Whilst considering reducing the number of clergy nationwide, the Church of England is advertising for someone to be employed as its, “Bats in Churches Communications Officer”. The post, which is located in London, pays between £31,857 and £34,255 (pro rata). The stipend of a clergyman is less.
No one makes this stuff up but here’s the actual job description.
“The Bats in Churches Project is a ground-breaking partnership bringing together communities, bats and historic churches. The partnership includes Natural England, Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the Church of England, Historic England, Bat Conservation Trust and Churches Conservation Trust, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund until 2023 to safeguard the future of protected bat roosts living in hundreds of England’s parish churches whilst reducing their negative impact on these historic buildings and the people who use them.
“This is an excellent opportunity to join us as Bats in Churches Communications Officer on a fixed term basis (maternity cover). This exciting role is crucial to get the right messages across to the right audiences.
“As Communications Officer, you will be responsible for delivering the Bats in Churches project communications strategy and action plan during the delivery phase of the project. You will be the key link between the project and its wider stakeholders, supporting the team to recruit volunteers and citizen scientists, keeping our church partners informed about project progress and encouraging new audiences across the country to get involved in heritage and nature conservation.
“We would like to hear from you if you have the ability, motivation and commitment to give to this post on a part time basis working 17.5 hours per week on a fixed term contract which is expected to last for 12 months”.
There was no mention of any need to personally have bats in the belfry to qualify for the post or to use echo-location to get to and from the job.
