. Experience of developing and managing projects with community groups/faith groups and fundraising, as well as experience in budget management is important.

Ideally, we seek someone with a qualification and experience in a relevant area, but we are very happy to invest in the right person and can offer a range of training and support, including the option to undertake the Church of England’s Level 4 Apprenticeship in Heritage.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, we would particularly welcome applications from those with a disability, or from a UK minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented in our staff.

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact as part of a unique organisation that prides itself on being a supportive employer. At the Diocese of Truro, we value work-life balance and employee wellbeing and are committed to supporting your development. We offer additional benefits such as flexible working, up to 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, a range of wellbeing activities and the Church of England Pension Scheme with 9-15% employer contributions. More information on this here.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 29 November 2023 with interviews being held on 8 December 2023 in Truro.

This role has been made possible with support from a grant from the Church of England.

For a conversation about the role please contact Kate Cortez, Head of Operations, on 01872 360023 or kate.cortez@truro.anglican.org.