Help shape the future formation and flourishing of ministry across the Diocese of Chichester.
The Diocese of Chichester is seeking an inspiring and experienced ordained leader to join our Apostolic Life Team as Deputy Diocesan Director for Apostolic Life.
This is a significant and rewarding role for someone passionate about lifelong learning, leadership development and supporting clergy to flourish in their vocation. Working closely with the Diocesan Director for Apostolic Life, you will help shape and deliver the Diocese's vision for ministerial formation, continuing development, mentoring and coaching.
You will lead on the Diocese's provision for Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD), ensuring clergy have access to high-quality learning, training and formation opportunities throughout their ministry. You will also oversee the development of mentoring and coaching networks and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the Ministerial Development Review (MDR) process.
Key Responsibilities
- Deputise for the Diocesan Director for Apostolic Life and contribute to the leadership of the Apostolic Life Team.
- Develop and coordinate a comprehensive programme of Continuing Ministerial Development for clergy.
- Design and deliver learning opportunities that support theological reflection, ministerial effectiveness and vocational growth.
- Lead and develop diocesan coaching and mentoring provision for clergy.
- Support clergy in identifying and accessing development opportunities arising from MDR discussions.
- Oversee CMD grants and extended ministerial development leave arrangements.
- Line manage the MDR & CMD Administrator.
- Contribute to strategic projects and diocesan priorities.
About You
We are looking for an ordained deacon or priest who combines theological depth with a passion for learning and supporting others.
You Will Have
- Experience of teaching, training or adult education.
- A proven ability to organise and deliver learning and development programmes.
- Experience of mentoring, coaching or supporting vocational and professional development.
- Strong leadership, communication and relationship‑building skills.
- A good understanding of ministry, formation and the life of the Church of England.
- The ability to work collaboratively across a wide range of church traditions and ministry contexts.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including confidence with IT systems.
A research degree in theology and coaching qualifications or accredited coaching experience would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- A salary of £34,675 per annum (pro-rata FTE £49,536pa).
- This role is offered as 0.7 FTE (26.25 hours per week). The working days are times are open to negotiation with the successful candidate. However, they must be available to work on a Monday or Friday, and a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- 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 schemeand development opportunities.
Our values
As an employer, and as a Church House team, our mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.
Safeguarding
Chichester DBF 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. Our full safeguarding policy can be found here.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form. To understand how the information you supply in your Confidential Declaration Form is used and your rights with respect to that data please read ourprivacy notice.
Please note this is post to which a Genuine Occupational Requirement under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act applies, the requirement being that the post holder is a practising Christian.
Applications should be submitted by Sunday 11th October 2026.
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Deputy Director for Apostolic Life in Hove employer: The Church of England
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