Glebe, Property & Trusts Officer

The Diocese Of York; York; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diocese of York seeks a Glebe, Property and Trusts Officer to manage a diverse property portfolio across North and East Yorkshire. The role involves liaising with external agents, overseeing legal property processes, and providing strategic advice, contributing to the Church's mission and development efforts.

Qualifications

• Experience in property law, acquisitions, and disposals.
• Knowledge of charity and ecclesiastical property legislation.
• Proven managerial skills with external agents.

Responsibilities

• Manage glebe land portfolio and act as liaison with external agents.
• Oversee legal processes for property transactions and compliance.
• Advise on custodian trusts and their administration.

Skills

Property and land law

Charity legislation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Job description

Play a key role in telling the story of faith, hope and community across North and East Yorkshire.

Who we are

With its nationwide network of parishes, the Church of England plays a vital and active role in national life — bringing a distinctive Christian presence to communities, and supporting spiritual, social and civic life throughout the country. The Church is organised into 42 dioceses, each under the care of a bishop, covering every part of England.

The Diocese of York spans much of North and East Yorkshire, encompassing the cities of York and Hull, the towns of Middlesbrough and Selby, two National Parks, and the stunning Yorkshire coast. With nearly 600 churches, 125 schools, and 442 parishes, we are a vibrant, diverse and faithful family under the spiritual leadership of the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. Our principal church is York Minster, a place of worship, heritage and mission.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Glebe, Property and Trusts Officer to join our Property Team. This team manages a substantial and diverse portfolio, including clergy housing, glebe land, and parish property trusts—supporting the Church’s ministry across 2,600 square miles of the diocese.

About the role

• Glebe Land Oversight: Act as the main liaison with external agents managing the diocese’s 3,000-acre glebe land portfolio (valued at ~£18 million), ensuring proactive estate management, compliance with budget and strategic goals, and identifying opportunities for investment and development.
• Legal Processes: Lead and coordinate legal processes related to property acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences, and statutory registrations—working closely with the Diocesan Board of Finance’s appointed legal advisors.
• Trusts and Parish Property Guidance: Oversee and advise on the administration of custodian trusts (~£16 million) and ensure compliance with relevant legal and charitable requirements when selling or utilising parish-held assets.
• Strategic Contribution: Provide informed legal and strategic input into wider diocesan and parish asset utilisation, contributing to effective stewardship and resource development.

About you

We are looking for an individual who combines legal and property expertise with an appreciation for the mission and structures of the Church. You will be comfortable navigating complex legal frameworks, managing stakeholder relationships, and offering proactive, strategic advice.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrable experience in property and land law, including leases, acquisitions, disposals, and trust matters.
• Strong understanding of charity and ecclesiastical property legislation.
• Proven ability to manage external agents and consultants effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical thinker with a strategic mindset.
• Able to work collaboratively within a values-driven organisation.

This is a unique opportunity to work in a values-based organisation making a positive impact across Yorkshire. You will be part of a supportive team, contributing meaningfully to the life and mission of the Church, while developing a strategic and professional property function with long-term vision.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from disabled candidates and those from UKME heritage as these groups are under-represented in our staff.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All employees are expected to share this commitment. You will be required to undertake safeguarding training, and this role will be subject to a DBS check.

This role is based at the Diocesan Office in Clifton Moor, York. For any enquiries, please contact Kirsty McCullough at 01904 699500 or email [e-mail] .

Only fully completed applications through Pathways will be accepted; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Tuesday 24th June 2025

Interviews: Thursday 3rd July 2025 in York

The Garrowby Hill benefice comprises five rural parishes, all with listed buildings in very picturesque settings but what sets us apart is not the buildings, but the Church – God’s people living and working in those parishes. We are committed, supportive and active in trying to live out “Christ’s Story” and we want someone who will help us to grow further and develop deeper our faith and ministry in the places we live.