Director for Apostolic Life

The Church of England; Portslade by Sea; On-site; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diocese in England is seeking an ordained priest or deacon as the Diocesan Director for Apostolic Life. This pivotal role involves leading a dynamic team, overseeing clergy and lay minister training, and collaborating on strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in adult theological education, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the Church of England's faith. This position offers a salary of £70,000, annual leave, and a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Benefits

Enrolment into the Diocesan Pension Scheme

28 days annual leave

Free parking at Church House

Ride to work scheme

Free eye tests

Qualifications

• Experience and competence as an educator in theology.
• Grounding in liturgical and sacramental theology.
• Ability to work across diverse traditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Apostolic Life team for evangelism and discipleship.
• Oversee curacy training with St Augustine’s College of Theology.
• Support the selection and development of clergy and lay ministers.
• Collaborate on diocesan projects and national initiatives.
• Represent the diocese in ministry leadership forums.

Skills

Proven experience in adult theological education

Team leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Research degree in theology

Job description

Could you help shape and develop ministry across the diocese of Chichester?

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for discipleship, vocation, and ministry development? The Diocese of Chichester is seeking an ordained priest or deacon to take on the pivotal role of Diocesan Director for Apostolic Life.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team dedicated to developing mission and ministry and nurturing the spiritual, theological, and pastoral life of the diocese. You will work closely with the Diocesan Bishop, Suffragan Bishops, and senior diocesan staff to shape and deliver strategic initiatives that support clergy and lay ministers, foster vocations, and enhance ministerial formation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Apostolic Life team, supporting diocesan strategy for evangelism and discipleship.
• Oversee IME 2 (curacy) training, including academic coordination with St Augustine’s College of Theology.
• Support the selection, training, and ongoing development of clergy and lay ministers.
• Collaborate on diocesan projects and contribute to national Church of England initiatives.
• Represent the diocese regionally and nationally in ministry leadership forums.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in adult theological education and team leadership.
• Evidence of grounding in liturgical and sacramental theology.
• Ability to work across diverse traditions.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills.
• A research degree in theology and proven experience and competence as an educator
• A deep understanding of the Church of England’s faith, order, and ministerial formation.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a committed and collaborative senior leadership team.
• Influence the future of ministry and discipleship across the diocese.
• Make a meaningful impact in a role that combines strategic leadership with pastoral care and theological engagement.

What we offer

• A salary of £70,000 per annum
• Enrolment into the Diocesan Pension Scheme with a employer contribution and flexible employee contribution of between 0-6%
• 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional 2 privilege days leave per year
• Free parking at Church House, use of the ride to work scheme and free eye tests

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

This post carries a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be an ordained deacon or priest under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

An enhanced DBS disclosure is required.

The Diocese of Chichester 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

Interviews will be held at Church House, Hove on 30th January 2026.