Introduction
This new role, funded by the Church Commissioners' 'Buildings for Mission' grant, will provide frontline support to parishes in the Southwark Diocese for capital fundraising to maintain, repair, and conserve church buildings. The aim is to ensure these buildings remain sustainable, open, and available for both worship and diverse community use. The post-holder will offer hands-on support to priority churches, ongoing guidance to around 50 additional churches, and ad hoc advice as needed.
Main Responsibilities
1. To provide specialist advice and where appropriate hands-on assistance to parishes on grants applications and other means of capital fundraising, for maintenance/repair/conservation of church buildings and capital improvement-works projects.
2. To offer encouragement, help and support to parishes in developing strategic financially-achievable approaches to maintenance/repair/conservation and sustainable use of their church buildings, including community engagement and wider uses, as well as energy-efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
* Support Capital Fundraising: Advise parishes on grants and income generation to maintain and improve church buildings, including achieving Net Zero Carbon goals.
* Parish Assistance: Help parishes with grant applications, financial planning, and income-generating strategies through meetings and ongoing support.
* Grant Management: Administer building and energy-saving grants, ensuring effective allocation and use.
* Training and Guidance: Deliver workshops and provide resources to enhance parish fundraising skills.
* Communication: Share updates on funding opportunities and celebrate parish successes.
* Monitoring and Reporting: Track project outcomes and contribute to diocesan and national evaluations.
The Ideal Candidate
* Experience working with building owners, volunteers, and community groups to build capacity.
* Proven ability in grant processing, fundraising bids, and applications.
* Knowledge of maintaining and sustaining historic or community buildings.
* Experience managing project finances, budgets, and cash flows.
* Awareness of legislation for historic buildings and the planning process.
* Ability to interpret technical drawings and building proposals.
Are you interested in applying? Please view the Job Information Pack for full and further details about the role.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese has a strong commitment to equal opportunities and will not discriminate on the grounds of race, nationality, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or belief. Its employees are expected to abide by the Equal Opportunities Policy which embodies these principles.