At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parishes in growth and renewal through strategic vision and practical training.
- Company: Join a supportive Diocese committed to community and church development.
- Benefits: Flexi-time, 28 days leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a collaborative team environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while working with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in church growth, training, and strong communication skills required.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Parish Development Officer to join the Parish Support Team and play a key role in supporting parishes across the Diocese to flourish in mission and ministry. 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.
Position: Parish Development Officer
Location: Hove/Hybrid
Salary: £41,200 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hour per week (flexi time available)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 7th June 2026
Interview Date: Hove on 19th June 2026
About the Role
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.
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
About You
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
- A full driving licence and access to a car
This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 that the post holder be a practising Christian. You can view full details of the job description and person specification when you apply.
About the Organisation
The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England. As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.
What is on offer:
- Flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week
- 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year
- 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
Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy.
Church Buildings Team Leader in Hove employer: Diocese of Chichester
The Diocese offers a supportive and flexible work environment, prioritising respect and professionalism while empowering employees to make a meaningful impact in local parishes. With generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, this role in Hove allows you to thrive both personally and spiritually as you contribute to the growth and renewal of the church community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Church Buildings Team Leader in Hove
✨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
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Diocese and its parishes, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported churches through change.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for church growth and renewal shine through. They want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Church Buildings Team Leader in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Parish Development Officer, so highlight relevant experiences that showcase your ability to support parishes effectively.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for church growth and renewal shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in parish life, so share your personal connection to the mission and values of the Diocese.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information about the position there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Chichester
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to really understand the mission and vision of the Diocese. Familiarise yourself with their goals and how they support local parishes. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their objectives during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led churches into growth or implemented Mission Action Plans. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
This role is all about relationships, so be sure to engage with your interviewers. Ask thoughtful questions about their current projects and challenges. This shows your interest in collaboration and your proactive approach to supporting parishes.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
As a practising Christian, it's important to convey your passion for church growth and renewal. Share personal stories that reflect your commitment to the faith and how it drives your work. This will resonate well with the values of the Diocese and show you're a great cultural fit.
