At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parishes in growth and mission through strategic planning and training.
- Company: Join a vibrant Diocese dedicated to community and church development.
- Benefits: Flexi-time, 28 days leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while working with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in church growth 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.
Church Buildings Team Leader in Hove employer: Premier Christian Communications Ltd
The Diocese of Sussex offers a supportive and flexible work environment for the Church Buildings Team Leader, where mutual respect and professionalism are at the core of our values. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, including training and development, employees enjoy a generous benefits package that includes 28 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and the option for hybrid working. Join us in making a meaningful impact on local parishes and communities while being part of a dedicated team committed to fostering church growth and renewal.
Contact Detail:
Premier Christian Communications Ltd Recruiting Team
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. 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 CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Church Buildings Team Leader role. Highlight any relevant experience in church growth, leadership, and community engagement to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting parishes and how your background makes you an ideal candidate. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Faith and Values:Since this role requires a practising Christian, don’t shy away from sharing your faith journey and how it influences your work. We want to see how your values align with our mission and the ethos of the Diocese.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Christian Communications Ltd
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to really understand the mission and values of the Diocese. Familiarise yourself with their vision to help people know, love, and follow Jesus. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past 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 responses and highlight your achievements clearly.
✨Prepare for Relational Questions
Since this role is highly relational, expect questions about your interpersonal skills and how you handle conflict. Think of scenarios where you've facilitated group discussions or supported teams through change, and be prepared to share those experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about the current challenges the parishes are facing or how they envision the future of church growth. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in making a difference.
