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 remote work options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Sussex and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local churches and their communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in church growth, training, and strong communication skills.
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 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 in a collaborative culture that values respect and professionalism. Located in Hove, this position allows for a meaningful contribution to local church growth and renewal across Sussex, making it an ideal opportunity for those passionate about faith and community service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parish Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the Diocese and its values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Parish Development Officers or clergy members. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's responsibilities, especially around supporting churches through change. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in parish life.
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what skills and experiences are needed for the Parish Development Officer role. Tailor your application to highlight how your background aligns with these requirements.
Be Personal and Passionate:This role is all about supporting parishes and making a difference. Don’t be afraid to share your personal journey and passion for church growth and renewal. Let us see your enthusiasm shine through in your application!
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially in leading churches into growth and facilitating group processes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your interpersonal and organisational skills, as these are key for this position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the mission of the Diocese!
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 align with your own beliefs and experiences. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to 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, making it clear how your actions made a tangible difference.
✨Prepare for Relational Questions
Since this role is highly relational, expect questions about your interpersonal skills and how you handle conflict or collaboration. Think of scenarios where you've facilitated group discussions or resolved conflicts, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about their current challenges in parish development or how they envision the role evolving. It shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
