Net Zero Carbon Parish Support Officer

The Church of England; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diocese of York is seeking a proactive Net Zero Carbon Parish Support Officer to help parishes become well-connected and equipped to take environmental action, aligning with Living Christ's Story and net zero goals.

You will establish a Diocese-wide PEO network, manage newsletters and resources, organise events, support campaigns, and act as a frontline contact for parish enquiries, with safeguarding commitments and right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Experience managing communications or networks.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication.
• Ability to plan and deliver events in person and online.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and Net Zero objectives.

Responsibilities

• Establish, grow, and sustain a Diocese-wide network of Parish Environment Officers.
• Manage communications for the PEO network, newsletters, guidance notes and resources.
• Maintain contact lists and distribution groups.
• Organise meetings, workshops, webinars and training.
• Support engagement campaigns and parish initiatives on Net Zero.
• Serve as a point of contact for parish enquiries on Net Zero and the PEO network.
• Maintain repository of tools, templates, and materials.
• Collaborate with Programme Lead to align with the Diocesan Action Plan.
• Contribute to progress reporting and evaluation of parish engagement.

Job description

Diocese of York Are you passionate about sustainability? Join the Diocese of York and help parishes to become well‑connected, informed and equipped to take forward environmental action.

The Diocese of York serves North and East Yorkshire through nearly 600 churches, 125 schools and 442 parishes. As part of our Living Christ's Story strategy and the Church of England's commitment to reach net zero carbon by 2030, we're looking for a proactive and organised individual to be our Net Zero Carbon Parish Support Officer.

About The Role

Working closely with our Net Zero Carbon Programme Lead, Net Zero Carbon Funding Officer, and Regional Net Zero Fundraiser, you will:

• Establish, grow, and sustain a Diocese‑wide network of Parish Environment Officers (PEOs).
• Manage communications for the PEO network, including newsletters, updates, guidance notes and signposting to resources.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date contact lists and distribution groups.
• Organise meetings, workshops, webinars and training events for PEOs and parish leaders.
• Support Diocesan‑wide engagement campaigns or themed events related to Net Zero Carbon.
• Serve as an accessible and friendly first point of contact for parish enquiries relating to Net Zero, environmental action and the PEO network.
• Maintain a central repository of tools, templates, links, and materials to support parish-level initiatives.
• Work closely with the Net Zero Carbon Programme Lead to ensure alignment with Diocesan Action Plan.
• Contribute to progress reporting, monitoring and evaluation of parish engagement across the Diocese.

About You

You will have:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with experience managing communications or networks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage volunteers and build positive relationships.
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication.
• Ability to plan and deliver events, both in person and online.
• Proactive, approachable and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and support for the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon objectives.

Experience of working with volunteers in a church or charity setting, knowledge of environmental issues, and familiarity with the structures of the Church of England would be beneficial.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference across one of England's largest dioceses, helping churches and schools reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs and care for creation while supporting thriving local communities.

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.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date: 5 October 2026 (midnight)

Shortlisting: 12 October 2026

Interviews: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 in York