Head of Strategic Programmes

NFP People; Eastbourne; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Church Worker's Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working

Job summary

The Head of Strategic Programmes will lead the delivery and ongoing development of the Diocesan Growth Strategy across Sussex, overseeing a multi-disciplinary team and a major portfolio with a budget exceeding £10 million. Based in Hove with hybrid working, the role reports to senior church leadership and will shape programme governance and impact.

You will translate priorities into practical plans, drive governance, performance reporting and risk management, and foster strong relationships with

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading large, complex programmes.
• Strong ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in budgeting, governance and performance management.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and development of the Diocesan Growth Strategy.
• Oversee governance, risk management, and performance reporting.
• Manage budgets and resources for the programme portfolio.
• Build relationships with parishes, clergy and national partners.
• Provide insights and recommendations to support strategic decisions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Programme governance

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical reporting

Communication

Team leadership

Job description

Head of Strategic Programmes

Help shape the future of the Church across Sussex.

We are seeking an experienced strategic leader to oversee an ambitious portfolio of programmes designed to help churches and communities flourish and grow.

Position: Head of Strategic Programmes

Location: Hove/Hybrid

Salary: £61,149 per annum

Contract: Fixed term until 31 December 2030, with the possibility of extension

Closing Date: 11 October 2026

Interview Date: Hove on 30 October 2026

About the Role

Working closely with the Diocesan Secretary, Bishops, Archdeacons and other senior leaders, you will lead the delivery and continued development of the Diocesan Growth Strategy.

You will provide strategic oversight of major programmes and projects with a combined budget exceeding £10 million. This includes leading a multidisciplinary team, strengthening programme governance and ensuring investment delivers measurable mission impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery and development of a portfolio of strategic programmes and projects
• Translating diocesan priorities into achievable plans and measurable outcomes
• Overseeing programme governance, performance reporting, risk management and evaluation
• Managing programme budgets, resources and deliveryLeading, supporting and developing the Strategic Programmes team
• Building effective relationships with parishes, clergy, diocesan boards, senior leaders and national church partners
• Providing clear analysis, reports and recommendations to support strategic decision-making

About You

You will be a wise, experienced and collaborative leader who can work strategically within a complex, faith-based organisation.

You will have:

• Significant experience of leading large and complex programmes
• Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong engagement and influencing skills at all levels
• Experience of managing budgets, resources and programme performance
• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills
• The ability to turn strategic priorities into practical plans
• The confidence and judgement to work effectively with senior leaders
• The enthusiasm and self-motivation to lead and inspire others

A Genuine Occupational Requirement applies under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, and the successful candidate must 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

• 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 and 6%
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support
• Flexible working, free parking, a 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 comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Head of Programmes, Director of Programmes, Strategic Programmes Manager, Programme Director, Head of Strategy, Portfolio Director, Transformation Director or Head of Strategic Development.