At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a vibrant church community across five parishes.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Ely, fostering growth and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Half stipend, excellent housing, training support, and a positive work-life balance.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local communities while nurturing your spiritual journey.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, a positive attitude, and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
This is a half stipend post (meaning Sundays plus 3 days, FTE), held on common tenure terms, working within your benefice of Orchard Welle (comprising 5 former parishes: Upwell, Outwell, Elm, Emneth and Friday Bridge). We will work with you to ensure that the role stays within those time boundaries, so you can have space to flourish within and outside work.
The main aim of the role is to help bring to birth the church of the future from the prayers and buildings of the past. You will collaborate with ordained and lay colleagues and members of local communities to dream and then build a vibrant expression of church in each place, holding in mind the Church of England vision of 10,000 new worshipping communities and a church that is younger and more diverse.
To thrive in this post, you will need to be:
- Prayerful and articulate – there is significant desire to communicate the Gospel
- Focused and resilient – there is a significant but sustainable workload
- Faithful and gracious – you will be leading change which matters
- Wise and resourceful – there will be opportunities and challenges.
You will be realistic about what can be achieved and resolute in working in the direction that our situation and the Spirit of God demand. You will work with clergy, churchwardens and PCCs, alongside the experienced Rural Dean and Lay Chair.
In summary, the right person for this role will be a Christ-centred disciple, ever mindful of her/his daily dependence on the inner energising power of God’s Holy Spirit: with effective personal organising and time management skills, thereby able wisely to fulfil this demanding but potentially richly rewarding role as the Priest-in-Charge of a new five-parish benefice.
Are you:
- A strong, forward-thinking leader, with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
- Keen to be part of & develop God’s work within local communities.
- Approachable & a good listener.
Could you:
- Bring inspiration to & work creatively with laity & local non-stipendiary clergy within the benefice.
- Offer flexible churchmanship to accommodate a diversity of worship styles & traditions.
Do you have:
- A sense of humour!
Could you fulfil this demanding but rewarding role within our benefice? We offer you an excellent home to live in, a half stipend, annual CMD grant, retreat time, clear HR and supportive leadership. You will be able to draw on additional training and support from our Mission and Ministry Department and our Church Buildings Team, as well as Archdeacon and Diocesan Secretary.
If you want to know more, then please get in touch with the Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech, Ven Richard Harlow, on 07415757527 or download the benefice profile and application form below.
Closing Date: 29 July 2026
Interviews: 3 Sept 2026
The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role.
The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years. This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk. Despite the presence of a world leading university, Cambridgeshire is not all affluent. Towns and cities have pockets of poverty and low attainment. Rural areas can be isolated and insular. The churches are strong in some places, but there is much work to be done.
The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm-hearted bishops, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have just over 100 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training.
With the arrival of our new Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Sarah Clark, the diocese hopes to build on steady church growth in recent years. Our Mission Strategy devolves much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work-life balance.
The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
Rector (0.6Fte) Of Orchard Welle Benefice, Cambridgeshire employer: The Church of England
The Church of England in Liverpool is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that values diversity and inclusivity. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through diocesan training courses and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community. With a strong commitment to nurturing vocations, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage with various church traditions and contribute to the spiritual development of lay ministry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rector (0.6Fte) Of Orchard Welle Benefice, Cambridgeshire
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at The Church of England. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like The Church of England directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on The Church of England’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Rector (0.6Fte) Of Orchard Welle Benefice, Cambridgeshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Rector (0.6Fte) Of Orchard Welle Benefice, Cambridgeshire at The Church of England, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Rector (0.6Fte) Of Orchard Welle Benefice, Cambridgeshire, customise your documents to fit the vibe of The Church of England. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of The Church of England. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with The Church of England's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
