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
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
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
All post holders are expected to comply with the safeguarding policy.
This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 that the post holder be a practising Christian.
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