Head of Strategic Programmes

Church of England; Hove; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diocese of Chichester is seeking a skilled leader to lead our strategic programmes and the delivery of the Diocesan Growth Strategy across Sussex.

Working closely with the Diocesan Secretary, Bishops and senior leaders, you will manage a portfolio of programmes with a combined budget over £10 million, lead a multi‑disciplinary team and drive measurable mission impact. This fixed‑term role runs to 31 December 2030 with the potential for extension.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of leading complex and large programmes with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across levels of seniority.
• Ability to think and work strategically within a faith-based context.
• Experience of managing budgets, resources and programme performance.
• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
• Self-motivation and enthusiasm to lead and inspire others.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and ongoing development of the diocese's portfolio of strategic programmes and projects.
• Work alongside senior diocesan leaders to translate strategic priorities into achievable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Oversee programme governance, performance reporting, risk management and evaluation.
• Lead and develop the Strategic Programmes team and build strong relationships with parishes, clergy, diocesan boards, the Bishop's Staff team and national church partners.

Skills

Programme leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Budget management

Report writing

Leadership

Job description

Help shape the future of the Church across Sussex.

The Diocese of Chichester is seeking a skilled leader to lead our strategic programmes and the delivery of the Diocesan Growth Strategy.

Working closely with the Diocesan Secretary, Bishops, Archdeacons and senior leaders, you will lead a portfolio of programme streams that enable churches and communities across Sussex to flourish and grow.

You will provide strategic oversight of major diocesan projects with a combined budget in excess of £10 million, lead a multi-disciplinary team and ensure that programmes deliver measurable mission impact.

We are looking for a wise and seasoned leader with experience of managing strategic and complex programmes across a large and diverse organisation.

This role is offered on a fixed term basis until 31st December 2030 with the possibility of extension.

Principal duties

• Lead the delivery and ongoing development of the diocese's portfolio of strategic programmes and projects
• Work alongside senior diocesan leaders to translate strategic priorities into achievable plans and measurable outcomes
• Oversee programme governance, performance reporting, risk management and evaluation
• Lead and develop the Strategic Programmes team and build strong relationships with parishes, clergy, diocesan boards, the Bishop's Staff team and national church partners.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience of leading complex and large programmes of work with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse groups and levels of seniority
• The ability to think and work strategically within a faith-based context
• Experience of managing budgets, resources and programme performance
• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills
• The self-motivation and enthusiasm to lead and inspire others

Please note this is 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 practicing Christian.

For full details of the job please see the job description and person specification.

What we offer

• A salary of £61,149 per annum.
• 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 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.

Applications should be submitted by Pathways by 11th October 2026

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