GIVING & GENEROSITY ADVISOR
BACKGROUND
We have recently recruited a new Head of Generosity, who is also Bishops Advisor for Common Fund, to lead on this work and we are now looking to recruit the team to work with them. The focus of the team is to develop long term relationships with all of our parishes leading to:
* Greater support for our parishes.
* Increased generosity by, and within, our parishes.
* Increased Common Fund.
The current plan is to recruit two Giving & Generosity Advisor roles and one Giving & Generosity Support Officer role. Together this team will work with all of our parishes to roll out our financial approach, through in person meetings, and the support that is on offer as part of this.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The primary focus of this role is to work with parishes to:
* Understand their current financial situation and how this links to the wider Church of England Birmingham situation.
* Assess with them the support needed to increase generosity and giving at a local level and create an action plan around this that is bespoke and contextual.
* Create a long-term plan for their participation in the common fund.
We have 146 parishes and the Head of Generosity will manage the team so that all parishes can be engaged as quickly as possible. It is the Head of Generosity and two Giving & Generosity Advisors who will be carrying out the in-person meetings with each parish. These roles will work closely with a range of people and teams across Church of England Birmingham so that this work is integrated within our wider strategy and parishes are not confused by multiple disjointed initiatives. This will mean working with Archdeacons and Area Deans, Mission Support Team, Ministry Team, Property Team, Finance Team, Community Regeneration Team and Communications Team as well as others.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Develop strong relationships with parishes that will enable this project to flourish and also help increase the connection between parishes and the DBF. Signposting to other teams and projects will be important.
* Inspiring and encouraging parishes in their Christian approach to giving and generosity
* Creating bespoke multiyear plans for Common Fund with parishes with the support of a Steering Group that includes the Archdeacons and other key stakeholders.
* Provide consultancy, resources, and hands-on support to parishes to grow regular giving, legacies, and other forms of financial support. This work will be able to draw on the resources developed by the national church as well as the data held on their Cornerstone Grants Platform. The post-holder will be expected to engage in the work of the National Giving Team as part of the development of these wider resources.
* Develop and deliver training for clergy, lay leaders and PCCs on the theology and Christian practice of giving and generosity and also practical financial management (in conjunction with the Finance Team).
* Work closely with the Finance Team in matters of technical accounting, governance and financial management identified as needed by parishes.
* Encourage and assist parishes in the implementation of the Parish Giving Scheme, introduction of contactless giving mechanisms and related diocesan resources.
* Source, develop and curate practical resources (digital and print) to support local stewardship campaigns and initiatives.
* Evaluate the impact of stewardship and generosity initiatives and adapt strategies accordingly to achieve the project outcomes.
* Working with our Communications Team, create compelling communication tools that articulate the impact of generosity.
As we are looking to recruit two people into these roles there is flexibility to appoint people with complementary skill sets who may have greater expertise in certain elements of the role.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
* Strong understanding of church governance structures and financial operations and requirements.
* Knowledge of generosity principles and Christian financial stewardship.
* A prayerful Christian with a deep commitment to the Church’s mission (Genuine Occupational Requirement).
* Experience of working in a sensitive environment and handling confidential matters with tact and diplomacy.
Essential Skills & Attributes:
* Resilient and adaptable, able to handle challenges and maintain momentum in a demanding role.
* Strong people skills, able to engage effectively with parishes and church communities.
* Good communicator being able to engage a wide range of stakeholders and hold their attention.
* Trustworthy and credible, able to build and maintain confidence with a wide range of stakeholders.
* Empathetic towards parishes and deeply committed to supporting the local church.
* Excellent conflict resolution skills, capable of handling difficult conversations with care and professionalism.
* Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and keep track of numerous ongoing responsibilities.
* Capable implementer, ensuring initiatives are successfully delivered, both at a local and diocese wide level.
* Financially literate, with a good understanding of budgets, stewardship, and sustainability within the Church.
* Be a person of integrity.
Other Considerations:
* The role requires significant evening and weekend work, demanding flexibility and commitment.
* Local presence is essential—the role must be delivered in an incarnational way, engaging directly with communities.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The post-holder will be employed by the Diocesan Board of Finance for a fixed term ending on 2nd November 2030, subject to funding.
Salary and Pension: Salary of £35,000 plus membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with 12% employer contribution. We are open to discussion especially if you are ordained and are moving out of parish ministry.
Hours: Full-time 35 hours (5 days) per week. Weekend and evening work will be required, for which the equivalent time may be taken back from standard working hours. We are happy to consider requests for flexible working, and please do mention in your application if you would be interested in looking at alternative working hours.
Holidays: 5 weeks per year plus Bank Holidays and 3 Discretionary Days between Christmas and New Year
Employer: Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance
Responsible To: Head of Generosity
CLOSING DATE: 2nd November 2025
INTERVIEWS: 10th November 2025
The Church of England Birmingham is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where all can be themselves and bring their unique identity to their ministry and/or work.
We welcome applications from any individuals who feel that they meet the person specification for any post, in particular from those who are currently under-represented in or staff teams such as those from Global Majority Heritage or UK Minority Ethnic backgrounds, those with visible or invisible disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQI+.
We offer a range of inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and other services to our staff teams.
The Church of England Birmingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.