This role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who genuinely desires to support the mission and work of the parishes of the Diocese of Guildford in ‘transforming church, transforming lives’ and who believes stewardship and Christian generosity are vital discipleship topics which underpin and resource our vision, mission and ministry.

We need a team player, ready to undertake a key role in facilitating change among our church leadership - and ultimately our congregations - as we work to encourage people in recognising the generosity at the heart of God’s character and to create a culture of generosity among followers of Christ.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 17thDecember 2018, with interviews being held on Monday 7th January 2019

The role is for 23 hours a week, requiring a flexible approach to a varied workload. You will be responsible for project management, training, and parish support; creating new resources, facilitation of current good practice, statistical analysis, and good liaison with colleagues and networks. Much of the work will be undertaken during the day, but you will need to be available for evening (and occasionally weekends) when PCC meetings take place and also when a number of treasurers and other key parish people are free.

You will be very ably assisted by the Stewardship Support Officer who, as well as working closely with you across all areas of the role, has day-to-day oversight of the Parish Giving Scheme, digital giving and stewardship statistics. You will also find you are richly blessed to be part of a very supportive team and wider staff.

• To play a full part in forming and supporting the PDE team’s vision and plans, within the Diocesan Strategy and purpose.
• To work collaboratively with other diocesan colleagues as appropriate, especially those in the Administration Team who have responsibility for Parish Share.
• To attend BSM, Diocesan Board of Finance and Deanery/Synod and Chapter meetings as required.
• To analyse key stewardship data, reports and initiatives, and provide reports as appropriate.
• To work collaboratively with the wider national and regional stewardship networks, sharing and disseminating good practice.
• To support Treasurers, Parish Stewardship Promoters, Gift Aid Secretaries on areas of Christian stewardship through meetings, presentations, training, newsletters and other forms of communication – and to encourage them to share good practice.

Qualifications

• Good GCSEs or equivalent in Maths and English.

Skills

Essential

• Can quickly establish credibility and respect and build strong working relationships with parishes and other departments.
• Good communication, IT, verbal and presentation skills.
• Self-starter with good organisational and analytical skills.
• Ability to read and analyse straightforward data and to interpret and communicate key information effectively.
• A team player able to enjoy collaborative styles of working, but also able to be effective when working alone.

Desirable

• Determined approach to delivering solutions.
• Appreciation of different personality and behavioural styles.

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge and theological understanding of the principles of Christian giving and stewardship.

Knowledge

• Understanding of leadership and management principles.
• Good knowledge of the Church of England.
• Financially literate – able to read and understand parish accounts.
• At least a basic knowledge of investments.

Guildford is one of 41 dioceses which cover the whole of England. We have 163 parishes and 86 church schools extending across two-thirds of Surrey, North East Hampshire, into Sussex and Greater London. We have 217 church buildings which see more than 25,000 people worshipping on an average Sunday, in addition to many thousands more of all ages who use those buildings or neighbouring church halls on weekdays for church activities and community clubs and meetings. All of this is supported by more than 300 clergy and around 80 staff (paid and voluntary) in our central teams.