Managing Community Chaplain

Do you have a heart for helping people rebuild their lives after prison? Do you believe in the potential of every individual to change and build a positive future? Do you bring proven experience in project management, staff and volunteer leadership, partnership working and creating and developing strategic vision? Do you understand and value the contribution that faith communities can make to supporting people and strengthening communities? 

If so, we would love to hear from you.

About us

Leaving prison can be a daunting and disorientating experience. Many people face an uncertain future, unsure of the direction their lives will take or where to turn for support. For some, there may be no one waiting to welcome them back into the community.

South West Community Chaplaincy (SWCC) is committed to changing that. We support people leaving prison and those who have served community sentences, helping them to rebuild their lives and establish positive futures within their communities across Devon, Cornwall and the western part of Somerset.

We believe in the power of relationships, the importance of social inclusion and the potential for lasting change. Working closely with statutory services, voluntary organisations and faith communities, we help people access the practical, emotional and relational support they need to move forward with confidence.

About the role

We are seeking a Managing Community Chaplain to lead and manage the organisation with strategic vision, sound judgement and a servant heart.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference, combining strategic leadership and effective organisational management with a genuine commitment to people whose lives have been affected by the criminal justice system.

The successful candidate will be passionate about social inclusion, committed to empowering people who experience marginalisation, and able to inspire and support a team of staff and volunteers to deliver meaningful, lasting change.

You will bring experience in project management, team leadership, financial management and strategic planning, together with the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people and organisations. You will be comfortable taking a strategic overview while remaining willing to support colleagues and step into frontline work when needed.

About you

You will be someone who:

·       Has a genuine commitment to helping people move forward positively after prison or a community sentence, and believes in their capacity to change.

·       Has proven experience in project management, leading and supporting staff and volunteers, and providing strategic leadership.

·       Can demonstrate an ability to help groups and communities change from negative to positive narratives for people with complex social needs.

·       Has sound financial management skills and the ability to oversee resources effectively.

·       Can inspire, empower and develop others, fostering a supportive and collaborative team culture.

·       Is skilled at building and maintaining positive relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds and organisations.

·       Understands and values the role of faith communities in supporting individuals and strengthening communities.

·       Is adaptable and willing to combine strategic responsibilities with practical, frontline support when required.

Above all, you will share our commitment to helping people rebuild their lives, overcome barriers and find a positive place within their communities.

Our Christian ethos

Our Christian faith is central to who we are and to the way we work. We believe that every person has inherent worth and the potential to change, whatever their past circumstances.

There is a genuine occupational requirement for the post-holder to have a personal faith and a commitment to the aims and purposes of the organisation.

Building relationships lies at the heart of everything we do, and we are looking for someone whose leadership reflects compassion, integrity, humility and a belief in the transformative power of hope.

If you share our vision and have the skills and heart to lead SWCC into its next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Please note that some evening and weekend work will be required.

Office location in Exeter, but there is some flexibility for home working.