Diocesan Director of Vocations

Are you an experienced member of the clergy with gifts of discernment, wisdom, and leadership? Do you feel driven to nurture vocations and support the growth and prosperity of the Kingdom of God?

The Diocese of Rochester is seeking a Diocesan Director of Vocations to work closely with the Mission and Ministry Development team to identify, resource, and equip clergy and lay people in the living out of God’s Kingdom. Following successful investment through the Diocesan Investment Plan, the Diocese is delivering an ambitious programme of work to support the Called Together vision and strategy. This role will be vital in our efforts to grow and sustain confident mission-focused leaders.

This is a key leadership role providing oversight of the discernment processes and raising the profile of vocation, ensuring that the vision for all vocations of all types is integrated across the Diocese.

About the Role

You will play a central role in overseeing the discernment processes and working with the Mission and Ministry Development (MMD) team to ensure the vision of the Diocese is integrated and effective. Your key responsibilities will include:

•     Promoting lay and ordained ministries within the church by taking responsibility for discerning, nurturing, and developing vocations
•     Work collaboratively to develop a range of opportunities and partnerships to promote the exploration and training of vocations
•     Lead the process of discernment for ordained ministry
•     Identify, train and support suitable clergy and/or lay people to serve as Assistant Diocesan Directors of Ordinands (ADDO) and Vocations Advisors (VA)
•     Advise Bishops and colleagues on national policy concerning vocation, selection, and training towards ordination
•     Seek opportunities to maintain and expand your own ministerial development, as well as supporting the national church

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

•     Has experience in Holy Orders in the Church of England
•     Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills and can work effectively across teams and on a one-to-one basis
•     Is highly organised and skilled in managing small teams, volunteers, and their own time and workload
•     Can build trust and positive relationships with ordinands, clergy, and parishes across all church traditions
•     Understands and supports the aims and ethos of the Church of England with a commitment to the development of the whole people of God

It would also be helpful if you:

•     Have experience of more than one context or tradition
•     Are knowledgeable about vocational pathways within the Church of England

What we can offer:

•     Flexible working, Hybrid working and TOIL
•     Generous holiday entitlement
•     Contributary pension scheme
•     Access to an Employee Assistance programme and counselling service 

The Diocese is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes.
 

We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact the HR department at recruitment@rochester.anglican.org 

If you would like to have an informal conversation regarding this vacancy, please contact Andrew.Dunlop@Rochester.anglican.org