The Diocese of York is a diverse family of nearly 600 churches and 442 parishes, serving communities across North and East Yorkshire. Rooted in prayer and mission, we seek to support parishes so that churches continue to be places of welcome, worship and community life.
We are seeking a Church Buildings Support Officer to help parishes and local communities value, use, and care for church buildings. Funded through an external grant, this role focuses on people rather than projects — building confidence, skills and participation to support the long‑term sustainability of our church buildings.
About the Role
Working within the Church Buildings and DAC team, and closely with colleagues across the Operational Support Team, you will help parishes strengthen community engagement, broaden volunteer involvement and meet funder outcomes linked to access, inclusion and participation. You will also support the delivery of practical maintenance training, develop simple guidance resources, and provide introductory advice on small grant opportunities.
This role is about equipping parishes to become more confident, outward‑facing and self‑sustaining in the care of their buildings. It does not involve managing capital repair projects or leading major funding bids.
About You
You will bring experience of community engagement and volunteer development, an understanding of historic buildings, and the ability to work sensitively with churches of varied capacity.
The successful candidate will have empathy with the Christian faith and a commitment to supporting the mission and ministry of the Church of England. The role requires travel across the Diocese and occasional evening or weekend working.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a small, supportive team committed to serving the Church’s mission through high-quality property stewardship. Based at our Clifton Moor office in York, this is an opportunity to play a meaningful part in supporting churches at the heart of their communities across Yorkshire.
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from disabled people and individuals of UKME heritage, who are currently under-represented within our workforce.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake safeguarding training, and this role may be subject to a DBS check.
Only fully completed applications through Pathways will be accepted; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Closing date: Sunday, 12 July 2026 (midnight)
Shortlisting: Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Interviews: Tuesday, 21 July 2026 in York