The Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island was founded in 1787. We serve and sustain 90+ parishes and over 200 congregations, all Christ-centered, mission-minded communities. We are a faithful, innovative, courageous, and compassionate organization. We value integrity, grace, generosity, and transparency. We are reflective and prayerful. We care deeply about our work, our people, our communities, and our world.
The Director for Parish Relations functions much like an Executive Archdeacon, sharing in the ministry of mission, pastoral care, teaching, and worship with the Diocesan Bishop.
This role primarily functions as a conduit between the Bishop and Archdeacons, Regional Deans, clergy, lay leaders, and parishes, ensuring that Diocesan vision, mission, and governance are faithfully lived out across diverse communities with unique needs.
This position requires a mature and seasoned individual with a well-honed contingency leadership style. Experience has taught you that no single leadership style is universally successful and what works in one situation might not work in another. You are curious, compassionate, humble, and nimble, constantly adapting your behaviour and approach based on situational context and the individuals involved.
This position also requires exceptional emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management skills. In our changing church context, and in urban, suburban, and rural parishes, you will be required to listen reflectively, assess needs, empathize with others, communicate effectively, help overcome challenges, and promote measurable spiritual and relational growth. Your warmth, sincerity, and integrity are genuine and grounded in your faith in Jesus Christ.
In addition to the skills and spiritual gifts listed above, we are seeking an individual with experience in change management and conflict transformation theory and practice, as well as experience in leadership development design and delivery, including training. Other technical skills needed include expert, sensitive correspondence and report writing, superior planning skills, and strong facilitation and presentation skills.
Direct, on-location work with parishes is critical in this role. Regular travel across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will be required to respond to current and upcoming parish needs, discuss emerging trends, and support clergy and lay leaders, using a balanced approach that combines pastoral sensitivity with missional and organizational oversight.
The Director for Parish Relations reports directly to the Bishop and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. This is a full-time management position, with a high degree of autonomy and no direct reports. On-site and remote hours are typically Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend travel and work required.
Candidates must either be an ordained Anglican priest in good standing within the Anglican Church of Canada (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of senior administration/leadership experience in a clergy operational position or have comparable experience in a non-profit or institutional setting. They will possess a deep understanding of Anglican theology, governance, pastoral, and liturgical practices. A diverse mix of screening and reference checks will be required of finalists considered for this position.
If you are looking for more than just a job, and feel called to serve in a season of flourishing and expanding ministry leadership, please submit a cover letter and resume to Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (employment@nspeidiocese.ca). In your cover letter, please tell us why you are interested in this position at this point in your career.
We will be accepting applications and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their time and interest and regret that we are only able to contact those selected for an interview.
Please note: A Police Records Check report and Vulnerable Sector Check: must be submitted before assuming this position.
The Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island embraces diversity and celebrates our differences. We believe each team member contributes unique gifts and welcome applications from those who share our respect for inclusivity and diversity. We encourage applications from people with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations, upon request, for candidates to take part in all aspects of the selection process.