Associate Archdeacon of Hull

The Diocese of York is seeking an ordained priest with vision, resilience and a passion for collaborative ministry to join us as Associate Archdeacon for Hull. This is a senior missional leadership role at the heart of one of the most exciting and complex revitalisation journeys in the Church of England today.

A Unique Missional Opportunity

Hull Deanery Is The Largest In The Diocese Of York—larger Than Some Entire Dioceses—and Offers a Landscape Rich With Opportunity, Innovation And Grassroots Energy. Known For Both Its Resilience And Its Significant Challenges, Hull Faces

• Persistent deprivation
• Nationally low church attendance
• Local leadership that often lacks confidence and agency
• A strong sense of identity and community innovation
• A newly revitalised Hull Minster shaping the spiritual centre of the city
  
  
  

In this context, Heart for Hull (H4H) has emerged as a transformative collaborative movement, bringing new coherence, energy and vision. Across its priorities—missionary discipleship, church planting, poverty and wholeness, children and families—fresh leadership is already bearing fruit.

We are now seeking a full-time Associate Archdeacon to help lead the next phase of this journey.

Living Christ’s Story

This role aligns with Living Christ’s Story, the Diocese of York’s ten-year vision for growth, revitalisation and discipleship. Working closely with senior leaders across the diocese, you will help ensure that Hull’s renewal sits firmly within this wider strategy.

Find out more: Living Christ's Story - Diocese of York

Role Purpose

The Associate Archdeacon will share responsibility for delivering the revitalisation of Hull Deanery and for shaping, driving and embedding the Heart for Hull programme under the oversight of the Bishop of Hull.

This is a hands-on, visionary, relational leadership role requiring creativity, courage and deep pastoral sensitivity.

You will work closely with the Archdeacon of the East Riding, the Director of Mission and Ministry, the Director of Operational Support, the Head of Programme Delivery and the Heart for Hull Enabler.

Key Deliverables

The Successful Candidate Will

• Lead and further develop the Heart for Hull planning framework.
• Support the revitalisation of Hull Deanery toward sustainable missional growth.
• Strengthen and encourage local leadership—clergy and lay—through coaching, mentoring and development.

Work with parishes to identify pathways to growth and support their implementation.

Celebrate and champion local innovation through an asset‑based, community-first approach.

Key Responsibilities

Deanery & Mission Leadership

• Nurture cultural change while honouring the identity of Hull.
• Equip and collaborate closely with the Deanery Leadership Team.
• Encourage the mobilisation of the whole people of God.
• Identify leaders who would benefit from coaching, ensuring support is provided.
• Foster collaboration across churches, clergy and lay leaders.
• Ensure alignment with Living Christ’s Story.
• Discern the location of your priestly ministry to best support the Deanery as a whole.
  
  
  

Archidiaconal Responsibilities

Working alongside the Archdeacon of the East Riding, you will:

• Offer pastoral care and support to clergy, including sharing in MDRs.
• Provide practical advice and guidance to parishes.
• Lead conversations about pastoral reorganisation.
• Assist in managing vacancies and clergy appointments.

Support parishes navigating change, conflict or transition.

Encourage generous financial stewardship and Free Will Offer.

Champion and support new missional initiatives.

Collaboration & Governance

You will be committed to collaborative ministry, working closely with:

• The Bishop of Hull
• The Heart for Hull Enabler
• The Archdeacon of the East Riding
• Diocesan Directors and teams (Mission & Ministry, Operational Support, Education)
• The Diocesan Strategy Delivery Team
• The Diocesan Programme Board
  
  
  

This is a role for someone energised by partnership working, system thinking and long-term transformation.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a priest who:

• Is inspired by mission, revitalisation and the growth of the Church
• Is pastorally wise and deeply collaborative
• Can see possibility where others see challenge
• Is confident in ambiguity and complexity
• Enjoys enabling and empowering others
• Is rooted in prayer, hope and the gospel of Christ
• Has the resilience and imagination to help reshape the future of the Church in Hull
  
  
  

If this is you, we would love to hear from you. Help us shape the next chapter of the Church’s mission in Hull— a city full of possibility, innovation and God-given potential.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from disabled candidates and those from UKME heritage as these groups are under-represented in our staff. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All employees are expected to share this commitment. You will be required to undertake safeguarding training, and this role will be subject to a DBS check.

Only fully completed applications through Pathways will be accepted; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Monday, 20 April 2026 (midnight)

Shortlisting: Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Orientation: Tuesday, 5 May 2026 (an opportunity to visit Hull and meet key people in the deanery)

Interviews: Wednesday, 13 May 2026 in Hull