The Church of England
Deputy Director for Apostolic Life
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Help shape the future formation and flourishing of ministry across the Diocese of Chichester
The Diocese of Chichester is seeking an inspiring and experienced ordained leader to join our Apostolic Life Team as Deputy Diocesan Director for Apostolic Life.
This is a significant and rewarding role for someone passionate about lifelong learning, leadership development, and supporting clergy to flourish in their vocation. Working closely with the Diocesan Director for Apostolic Life, you will help shape and deliver the Diocese's vision for ministerial formation, continuing development, mentoring, and coaching.
You will lead on the Diocese's provision for Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD), ensuring clergy have access to high-quality learning, training, and formation opportunities throughout their ministry. You will also oversee the development of mentoring and coaching networks and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the Ministerial Development Review (MDR) process.
Key Responsibilities
- Deputise for the Diocesan Director for Apostolic Life and contribute to the leadership of the Apostolic Life Team.
- Develop and coordinate a comprehensive programme of Continuing Ministerial Development for clergy.
- Design and deliver learning opportunities that support theological reflection, ministerial effectiveness, and vocational growth.
- Lead and develop diocesan coaching and mentoring provision for clergy.
- Support clergy in identifying and accessing development opportunities arising from MDR discussions.
- Oversee CMD grants and extended ministerial development leave arrangements.
- Line manage the MDR & CMD Administrator.
- Contribute to strategic projects and diocesan priorities.
About You
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
We are looking for an ordained deacon or priest who combines theological depth with a passion for learning and supporting others.
You Will Have
- Experience of teaching, training, or adult education.
- A proven ability to organise and deliver learning and development programmes.
- Experience of mentoring, coaching, or supporting vocational and professional development.
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- A good understanding of ministry, formation, and the life of the Church of England.
- The ability to work collaboratively across a wide range of church traditions and ministry contexts.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including confidence with IT systems.
A research degree in theology and coaching qualifications or accredited coaching experience would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- A salary of £34,675 per annum (pro-rata FTE £49,536pa).
- This role is offered as 0.7 FTE (26.25 hours per week). The working days and times are open to negotiation with the successful candidate. However, they must be available to work on a Monday or Friday, and a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- 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.
Whilst this is a 0.7 FTE role, we are keen to find the right candidate and would welcome conversations about how the position might be combined with a vacant House for Duty post or other arrangements that enable the successful candidate to take up the role.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Please note this is a post to which a Genuine Occupational Requirement under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act applies, the requirement being that the post holder is a practising Christian.
Our values
As an employer, and as a Church House team, our mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible, and Supportive.
Safeguarding
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. Our full safeguarding policy can be found here.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form. To understand how the information you supply in your Confidential Declaration Form is used and your rights with respect to that data, please read our privacy notice.
How to apply
For further information and application details, please visit Pathways. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Director for Apostolic Life, Jude Davis (jude.davis@chichester.anglican.org).
For more information, the Diocese of Chichester, please visit https://www.chichester.anglican.org/.
Applications should be submitted by Pathways by Sunday 11th October 2026.
Interviews will be held at Church House, Hove on Monday 2nd November 2026.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location