Parish Development Officer

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Parish Development Officer to join the Parish Support Team and play a key role in supporting parishes across the Diocese to flourish in mission and ministry.

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.

Position: Parish Development Officer

Location: Hove/Hybrid

Salary: £41,200 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hour per week (flexi time available)

Contract: Permanent

Interview Date: Hove on 19th June 2026

About the Role

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.

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

About You

You will bring:

• 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
• A full driving licence and access to a car

This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 that the post holder be a practising Christian.

About the Organisation

The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England.

As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.

What is on offer

• 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 scheme and development opportunities.

Our client 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.

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