At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parishes in growth and mission through strategic planning and training.
- Company: Join a vibrant Parish Support Team within the Diocese of Chichester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a chance to collaborate with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local church life and community impact.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualifications or equivalent experience in church growth and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 41200 - 41200 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Parish Development Officer to join our Parish Support Team to play a key role in supporting parishes across the Diocese of Chichester to flourish in mission and ministry. Working closely with clergy, PCCs and parish leadership teams, you will help parishes discern, develop and implement their vision and strategic direction. You will support cultural change, encourage growth and renewal, and enable churches to become more effective and confident in their mission within their local contexts. You will be a practising Christian with a heart for local church growth and renewal, and with proven experience of supporting churches through change. This is a relational, outward-facing role that involves travel across the Diocese, varied project work, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference to parish life. The role is offered full time, and also open to applicants seeking a job share or clergy applicants interested in combining the role with a ministry post.
Key responsibilities
- Work with parishes, benefices and deaneries to develop vision, strategy and Mission Action Plans
- Facilitate PCC away days, visioning processes and group discernment
- Support churches to grow in confidence, effectiveness and collaboration in mission and ministry
- Provide practical support around leadership, team dynamics, communication and conflict resolution
- Work closely with the Archdeacons to support parishes during periods of vacancy
- Develop and deliver parish development training and contribute to diocesan initiatives
- Advise parishes on resourcing mission, including people and finances
What we offer
- A salary of £41,200 per annum
- 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year
- Flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week
- Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support
- Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities
You will bring
- Relevant degree-level qualifications or equivalent experience
- Successful experience of leading a church into growth and implementing Mission Action Plans
- Experience of training, facilitation or mentoring individuals and groups
- Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills
- Confidence working with clergy, PCCs and volunteers
- A collaborative, reflective and resilient approach
All post holders are expected to comply with the safeguarding policy. This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 that the post holder be a practising Christian.
Parish Development Officer in Portslade employer: Church of England
Join our dedicated team as a Parish Development Officer in the Diocese of Chichester, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local church growth and renewal. We offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal development, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous salary, flexible working arrangements, and access to professional training. With a focus on fostering strong relationships within the community, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to the flourishing of parishes while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant and mission-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parish Development Officer in Portslade
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the church community and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local parish activities. Attend events, volunteer, and engage with the community. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your commitment to church growth and renewal.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Diocese of Chichester and its parishes. Understand their current challenges and think about how you can contribute to their mission and vision. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Development Officer in Portslade
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for parish development shine through in your application. We want to see your heart for local church growth and renewal, so share personal experiences that highlight your commitment to mission and ministry.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for evidence of your successful experience in leading churches into growth and implementing Mission Action Plans.
Be Relational:Since this role is all about building relationships, use your application to demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with clergy, PCCs, and volunteers in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to understand the mission and values of the Diocese of Chichester. Reflect on how your personal beliefs and experiences align with their vision for parish growth and renewal. This will help you articulate your passion for the role and demonstrate that you're a good fit.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led churches through change or implemented Mission Action Plans. Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills and resilience.
✨Engage in Relational Dialogue
Since this role is relational and outward-facing, practice engaging in meaningful conversations. Think about how you can facilitate discussions with clergy and PCCs, and be prepared to share your approach to building relationships and fostering collaboration within church communities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current challenges facing parishes in the Diocese or how they envision the future of parish development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your aspirations.
