Job Description
Diocese of Chelmsford
Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive
Salary: Competitive for a large Church of England Diocese
Closing date: 17:00 on Monday 8th June
The Diocese of Chelmsford is one of the largest and most diverse dioceses in the Church of England, serving more than three million people across Essex and East London. Our diocesan life spans vibrant urban communities, new housing areas, coastal and rural contexts, and places of significant deprivation and opportunity. Rooted in this rich diversity, we are committed to loving God and loving our neighbour, and to sustaining a faithful, hopeful and lasting presence in the communities we serve. Following a period of deep listening and discernment, the Diocese has articulated a clear sense of direction through Travelling Well Together – an invitational way of being that shapes our common life, our culture and our shared values. We are navigating a demanding and complex context, marked by financial pressures, changing patterns of ministry, and significant missional opportunity. This is a Diocese seeking to live with grace, creativity and courage in the midst of change.
The Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive plays a pivotal leadership role in mission and ministry in the region. You will work in close partnership with the Bishop of Chelmsford and the Bishop’s Leadership Team, providing executive leadership to the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance and the diocesan staff team. You will ensure effective governance, robust operational delivery and wise stewardship of resources, while setting culture and pace and modelling the values of Travelling Well Together.
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a strong track record of strategic and operational leadership in complex and changing environments. You will be a collegiate, collaborative and inclusive leader, with success in nurturing and developing high performing teams. Your experience will also have seen you inspire, collaborate and influence across a wide and varied stakeholder landscape where patience, persuasion and influence have been key to success. You will be a capable financial leader, comfortable delivering results within an environment where complex governance and high levels of ambiguity are the norm. We are not looking for a hero, but rather an open human being who will join our team, encourage colleagues, walk humbly with Christ and inspire others to do the same. In addition to your professional experience, you will also be a committed Christian, able to demonstrate a deep alignment with the mission, values and life of the Church of England and the Diocese of Chelmsford*.
This is a rare and compelling opportunity to help shape the future of a diverse and dynamic diocese at a critical moment in its journey. For further information, and for an informal discussion about your suitability, please contact Matt Malone of GatenbySanderson at matt.malone@gatenbysanderson.com and click apply on website.
* It is an occupational requirement in accordance with schedule 9 paragraph 1 of the Equality Act for the holder of this role to be a practising Christian.