Net Zero & Church Buildings Officer

Church of England; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexi-time

Pension 8%

Hybrid working

Cycle to work scheme

EV salary sacrifice

Annual leave 25 days + bank holidays +

4 customary days a year

Job summary

The Diocese of Leeds seeks a Net Zero & Church Buildings Officer to help churches reduce carbon footprints while ensuring building changes are sustainable and compliant with Church of England processes. The role, funded for the period to mid-2029, offers hybrid working and a supportive team environment.

The successful candidate will combine excellent communication with strong organisational skills, and a keen interest in church buildings, architecture and environmental sustainability.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and with volunteers and professionals.
• Interest in church buildings, architecture, environmental sustainability or net zero initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support churches in reducing their carbon footprint.
• Ensure building changes are appropriate, sustainable and compliant with Church of England processes.
• Collaborate with volunteers and professionals to implement the plan.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Organisational skills

Independent & collaborative work

Interest in net zero/ environment

Job description

We are looking for someone to join the Church Buildings & Pastoral Reorganisation team as a Net Zero & Church Buildings Officer, helping churches across the Diocese of Leeds make practical progress towards the Church of England's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions whilst caring for and developing their historic buildings.

The Diocese of Leeds has been awarded partial funding for this post by the Archbishops' Council for the period to mid-2029

Hours: 35 per week

Contract period: 2 and a half years (or until 30 June 2029)

Salary: £27,546 - £32,935

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to support churches in reducing their carbon footprint while ensuring that changes to buildings are appropriate, sustainable and compliant with Church of England processes.

What You Will Bring

The successful candidate will bring excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail. They will be confident in working independently, and collaboratively with volunteers and professionals. An interest in church buildings, architecture, environmental sustainability or net zero initiatives will be a great asset in this role, as will be a commitment to continued learning and development.

Why Work for the Diocese of Leeds?

Through this role, the postholder will make a tangible contribution to the Church of England net zero carbon ambition, as part of a supportive and collaborative diocesan team. They will work with churches and communities to create lasting environmental impact, helping to shape innovative approaches to the care and sustainability of church buildings.

The Diocese of Leeds is proud to be recognised as one of the top ten charities in the UK to work for, according to Best Companies. We were ranked:

• 6th best charity to work for in the UK,
• 14th best company to work for in Yorkshire and the Humber,
• 21st best small company to work for nationally.

These achievements reflect the positive culture we strive to create - one where colleagues feel supported, welcomed and able to thrive in their roles. Our flexible working practices, commitment to excellent workplace facilities, and our active staff groups - including the Social Group and Staff Engagement Forum - help foster a collaborative, supportive and enjoyable place to work.

We’re committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. That’s why all our vacancies are shortlisted anonymously, removing personal details from applications to ensure every candidate is assessed purely on their skills and experience.

The package includes a flexi-time scheme, an 8% non-contributory pension with an additional 5% matched contributions, hybrid working (50%), Cycle to work scheme, EV salary sacrifice scheme and 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and four customary days a year (between Christmas and New Year).

Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 22 November

Interviews: Friday 4 December

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Net Zero Carbon Programme Manager, Rosalind Cooper ([e-mail]).

The Diocese of Leeds is currently unable to sponsor candidates without Right to Work in the UK. Candidates must have Right to Work in the UK to take up this role.