At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parishes in growth and renewal through vision and strategic direction.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Chichester's supportive Parish Support Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local church life and community impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in church growth and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 41200 - 41200 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Parish Development Officer to join our Parish Support Team to play a key role in supporting parishes across the Diocese of Chichester to flourish in mission and ministry. 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. 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.
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
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
What we offer
- A salary of £41,200 per annum
- 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year
- Flexi-time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week
- 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
As an employer, and as a Church House team, our mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive. This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 that the post holder be a practising Christian. 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.
For an information conversation about the role please contact the Parish Support Team Leader (sarah.rogers@chichester.anglican.org). Please apply via Pathways by midnight on 7th June 2026. Interviews will be held at offices at Church House, Hove on 19th June 2026.
Parish Development Officer in Hove employer: The Church of England
As a Parish Development Officer with the Diocese of Chichester, you will join a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to fostering growth and renewal within local parishes. We offer a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements, alongside opportunities for professional development and a strong commitment to safeguarding and community welfare. Our work culture is built on respect, professionalism, and support, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in church life.
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 of Chichester and understand their mission and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around church growth and renewal.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to support parishes through change. Whether it’s a successful Mission Action Plan or a training session you led, make sure they see your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Development Officer in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Parish Development Officer role. Highlight your experience in supporting churches through change and your passion for local church growth.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:Since this role is all about relationships, don’t forget to emphasise your strong interpersonal and communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with clergy, PCCs, or volunteers in the past.
Be Authentic:Let your genuine passion for mission and ministry shine through in your application. We want to see your heart for local church growth and renewal, so don’t hold back on sharing your personal journey and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application via our website before the deadline. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to really understand the mission and values of the Diocese of Chichester. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led churches through growth or change. Be ready to discuss how you facilitated visioning processes or supported PCCs. Concrete examples will demonstrate your capability and give the interviewers confidence in your skills.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Since this role is relational and outward-facing, highlight your interpersonal skills. Share stories that illustrate your ability to collaborate with clergy, PCCs, and volunteers. Discuss how you've built trust and fostered effective communication in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the challenges faced by parishes in the Diocese. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in making a difference. It also gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your own values and aspirations.
