At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parishes in growth and mission through strategic planning and 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: Dynamic role with travel across Sussex and opportunities for collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while growing your skills and faith.
- Qualifications: Experience in church growth, strong communication skills, and a passion for community support.
The predicted salary is between 41200 - 41200 € per year.
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
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:
- 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.
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.
Parish Development Officer in Hove employer: Diocese of Chichester
Join a supportive and dynamic team at the Diocese, where as a Parish Development Officer in Hove, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local church growth and renewal. With a strong emphasis on respect, professionalism, and flexibility, the Diocese offers excellent benefits including flexi-time, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, all while fostering an environment that encourages personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parish Development Officer 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 the interview panel, let your enthusiasm for parish development shine through. Share your vision for how you can help local churches grow and thrive.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to 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 joining the team and making a difference in the Diocese.
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Development Officer in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Parish Development Officer role. Highlight your experience in supporting churches through change and your passion for local church growth.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:Since this role is all about working closely with clergy and parish teams, don’t forget to emphasise your strong communication and interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.
Be Authentic:We want to see the real you! Share your personal journey as a practising Christian and how it fuels your commitment to church growth and renewal. Authenticity can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
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 values and how they support local parishes. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led a church into growth or implemented Mission Action Plans. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, this is a relational role! Make sure to engage with your interviewers by asking thoughtful questions about their current challenges and initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with clergy and PCCs, be prepared to discuss how you foster collaboration and resolve conflicts. Share examples of how you've facilitated group discernment or supported teams in achieving their goals.
