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: Dynamic role with travel across Sussex and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local churches and their communities while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in church growth, training, and strong communication skills required.
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
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.
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: Not For Profit People
The Diocese offers a supportive and flexible work environment for the Parish Development Officer role, with a strong emphasis on professional growth and community impact. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme, all while working collaboratively to foster church growth and renewal across Sussex. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about making a meaningful difference in parish life within a respectful and professional team culture.
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 potential employers, let your enthusiasm for parish development shine through. Share your vision for how you can help parishes grow and flourish.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Development Officer in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for church growth and community support shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission to help parishes flourish!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in leading churches or facilitating group processes. We love seeing how your background fits the role of Parish Development Officer.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've supported churches through change and growth – we want to hear your story!
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 keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Not For Profit People
✨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 churches through growth or change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about their current challenges and future plans for parish development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role is relational, be sure to convey your strong interpersonal skills during the interview. Share experiences that illustrate your ability to collaborate with clergy, PCCs, and volunteers, and how you handle conflict resolution effectively.
