Giving & Generosity Support Officer

BACKGROUND

Church of England Birmingham (CofEB) is on a journey of growing churches at the heart of every community. Through this we are seeing growth in many exciting ways. Financially we are at a challenging point. We have had an operational deficit for a number of years and this cannot continue. The National Church has agreed to partner with us around this through their Diocesan Investment Programme enabling us to have the time, and resource, to tackle this head on. One key aspect of this is for us to increase our Common Fund returns (the giving from our parishes that supports the costs of our life together). We are taking a radical new approach to our finances which includes intentional reallocation of income to support the costs in our most economically deprived parishes and deeper relationships with each parish around finance through conversation rather than correspondence. Over the next five years we are hoping to be able to move to a financially sustainable platform which will enable us to better serve our communities in the future.

We have recently recruited a new Head of Generosity (who is also Bishops Advisor for Common Fund) to lead on this work and we are now looking to recruit the team to work with them. The focus of the team is to develop long term relationships with all of our parishes leading to:

• Greater support for our parishes.
• Increased generosity by, and within, our parishes.
• Increased Common Fund.

The current plan is to recruit two Giving & Generosity Advisor roles and one Giving & Generosity Support Officer role. Together this team will work with all of our parishes to roll out our financial approach, through in person meetings, and the support that is on offer as part of this.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The primary focus of this role is to support the wider team in delivering this project. We have 146 parishes and the Head of Generosity will manage the team so that all parishes can be engaged as quickly as possible. It is the Head of Generosity and two Giving & Generosity Advisors who will be carrying out the in-person meetings with each parish. Those roles will work closely with a range of people, and teams, across Church of England Birmingham so that this work is integrated within our wider strategy and parishes are not confused by multiple disjointed initiatives. This will mean working with Archdeacons and Area Deans, Mission Support Team, Ministry Team, Property Team, Finance Team, Community Regeneration Team and Communications Team as well as others.

This role will manage the processes that enable the team to deliver and flourish.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Being the point of contact for parishes and other DBF teams as they will be the member of the team who are predominantly office based.

• Develop strong relationships with parishes, and other key stakeholders, to enable the establishment of meetings, support around Generosity etc.
• Be the first point of contact for parishes when they have questions around Giving and Generosity.
• Manage activities and processes that enable the project to function e.g. a scheme to loan out contact giving devices.
• Support in the creation of resources and communication pieces.
• Keep the teams external, and internal, communication streams up to date (including website, and praying together). Ensuring that the team has a presence in all key CofEB channels.
• Encourage and assist parishes in the implementation of the Parish Giving Scheme, introduction of contactless giving mechanisms and related diocesan resources.
• Support the scheduling and support for training. This will be for clergy, treasurers and others.

• Manage the collation of data and information so progress of the team is clear and evidenced.
• Undertake resource projects.
• Support the Head of Generosity to respond to new and emerging needs and opportunities.
• Ensure a regular flow of team meetings and communication between the team.

• Coordinate team wellbeing activities in line with agreed pattern and linked to the wider CofEB rhythms.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Some understanding of church governance structures and financial operations and requirements.
• Knowledge of generosity principles and Christian financial stewardship.
• Experience of working in a sensitive environment and handling confidential matters with tact and diplomacy.
• Experience of supporting a team and running the processes required to do this.

Essential Skills & Attributes:

• Attention to detail and understand the importance of accuracy
• Good experience in using Microsoft Office, experience of using software for programme / project management would be an advantage
• Excellent planning & organisational skills
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to handle queries from a wide range of people at different levels using a variety of mediums
• Experience in handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• The ability to work independently as well as contributing to the success of the team
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt as priorities change within the overall programme
• Experience of a change programme and/or project management would be an advantage
• An understanding of and sympathy with our Christian ethos and values

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The post-holder will be employed by the Diocesan Board of Finance for a fixed term, ending on 2nd November 2030, subject to funding.

Salary and Pension: Salary of £28,000 plus membership of the Church Worker s Pension Scheme with 12% employer contribution. We are open to discussion especially if you are ordained and are moving out of parish ministry.

Hours: Full-time 35 hours (5 days) per week. Weekend and evening work may be required, for which the equivalent time may be taken back from standard working hours. We are happy to consider requests for flexible working and candidates seeking part-time hours. Please do mention in your application if you would be interested in looking at alternative working hours.

Holidays: 5 weeks per year plus Bank Holidays and 3 Discretionary Days between Christmas and New Year

Employer: Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance

Responsible To: Head of Generosity

CLOSING DATE: 1st February 2026

INTERVIEWS: 12th February 2026 in Birmingham

For an informal conversation or further information about the role, contact Dawn Baker, Head of Generosity.

The Church of England Birmingham is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where all can be themselves and bring their unique identity to their ministry and/or work.

We welcome applications from any individuals who feel that they meet the person specification for any post, in particular from those who are currently under-represented in or staff teams such as those from Global Majority Heritage or UK Minority Ethnic backgrounds, those with visible or invisible disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQI+.

We offer a range of inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and other services to our staff teams.

The Church of England Birmingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.