At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Encounter Programme, creating pathways for young people to encounter Jesus.
- Company: Manchester Diocese, committed to inspiring young disciples and thriving ministries.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact in children's and youth ministry.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming lives and communities through faith.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and experience in youth ministry required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to nurturing faith in every setting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Manchester Diocese has an inspiring vision for 2030. We are committed to doubling the number of young active disciples and ensuring there is a thriving Children and Young Peoples (CYP) ministry within reach of every young person. We are energised by the opportunities to create ways for children and young people to encounter Jesus.
Our Growing Younger strategy outlines a bold pathway for transformation across parishes, schools, homes, and mission communities. The Encounter Programme sits at the heart of this vision, creating opportunities for children and young people to encounter Jesus and grow in lifelong discipleship.
This is a significant strategic leadership role responsible for the development, coordination, and evaluation of the Encounter Programme across the Diocese. Working closely with our Directors, Archdeaconries, and specialist CYP teams, the Encounter Project Manager will ensure that the Encounter Programme delivers its purpose:
- Developing discipleship pathways for children and young people aged 0-18
- Supporting parish culture change to prioritise discipleship, welcome, and inclusion
- Strengthening links between parishes and schools to nurture faith in every setting
- Increasing the number of flourishing CYP ministries across mission communities
The Encounter Project Manager will:
- Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the Encounter Programme, ensuring coherence across four Archdeaconries.
- Lead on project planning, resource deployment, and structured implementation phases, including the evaluation processes set out for 2026 and beyond.
- Manage and support Encounter Team Leaders and CYP Specialists to ensure high quality delivery across Early Years, Children & Families, Youth, and Chaplaincy pathways.
- Work collaboratively with parishes to guide diagnostic assessments, identify missional opportunities, and develop sustainable CYP pathways.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with church leaders, mission communities, schools, and diocesan teams.
- Oversee monitoring, reporting, and impact evaluation aligned to our outcomes including new groups, fresh expressions, youth spaces, leadership development, and disciple growth.
- Ensure alignment between Encounter, Equip, and other aspects of the Growing Younger strategy.
We are seeking a candidate with a rare combination of skills, experience, and spiritual commitment:
- Strong project management experience, ideally in education, ministry, community development, or similar.
- Experience in Christian children/youth ministry or discipleship leadership.
- Proven ability to lead multi-site or multi-team programmes, preferably involving cultural or organisational change.
- Excellent communication, relationship building, and stakeholder management skills.
- A passion for enabling children and young people to encounter Jesus and follow Him.
- Ability to inspire clergy, volunteers, and lay leaders.
There is an occupational requirement for the post-holder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.
An enhanced DBS check is required for the successful candidate.
If you would like an informal conversation about the role or the Encounter Programme, please contact us directly.
Closing Date: Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 4:00pm
Interviews: Thursday, 16 April 2026 at St Johns House, 155-163 The Rock, Bury BL9 0ND
Encounter Project Manager in Fallowfield employer: Diocese of Manchester
Contact Detail:
Diocese of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Encounter Project Manager in Fallowfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Manchester Diocese. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Encounter Programme and the Growing Younger strategy. Show us you’re passionate about helping children and young people encounter Jesus. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your project management experience and how it can benefit the Encounter Programme. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll shine during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the mission of nurturing faith in every setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Encounter Project Manager in Fallowfield
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 our vision for the Encounter Programme!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for children and young people's ministry shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping young people encounter Jesus.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Remember, less is often more!
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 this exciting role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Manchester
✨Know the Vision
Before your interview, dive deep into the Manchester Diocese's vision for 2030. Understand their goals for young active disciples and how the Encounter Programme fits into that. This will help you align your answers with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your project management experience, especially in contexts like education or community development. Prepare specific examples of how you've led multi-site programmes or driven cultural change, as this is crucial for the Encounter Project Manager role.
✨Highlight Relationship Building Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think of instances where you've successfully built partnerships or managed relationships. Be prepared to share how you can inspire clergy, volunteers, and lay leaders to support the Encounter Programme.
✨Emphasise Your Passion
Your passion for enabling children and young people to encounter Jesus should shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that illustrate your commitment to youth ministry and discipleship. This will resonate well with the interviewers and demonstrate your alignment with their values.