Head of Spring Harvest

Salary: On application Status: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Location: Hybrid Working with 3 days a week in our Uckfield office, near Brighton.
Ideally you will live within a 90-minute commute of the office.

Are you ready to lead one of the UK’s most vibrant, impactful Christian ministries?
Spring Harvest is searching for a visionary and dynamic leader to take the helm of its pioneering ministry. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a beloved festival that has been inspiring and equipping Christians for over 45 years.

About Spring Harvest
Spring Harvest is more than just an event; it’s a pilgrimage that has brought so much fruit and vitality to the church in the UK. Gathering thousands of Christians each year across the denominations, it provides a space for worship, teaching, and life-changing encounters with God. Spring Harvest is entering a new season—embracing its evangelistic calling and developing a year-round, 365-model of ministry. Every year, we see lives transformed: hundreds of young people come to faith, individuals deepen their discipleship, and churches are empowered to impact their communities. Our commitment to the Great Commission and fostering unity across the church remains unwavering. But the journey ahead requires bold leadership: someone who can build on this rich legacy while embracing fresh opportunities, fostering innovation, and navigating the complexities of a faith-based ministry. Spring Harvest serves the whole church across all denominations and holds to traditional biblical values and an orthodox view.

The Role
As the Head of Spring Harvest, you will:

  • Lead with Vision: Set the strategic direction for Spring Harvest, ensuring its relevance, vibrancy, and alignment with God’s purposes and with Biblical integrity.
  • Deliver Excellence: Oversee the planning and execution of large-scale events that inspire, equip, and unite Christians across the UK.
  • Foster Partnerships: Work closely with churches, speakers, musicians, young people and students and partner organisations to deliver a programme that reflects the breadth and depth of the church.
  • Champion Evangelism: Ensure Spring Harvest remains a beacon for sharing the Gospel, especially among young people and families.
  • Inspire and Empower: Lead a dedicated team and engage with volunteers, partners, and attendees, ensuring everyone feels valued and equipped to contribute.
  • Develop New Opportunities: Shape Spring Harvest’s year-round model, identifying ways to extend its impact beyond the annual festival.

About You
We’re looking for someone who:

  • Lives Faithfully: Your relationship with Jesus is the foundation of your life and work. This is an Occupational Requirement to be a Christian believer.
  • Leads Boldly: You can dream big, inspire others, and take decisive action.
  • Thinks Creatively: You bring fresh ideas and the courage to try new things.
  • Handles Complexity with Grace: You thrive in the interplay of strategy, ministry, and the practicalities of event management.
  • Knows the Church: You have a deep understanding of the UK church landscape, its diversity, and its challenges.
  • Is a Builder and a Doer: You don’t just cast vision; you roll up your sleeves and make things happen.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

  • A personal commitment to following Jesus’ teaching and being a Christian. This is an Occupational Requirement of this role.
  • Leadership experience in a church or charity context.
  • Proven experience managing volunteer leaders.
  • Track record of delivering projects or events.

Desirable:

  • Familiarity with Spring Harvest, ideally as a past attender.
  • Theological training or equivalent experience.
  • Educated to university level (any discipline).
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver and execute big ideas.

Why This Role?
This isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. It’s for someone ready to lead with faith, courage, and creativity. You’ll be part of a ministry that changes lives and brings people closer to God. You’ll also have the opportunity to innovate, shaping Spring Harvest’s future and ensuring its impact for generations to come.

We’re looking for a forward-thinking leader with the gravitas to build deep, trusted relationships with leaders across the UK church and beyond, drawing in new connections and communities to shape the future of Spring Harvest. You bring a wealth of experience in leadership, strategic thinking, and relationship-building, complemented by the maturity to navigate complex challenges with wisdom and grace. At home in both digital and in-person environments, you naturally engage with tools like LinkedIn, Instagram, and other channels to foster authentic connections and expand influence.

You are passionate about purpose-driven work, balancing innovation and practicality to create meaningful impact in the communities we serve. Resilient and adaptable, you thrive in dynamic environments that call for creativity and quick thinking while managing the complexities of large-scale events and ministry leadership. With a servant-hearted approach, you empower others to flourish, leading with empathy and inspiring teams to deliver excellence.

At this stage in your life and career, you’re ready to fully dedicate yourself to the demands and opportunities of this role. You bring a steady, dependable presence and a proven ability to manage budgets, implement strategies, and engage sensitively with donors. You understand the power of collaboration, embodying relational leadership that inspires trust and invites others into a shared vision. Your combination of digital fluency, relational strength, and strategic insight positions you perfectly to lead Spring Harvest into its next chapter of impact and growth.

How to Apply
If you’re ready to lead with vision, build with purpose, and trust God for the journey, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining:

  1. Why you feel called to this role.
  2. How your faith, experience, and skills make you the ideal candidate.

Closing date for applications: Friday 28th February 2025
Initial interviews: Friday 7th March 2025 (either hybrid or in person).

Step into the story. Lead Spring Harvest. Inspire transformation.

Application forms should be returned via email to:
recruitment@essentialchristian.org