At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Vocations & Discipleship Team to nurture others' gifts.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Chelmsford, a community focused on faith and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, generous holiday, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's spiritual journeys and help them discover their vocations.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained priest with experience in vocational discernment and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
Are you someone who can recognise and nurture the God‑given gifts of others, empowering them as they explore their vocation to ministry?
Working hours: This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) with the opportunity for hybrid working and flexible working.
Salary: c£60,000, subject to qualifications and experience.
The Diocese of Chelmsford is seeking to appoint a Head of Vocations & Discipleship to lead our new Vocations & Discipleship Team. The new team in our Mission & Ministry Department brings together our Assistant DDO, Lay Ministry Adviser, and Vocations Outreach Officer, with two additional roles of Assistant Director of Ordinands and a Vocations & Discipleship Administrator.
We’re looking for a leader who knows how to create and implement inspiring approaches to Christian formation and discipleship, enabling people to grow and flourish in their faith. You will help shape the journey of those exploring their call to ordained and lay ministry. We know from experience that people growing in discipleship are people ready to follow Christ’s call into new vocations. Would you like to join us in this work, enabling the strategic development of vocations and discipleship across our diocese and leading our Vocations & Discipleship team?
ROLE DUTIES- Lead the strategic development and delivery of a diocesan wide vocations and discipleship strategy and team, responding to the recently conducted Vocations Review, with the objective to increase the number of ordained and lay vocations in the Diocese of Chelmsford.
- Oversee and support Area Vocations/Ordination Advisers, developing a team approach to support learning and development.
- In liaison with Area (Sponsoring) Bishops, oversee discernment, sponsorship, and preparation processes for national selection panels for candidates for ordination.
- Oversee and line manage the work of the Lay Ministry Adviser and their wider team in the discernment, training and deployment of all licensed and authorised lay ministers across the Diocese of Chelmsford.
- An ordained priest of the Church of England, or a Church in communion with the Church of England, with experience of working with churches of more than one tradition.
- Substantial experience of vocational discernment work in the Church of England to at least a diocesan adviser level or equivalent.
- Experience of developing and delivering inspiring approaches to nurturing Christian formation and discipleship.
- Experience of staff line and volunteer management, enabling colleagues to flourish in role and experience of handling complex and sensitive staffing issues.
We offer a range of benefits including hybrid and flexible working, 11% non-contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday rising to 29 after five years’ service.
Closing Date: 7 June 2026
Interview Date: 25 June 2026
We reserve the right to invite candidates for preliminary interviews. Please be advised we reserve the right to close the role early and we cannot consider candidates who do not complete and return a completed application form. Please refer to the CDBF Privacy Policy for guidance on how we will process your data.
Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO) employer: Church of England
The Diocese of Chelmsford is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for those passionate about ministry and discipleship. With flexible working options, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, we empower our team to flourish in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in shaping the future of vocations and discipleship, where your leadership can inspire others to explore their God-given gifts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with others who share your passion for ministry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to vocations and discipleship. Think about how you can showcase your experience and vision for empowering others in their faith journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and stay updated on new opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to joining our team in shaping the future of vocations and discipleship.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The Diocese of Chelmsford is looking for someone who can nurture gifts and empower others, so make sure your application reflects your passion for ministry and discipleship.
Be Authentic:We want to see the real you! Share your personal journey in faith and how it has shaped your approach to vocations and discipleship. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your experience in vocational discernment and Christian formation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others in their faith journey.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Diocese of Chelmsford's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent Vocations Review and think about how your experience aligns with their goals for increasing ordained and lay vocations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and developing strategies. Think about specific instances where you've empowered others in their vocational journeys, as this role is all about nurturing gifts and guiding individuals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle complex staffing issues or support a team member in their discernment process. Practise articulating your approach to these scenarios, focusing on empathy and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Passion
During the interview, let your passion for Christian formation and discipleship shine through. Share your vision for how you would inspire others in their faith journey, and be prepared to discuss innovative approaches you’ve implemented in the past.
