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Community Engagement & Development Officer – Churchyard Biodiversity & Heritage Project
Diocese of Coventry
Region: West Midlands
Salary / Fee: From £32,919 to £32,919 per annum
Job Type: Full-time Fixed term for 1 year initially for the Development Stage, with the aim of securing 5 years of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the 5-year Delivery Stage.
Closing Date: 31/7/25
Link / Contact details to apply: For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Andy Duncan to arrange a telephone conversation at [emailprotected]
Are you a passionate and proactive coordinator, inspired by the rich biodiversity found in our nation’s churchyards and excited by engaging communities with these spaces?
Could you play an important role in our Churchyard Biodiversity & Heritage Project—an ambitious initiative supported by nearly £200,000 of Development Stage funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund? Delivered in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Caring for God’s Acre, this six-year project aims to:
* Empower Anglican churches by supporting communities in Coventry and Warwickshire to unlock their churchyards’ potential for biodiversity, heritage, and well-being.
* Engage the wider community by inviting non-churchgoers to participate in managing and enhancing churchyards.
* Promote inclusivity, ensuring under-represented and less-able groups, along with people from all economic and social backgrounds, can access and enjoy these green spaces.
* Contribute to the national dialogue on how local communities and small organizations can respond to the species and climate crisis.
This is a unique opportunity to shape a landmark project that enhances the ecological and historical value of churchyards across the Diocese of Coventry, while building lasting community connections.
The main responsibilities of the Community Engagement & Development Officer include:
* Leading community engagement activities, consultations, and events to connect local people with the biodiversity and heritage of churchyards across the Diocese.
* Supporting churches in developing local partnerships focused on protecting and enhancing biodiversity.
* Contributing to the development of management and activity plans, working closely with the Biodiversity & Natural Heritage Officer, consultants, and other initiatives.
* Promoting and coordinating volunteer involvement in initiatives like Churches Count on Nature and the Big Garden Birdwatch.
* Assisting the Project Manager with progress reports and data for the Heritage Fund Delivery Phase application.
We are looking for a candidate who:
* Is a confident communicator with experience in community engagement and volunteer coordination.
* Has a passion for nature conservation and heritage, with creativity to design inclusive and inspiring engagement opportunities.
* Possesses strong organisational skills and can manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
* Has excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of building relationships across church communities, partners, and stakeholders.
Join a supportive network of museum and heritage educators and make a meaningful impact through this exciting project.
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