Encounter Project Manager

Manchester Diocese has an inspiring vision for 2030. We are committed to doubling the number of young active disciples and ensuring there is a thriving Children and Young Peoples’ (CYP) ministry within reach of every young person. We are energised by the opportunities to create ways for children and young people to encounter Jesus.

Our Growing Younger strategy outlines a bold pathway for transformation across parishes, schools, homes, and mission communities. The Encounter Programme sits at the heart of this vision, creating opportunities for children and young people to encounter Jesus and grow in lifelong discipleship.

To help bring this vision to life, we are delighted to be recruiting for the role of Encounter Project Manager.

This is a significant strategic leadership role responsible for the development, coordination, and evaluation of the Encounter Programme across the Diocese.

Working closely with our Directors, Archdeaconries, and specialist CYP teams, the Project Manager will ensure that the Encounter Programme delivers its purpose:

• Developing discipleship pathways for children and young people aged 0–18
• Supporting parish culture change to prioritise discipleship, welcome, and inclusion
• Strengthening links between parishes and schools to nurture faith in every setting
• Increasing the number of flourishing CYP ministries across mission communities

The Encounter Project Manager will:

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the Encounter Programme, ensuring coherence across four Archdeaconries.
• Lead on project planning, resource deployment, and structured implementation phases, including the evaluation processes set out for 2026–2028 and beyond
• Manage and support Encounter Team Leaders and CYP Specialists to ensure high‑quality delivery across Early Years, Children & Families, Youth, and Chaplaincy pathways
• Work collaboratively with parishes to guide diagnostic assessments, identify missional opportunities, and develop sustainable CYP pathways
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with church leaders, mission communities, schools, and diocesan teams.
• Oversee monitoring, reporting, and impact evaluation aligned to our outcomes—including new groups, fresh expressions, youth spaces, leadership development, and disciple growth
• Ensure alignment between Encounter, Equip, and other aspects of the Growing Younger strategy.

We are seeking a candidate with a rare combination of skills, experience, and spiritual commitment:

• Strong project management experience, ideally in education, ministry, community development, or similar.
• Experience in Christian children/youth ministry or discipleship leadership.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑site or multi‑team programmes, preferably involving cultural or organisational change.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and stakeholder management skills.
• A passion for enabling children and young people to encounter Jesus and follow Him.
• Ability to inspire clergy, volunteers, and lay leaders.

There is an occupational requirement for the post-holder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

Safer Recruitment

An enhanced DBS check is required for the successful candidate.

Find Out More

If you would like an informal conversation about the role or the Encounter Programme, please contact:

• Canon Susie Mapledoram, Director of Children and Young People
  susiemapledoram@manchester.anglican.org
• Deborah Smith, Director of Education
  deborahsmith@manchester.anglican.org

Closing Date: Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 4:00pm

Interviews:     Thursday, 16 April 2026 at St John’s House, 155-163 The Rock, Bury BL9 0ND