VACANCIES

CURRENT VACANCIES

  • KIDS PASTOR

    We’re searching for a Kids Pastor to oversee our thriving and fast-growing ministry to 0-11s and their families, and help us make River Kids the highlight of their weeks!

    Full-time (part-time applicants will be considered) | Up to £32,500

    Closing date: 1st July 2026

    —

    Role Profile

    Job title: Kids Pastor

    Department: Rising Generations

    Reports to: Senior Leaders

    Principal location: River Church Ipswich, Key Street, IP4 1BZ

    DBS check required: Yes

    Special conditions of employment: There is a genuine occupational requirement that the post-holder is a Christian, as permitted under the Equality Act 2010.

    Start date: As soon as possible

    Working days/hours: Full-time

    Rate of pay: Up to £32,500 depending on experience

    Travel: May be required on occasion

    Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata)

    Probation period: 6 months

    Contract length: Negotiable

    Other expectations: Whilst the role will usually be Sunday to Thursday, the role holder will need to be available to work some other key dates, such as special services (Christmas, Easter etc.), annual meetings, and Focus (our annual one-week church holiday in the summer). It is expected that staff members will be active members of River Church—praying at prayer meetings, serving on team, giving financially, and growing as part of a Hangout.

    For a candidate with the right skillset and character, this role could be combined with another role currently vacant.

    —

    Key Responsibilities

    • Oversee River Church’s mission and ministry to Kids (0-11s) and their families, leading significant growth in number and depth of discipleship

    • Lead, pastor, co-ordinate, train, and grow the River Kids Team

    • Oversee, plan and lead kids-focussed aspects of Sunday services, working to expand capacity and grow numbers of children and families involved

    • Plan and lead midweek groups, activities, courses, and events aimed at children and families, such as Baby Love (our group for parents, babies, and toddlers), the Parenting Course, and other future groups (including a new service for kids and families)

    • Lead kids ministry within local primary schools and nurseries, such as taking assemblies, leading after-school or lunch clubs, RE lessons and similar activities, as opportunities arise, building on existing contacts and developing new partnerships

    • Make contact and build relationships with unchurched and de-churched kids and families in Ipswich, and lead them on a pathway of discipleship, equipping the Kids Team to do the same

    • Inviting parents and carers to Alpha and creating opportunities to run Alphas suitable for this demographic (i.e., through providing childcare or at strategic times and locations)

    • Collaborate with the Social Transformation department where their work serves children and young families, to build their connection with River Church

    • Train, mentor, and prepare members of the Kids Team to ensure the provision of excellent kids worship, mission, and ministry, and to release team members into leadership where appropriate

    • Work with Senior Leaders and other ministry staff to plan events, meetings, and services

    • Manage the kids department budget

    • Manage and mentor Kids Team River College Students (interns), releasing them into appropriate levels of leadership

    • Lead and contribute to Alpha, Staff Meeting, Department Meetings, Prayer Meeting, Hangouts, Focus, and Sunday Services (including some preaching and/or teaching)

    • Collaborate with the Communications and Media Manager to curate River Kids social media channels

    • Work with the Student Pastor to assist in River Church’s ministry to young people (11-18), and to ensure a smooth transition from River Kids to River Youth

    • Ensure that kids team volunteers are recruited safely, following the safer recruitment policy, and that all regulatory requirements regarding safeguarding and health and safety are met, attending training as required

    • Manage DBS checks and safeguarding training across River Church, working closely with the Safeguarding Officer

    • Ad hoc tasks and other project work which enhances the ministry and mission of River Church

    —

    Person Specification

    Personal qualities and beliefs

    It is essential that the role holder:

    • has a mature, personal faith in and relationship with God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit

    • is a baptised Christian who believes and embodies the orthodox Christian teaching revealed in the Bible and in accordance with the CEEC basis of faith and declarations

    • is committed to the dream, purpose, and goals of River Church, and passionate about seeing people coming to know Jesus in Ipswich

    • has a passion for reaching children with the gospel and to seeing them grow into all that God has created them to be in Christ

    • has the capacity to provide spiritual leadership within the kids team and to contribute to the spiritual direction of the wider church

    • is theologically astute

    Personal skills and abilities

    It is essential that the role holder:

    • has the ability to teach, train and develop kids team volunteers

    • has excellent teamwork and team-building skills, and is able to manage, motivate, and encourage others

    • has excellent organisational skills and time management

    • is self-motivated

    • has excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to connect with children

    • has outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal

    • has a high attention to detail and high production values

    • is able to manage a departmental budget

    • is flexible, with a can-do attitude

    • is teachable, has a desire to learn and grow, and is willing to undergo any necessary training

    • understands the importance of confidentiality and has good self-awareness

    • has enthusiasm, energy, commitment, and a sense of humour

    Knowledge, qualifications, and experience

    It is essential that the role holder:

    • has experience in leading services, prayer, and worship for kids

    • has outstanding ability to communicate Christian teaching to kids

    • has confidence ministering in the Holy Spirit

    • has a thorough understanding of statutory Child Protection/Safeguarding requirements

    It is desirable that the role holder:

    • has relevant degree-level qualifications connected to children, education, and/or theology

    • is experienced in and/or has the ability to learn to use Mac OS X, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and ChurchSuite

    • has an eye for design and aesthetics

    • is able to use digital technology and social media to contribute to kids ministry

    • is able to preach to and teach adults, as well as children

    • has other skills which could contribute to the wider life and ministry of River Church

    —

    Notes for Applicants

    We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose ethnicities are underrepresented in the Church of England. We would welcome informal conversations with anybody considering applying for this position. Email matt.key@riverchurchipswich.org to get in touch. When completing the application form, please feel free to continue your answers on separate pages if you require more room.

    We reserve the right to close applications and/or shortlist at any time. As such, we recommend applying for this role at your earliest convenience.

    We will inform you as to whether or not you will be invited for interview once applications have closed.

    Interviews will be held in person at River Church Ipswich, Key Street, IP4 1BZ.

    Please bring your passport (and, if necessary, proof of right to work in the UK) and a document showing proof of your home address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, to your interview.

    Please note that any offers made are subject to: the receipt of satisfactory references; satisfactory completion of a DBS check, safeguarding training, and any other training necessary for the role; proof of right to work in the UK; satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period; and agreement to adhere to the policies and procedures of River Church.

    When you apply for this role, please also complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form at the bottom of this page.

  • Cleaner & Site Assistant (Maternity Cover)

    Job title: Cleaner & Site Assistant (Maternity Cover)

    Department: Operations

    Reports to: Head of Operations

    Principal location: River Church Ipswich, Key Street, IP4 1BZ

    DBS check required: Yes

    Start date: As soon as possible

    Working days/hours: 6-8 hours per week

    Rate of pay: £13.45 per hour (living wage)

    Travel: May be required on occasion

    Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata)

    Probation period: 3 months

    Contract length: Fixed term maternity cover until 31st December 2026

    Other expectations: The role holder will need to be available to work some other key dates, such as special services (Christmas, Easter etc.), annual meetings, and Focus (our annual one-week church holiday in the summer). It is expected that staff members will be active members of River Church—attending Sunday services, praying at prayer meetings, serving on a team, giving financially, and growing as part of a Hangout.

    ● Monitor the premises and facilities of River Church and ensure that they are kept clean and tidy, and in an excellent state of repair

    ● Undertake regular cleaning, basic maintenance, and gardening according to cleaning schedule

    ● Recruit, train, manage, and support a team of volunteers to assist with the cleaning, tidying, and maintenance of River Church’s premises

    ● Manage storage solutions for River Church equipment and property

    ● Ensure that the premises, facilities, and furniture (including heating and lighting) are set up ready for services, activities, hirers, and groups, as required

    ● Ensure that supplies of cleaning, gardening and maintenance materials, and toilet product stocks are sufficient for the smooth operation of River Church

    ● Manage waste, ensuring the prompt and environmentally friendly disposal of rubbish, liaising with WasteSaver where required

    ● Be a key-holder for River Church premises, facilitating access for internal and external non-key-holders as required

    ● Attend weekly Staff Meeting

    ● Ad hoc tasks and other project work which enhances the ministry and mission of River Church

    Personal qualities and beliefs

    It is essential that the role holder:

    ● is committed to the dream, purpose, and goals of River Church

    ● is passionate about premises and their use for mission and ministry

    Personal skills and abilities

    Personal qualities and beliefs

    ● has the ability to teach, train and develop volunteers in the site team

    ● has strong teamwork and team-building skills, and is able to manage, motivate, and encourage others

    ● has excellent organisational skills and time management

    ● is self-motivated and pro-active

    ● has good communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal

    ● has a high attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics

    ● is flexible, with a can-do attitude

    ● is teachable and has a desire to learn and grow

    ● understands the importance of confidentiality and has good self-awareness

    ● has enthusiasm, energy, commitment, and a sense of humour

    ● is physically fit and able to undertake physically demanding activities such as moving furniture, working at height on ladders, operating hand and power tools

    Knowledge, qualifications, and experience

    It is essential that the role holder:

    • is able to clean to a high and consistent standard

    • has an good understanding of basic building and garden maintenance, and the ability to perform repair work

    • has a good understanding of health and safety procedures relating to cleaning, maintenance, and other aspects of the role

    • has an eye for cleaning, a passion for excellence, and a good understanding of cleaning methods, equipment, and products

    • has experience in and/or the ability to learn to use Mac OS X, Pages, Numbers, and ChurchSuite

    • has or is willing to undertake COSHH and manual handling training, and other training relevant to the role

    • has a good understanding of statutory Child Protection/Safeguarding requirements

    • has access to a car or van, and a valid driving license

    It is desirable that the role holder:

    • has prior experience maintaining and developing premises and facilities

    —

    Notes for Applicants

    We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose ethnicities are underrepresented in the Church of England. We would welcome informal conversations with anybody considering applying for this position. Email matt.key@river.church to get in touch. When completing the application form, please feel free to continue your answers on separate pages if you require more room.

    We reserve the right to close applications and/or shortlist at any time. As such, we recommend applying for this role at your earliest convenience.

    We will inform you as to whether or not you will be invited for interview once applications have closed.

    Interviews will be held in person at River Church Ipswich, Key Street, IP4 1BZ.

    Please bring your passport (and, if necessary, proof of right to work in the UK) and a document showing proof of your home address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, to your interview.

    Please note that any offers made are subject to: the receipt of satisfactory references; satisfactory completion of a DBS check, safeguarding training, and any other training necessary for the role; proof of right to work in the UK; satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period; and agreement to adhere to the policies and procedures of River Church.

    When you apply for this role, please also complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form at the bottom of this page.

  • APPLAUD COFFEE ASSISTANT MANAGER

    We’re searching for an experienced barista with strong leadership skills a passion for the dream of River Church to join our incredible Applaud Coffee staff team. The Assistant Manager will be involved in supporting the Manager in exciting new projects, like adding new opening days, creating new spaces for customers, and exploring the launch of additional branches.

    Full-time (28+ hours per week) | Up to £25,000 FTE

    Closing date: 8th July 2026

    —

    Role Profile

    Job title: Applaud Coffee Assistant Manager

    Department: Applaud Coffee

    Reports to: Applaud Coffee Directors

    Principal location: Applaud Coffee, 19 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XF

    DBS check required: Yes

    Special conditions of employment: As a ministry role, bridging River Church and Applaud Coffee, there is a genuine occupational requirement that the post-holder is a Christian, as permitted under the Equality Act 2010.

    Start date: As soon as possible

    Working days/hours: Negotiable (averaging 28+ per week) including Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

    Rate of pay: Up to £25,000 FTE

    Travel: May be required on occasion

    Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata)

    Probation period: 6 months

    Contract length: Negotiable

    Other expectations: The role holder will need to be available to work some other key dates, such as special services (Christmas, Easter etc.), annual meetings, and Focus (our annual one-week church holiday in the summer). It is expected that staff members will be active members of River Church—praying at prayer meetings, serving on team, giving financially, and growing as part of a Hangout.

    —

    MAIN TASKS

    • Support the Manager in overseeing staff and coffee shop operations

    • Make outstanding speciality coffees

    • Deliver excellent customer service with an attention to detail

    • Embody the values of Applaud Coffee and River Church

    • Support the manager in developing the partnership between Applaud and River, including upcoming Baby Love ‘pop-up Applaud location’, barista training for NEET 16-24s and Alpha at Applaud

    • Assist the manager in:

        • Managing stock, equipment, and orders (in store and online)

        • Recruiting, onboarding, training, and managing staff

        • Tracking KPI's (sales, revenue, profit, waste), reporting these weekly to Directors

        • Overseeing coffee shop finances, including paying invoices and monitoring cash flow

        • Overseeing all aspects of kitchen and back of house including menu, stock, and systems

    • Ensure compliance with safeguarding and food health and safety policies

    • Create and manage shift rotas

    • Prepare and produce food and drink products of a high and consistent quality to tight deadlines

    • Baking Applaud cakes for the shop counter and external orders

    • Perform general kitchen and coffee shop duties e.g serving, cooking, washing up and cleaning

    • Problem-solving and dealing with any customer complaints or special requests

    • Taking and managing online orders as required

    • Opening and closing the shop as required

    • Admin tasks including financial admin, correspondence, and paying invoices

    • Maintain an environment of cleanliness and ambience at all times

    • Demonstrate Christian values and character to customers, sharing faith in Jesus, and offering invitations to River Church events when appropriate, bridging River and Applaud

    • Collaborate with River Church staff team on special events

    • Other ad hoc tasks as required

    SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS

    Essential 

    • Numerate and literate

    • Food Hygiene certificate

    • Prior experience as a barista, with strong latté art skills

    • Good knowledge of speciality coffee

    Desirable 

    • Qualifications at Level 3 or higher in relevant subject

    • Prior experience in a supervisory or management position

    PERSON SPECIFICATION

    Essential 

    • Hardworking, reliable and honest 

    • Barista and/or hospitality experience

    • Exceptional customer service 

    • Confident and competent baker / cook

    • Able to thrive in a busy and fast paced environment 

    • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

    • Ability to troubleshoot situations 

    • Organised, efficient and able to prioritise

    • Able to show initiative and work well under pressure

    • High attention to detail 

    • Energetic with a positive mindset 

    • There is a genuine occupational requirement that the role holder is a committed Christian, assents to the River Church Code of Conduct and basis of faith, and (desirable) is willing to become an active member of River Church

    • Enthusiasm for and the ability to embody the vision and values of Applaud 

    Desirable

    • Prior experience managing staff or leading teams

    • Experience in a commercial kitchen 

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    The job is physically demanding. You will be required to stand for extended periods of time and to lift and carry stock to and from the basement.

    WHAT WE OFFER 

    • Any 2 drinks from the Applaud menu on shift

    • Free coffee and tea off shift

    • Free lunch on shifts of over 6 hours

    • 20% discount on retail products

    • Pension contributions

    Notes for Applicants

    We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose ethnicities are underrepresented in the Church of England. We would welcome informal conversations with anybody considering applying for this position. Email matt.key@river.church to get in touch. When completing the application form, please feel free to continue your answers on separate pages if you require more room.

    We reserve the right to close applications and/or shortlist at any time. As such, we recommend applying for this role at your earliest convenience.

    We will inform you as to whether or not you will be invited for interview once applications have closed.

    Interviews will be held in person at River Church Ipswich, Key Street, IP4 1BZ.

    Please bring your passport (and, if necessary, proof of right to work in the UK) and a document showing proof of your home address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, to your interview.

    Please note that any offers made are subject to: the receipt of satisfactory references; satisfactory completion of a DBS check, safeguarding training, and any other training necessary for the role; proof of right to work in the UK; satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period; and agreement to adhere to the policies and procedures of River Church.

    When you apply for this role, please also complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form at the bottom of this page.

  • Sports Ministry Lead

    The Sports Ministry Lead will oversee River Active, our fast-growing sports outreach ministry, sharing the Gospel through Bridge the Gap football, running groups, and our student-only gym, providing pastoral care and discipleship to participants, and supporting our wider student ministry at the University of Suffolk.

    16-20 hours | Up to £29,250 pro rata

    Closing date: 1st July 2026

    Role Profile

    Job title: Sports Ministry Lead

    Department: River Active

    Reports to: Head of Operations

    Direct reports: River Active and Bridge the Gap volunteers

    Principal location: River Church Ipswich; MOVE Gym; Portman Road Stadium

    DBS check required: Yes

    Special conditions of employment: As a minister of religion role, there is a genuine occupational requirement that the post-holder is a Christian, as permitted under the Equality Act 2010.

    Start date: August/September 2026

    Working days/hours: 16-20 hours (flexible, Sun-Thu)

    Salary: Up to £29,250 pro rata (depending on experience)

    Travel: May be required on occasion

    Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata)

    Probation period: 6 months

    Contract length: Initial 1 year (extension subject to funding; appointment subject to successful funding from University of Suffolk.)

    Other expectations: The role holder will need to be available to work some other key dates outside the usual working pattern, such as special services (Christmas, Easter etc.), annual meetings, and Focus (our annual one-week church holiday in the summer). It is expected that staff members will be active members of River Church (praying, serving, giving, and growing).

    For a candidate with the right skillset and character, this role could be combined with another role currently vacant.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Work with Senior Pastors to develop and implement strategy for our sports ministry, ‘River Active’ in line with the dream, purpose, and goals of River Church

    • Oversee the Bridge the Gap Ipswich, delivering football sessions for young men, based at Portman Road Stadium (Ipswich Town FC), inviting participants to Alpha and Sundays, and sharing faith in Jesus

    • Work to expand to Bridge the Gap to offer youth sessions, in partnership with River Youth

    • Manage ‘MOVE’, our gym exclusively for University of Suffolk students, including subscriptions via Squarespace and twice-weekly safety checks

    • Liaise with the University of Suffolk and Student Union to deliver inductions, sessions, and other support to users of MOVE gym

    • Ensure that all safeguarding and health and safety requirements are met across River Active

    • Deliver River Active running sessions for varying abilities alongside the existing volunteer team

    • Actively disciple and pastor those attending River Active sports sessions, sensitively sharing the Gospel with those who are not yet Christians, making frequent invitations to Alpha and Sundays

    • Oversee, recruit, train, and pastor the River Active volunteer team

    • Manage River Active departmental budget

    • Contribute to other River Church events including Alpha and Sundays

    • Support other areas of Student and Collective (young adults) ministry as required

    • Work with Comms and Media Manager to curate River Active and Bridge the Gap Ipswich social media accounts and webpages

    • Track impact data and report to Head of Operations, as well as external partners and funders

    • Explore and implement opportunities to expand River Active provision

    • Attend and contribute to Staff Meeting, and Tuesday morning Prayer Meeting, and other River Church events such as Focus

    • Regularly pray for all River Active ministries

    • Ad hoc tasks and other project work

    Personal qualities and beliefs

    It is essential that the role holder:

    • has a personal faith in and relationship with God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit

    • is committed to the dream, purpose, and goals of River Church

    • is a baptised Christian who believes and embodies the orthodox Christian teaching revealed in the Bible and in accordance with the CEEC basis of faith and declarations

    • is demonstrably committed to their own discipleship (i.e., baptised, praying, serving, giving, and sharing faith)

    • is passionate about football, sports, and evangelism

    Personal skills and abilities

    It is essential that the role holder:

    • has excellent teamwork and team-building skills, and is able to manage, motivate, and encourage others

    • has good organisational skills and time management

    • is self-motivated

    • has good communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, including an excellent level of English spelling, punctuation, and grammar

    • has good attention to detail and high production values

    • is able to manage an organisational budget

    • is flexible, with a can-do attitude

    • is teachable, humble, and has a desire to learn and grow

    • understands the importance of confidentiality, and is trustworthy and reliable, with a good self-awareness

    • has enthusiasm, energy, commitment, and a sense of humour

    Knowledge, qualifications, and experience

    It is essential that the role holder:

    • has, or is willing and able to undertake prior to starting the role, fitness instructor and/or PT training qualifications, and first aid training

    • has good IT skills, and experience in and/or the ability to learn to use Mac OS X, ChurchSuite, Squarespace, and Expense Plus

    • has prior experience in sports ministry or bringing together faith and sport in another context

    • has a good understanding of sports and fitness equipment and facilities

    • has a thorough and up-to-date understanding of statutory child protection and safeguarding requirements, health and safety legislation, and other legal aspects of operations

    It is desirable that the role holder:

    • holds a bachelors degree (or higher level qualification), ideally in a field related to the role

    • has prior experience of Bridge the Gap football

    • has worked within the HTB Network of churches (or is able to demonstrate a strong level of familiarity and alignment with the Network’s vision, values, and ecclesiology), in a city centre resource church setting or another large church

    • has prior experience working in a gym or sports setting

    • has other relevant qualifications in a field related to the role

    • has an eye for detail and aesthetics

    • has other relevant experience or skills related to the role or other areas of ministry

  • Our River College Internship Year is an opportunity to go deeper in your discipleship, grow in your leadership, and gain first hand experience of ministry.

    Choose one or more of our 8 ministry streams:

    • Coffee

    • Kids

    • Media

    • Operations

    • Social Justice

    • Sports

    • Worship & Production

    • Youth & Students

    At River College we want to help release life-changing leadership in our interns. Over our one-year course, through a mixture of classroom teaching in theology and Biblical studies, training in Christian leadership, mentoring from our senior staff team, and practical experience on one of our internship streams, River College interns will discover and develop their God-given gifts, ready to transform our church, our town, our nation, and beyond.

    Interns will also benefit from teaching from a wide variety of expert contributors, have opportunities to train and work as baristas at our award-winning coffee shop, Applaud Coffee, receive free books, and get team tickets to HTB Focus (our annual church festival) and other HTB Network events. River College is completely free because we are passionate about investing in young Christian leaders, and we’ll be able to cover some of your living costs, and offer some paid hours at Applaud Coffee (subject to interview and availability), too.

    River College starts on 21st September 2026!

    Find out more or apply at river.church/college