Church Buildings Officer

OXFORD DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION; Cherwell District, North Hinksey; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Diocese of Oxford is seeking a Church Buildings Officer to support care, conservation and sustainable development of over 800 churches across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. You will advise parishes on a wide range of church building projects, manage casework, and undertake site visits, balancing heritage with worship and community needs.

The role involves guiding the faculty process, preparing recommendations for the DAC, and collaborating with architects, heritage bodies, clergy

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in history, art history, theology, architecture, archaeology, building conservation or related discipline.
• Knowledge of historic buildings and conservation principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to travel throughout the Diocese.

Responsibilities

• Advise parishes on a wide range of church building projects.
• Manage a varied casework portfolio from repairs to major reordering schemes.
• Guide churches through the faculty process and DAC recommendations.
• Undertake site visits and work with architects and heritage bodies within the Diocese.
• Contribute to training, resources and wider sustainability projects.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational IT skills

Travel flexibility

Education

Degree or equivalent in history/architecture/heritage

Job description

Are you passionate about historic buildings and their future? Join our Church Buildings Team and help support the care, conservation and sustainable development of over 800 churches across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

As a Church Buildings Officer, you will advise parishes on a wide range of projects, manage casework, undertake site visits and help balance heritage conservation with the needs of worship, mission and community use. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real impact on some of the Diocese's most cherished buildings.

Salary: £37,751.95 - £40,655.94 per annum

Salary band:L

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, OX5 1GF

Closing date for receipt of applications:Friday 16 October 2026 at Midnight

Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 3 November 2026at Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GF

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Diocese of Oxford's Church Buildings Team and help care for one of the largest collections of church buildings in the country. The team supports over 800 churches, most of which are listed buildings, helping parishes maintain, repair, adapt and develop their churches for worship, mission and community use. As a Church Buildings Officer, you will advise parishes on a wide range of church building projects, from repairs and maintenance through to major reordering schemes, extensions and Net Zero Carbon projects. You will manage a varied casework portfolio, guide churches through the faculty process, undertake site visits, prepare recommendations for the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), and work closely with architects, heritage bodies, clergy and parish representatives.

Alongside casework, you will contribute to training, resources and wider projects that support the long-term sustainability of church buildings across the Diocese.

About You:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and professional individual with an interest in historic buildings, heritage, conservation, architecture, planning or a related field. You will be an excellent communicator who enjoys working with a wide range of people, balancing heritage considerations with the practical needs of parishes and communities.

You will also have:

• A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject such as history, art history, theology, architecture, archaeology, building conservation or a related discipline.
• Knowledge and understanding of historic buildings and conservation principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise effectively.
• Good interpersonal skills and confidence working with a large range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and IT skills.
• An ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively as part of a small professional team.
• The ability to travel throughout the Diocese.

Knowledge of the Church of England, the faculty jurisdiction system, planning, architecture, sustainability or heritage management would be advantageous, but we welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills and experience.

You do not need to be a practising Christian to work with us. Around half of our staff are not practising Christians, but all are comfortable working within the Christian ethos and values that underpin our work.

We want the Church of England’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all to be reflected in our staff. We are particularly keen to receive applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority heritage and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented.