At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parishes in growth and mission through strategic planning and training.
- 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 communities and help them thrive.
- 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 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 Growth & Mission Strategy Officer in Hove employer: The Church of England
As a key player in the Diocese of Chichester, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a strong emphasis on mutual respect and professionalism. Join us in making a meaningful impact on parish life while enjoying competitive benefits and a fulfilling work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parish Growth & Mission Strategy 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 growth and renewal.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to support churches 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 the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Growth & Mission Strategy 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 role of Parish Growth & Mission Strategy Officer. 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 collaboration, be sure to emphasise your strong interpersonal and communication skills. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with clergy, PCCs, and 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 faith.
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 the right people and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our Parish Support Team.
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 initiatives and how they align with your own vision for parish growth. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles 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, making it easy for the interviewers to see the impact of your work.
✨Engage in Relational Dialogue
Since this role is relational and outward-facing, practice engaging in conversations that reflect your interpersonal skills. Prepare questions that show your interest in the parishes and their unique challenges. This will demonstrate your collaborative approach and genuine heart for local church growth.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical scenarios related to leadership, team dynamics, and conflict resolution. Think about how you would facilitate a PCC away day or support a church during a period of vacancy. Being able to share your thought process and strategies will highlight your readiness for the role.
