Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive

Organisation: Diocese of Lichfield

Role: Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive

Salary: c.£90,000

Closing date: 17:00 on Monday 18 November

The Diocese of Lichfield is one of the larger and more diverse dioceses in the Church of England, and its diocesan bishop is tasked with substantial responsibilities in the wider Church. Since its establishment in 1979, we have been well served by an episcopal area scheme and we believe that this should continue in force. The archdeaconries matched the episcopal areas for many years until 1997 when the Archdeaconry of Walsall was formed out from Lichfield, recognising the significant density of population and parish in the region. In the Diocese of Lichfield, we are conscious of being a pilgrim people, inspired by the example of our first bishop, St Chad of Mercia. His was a ministry of evangelism and mission. We aspire to follow in his footsteps - imaginative, faithful, and innovative. As we seek to live our vision for this Diocese, we have discerned that culture change needs to be at the heart of all we do. We all are called to be advocates for change, and to help people meet the challenge of being outward-facing, confident believers in a sceptical world.

The role of the Diocesan Secretary plays a critical part in the life of the mission and ministry in the region. You will act as a key partner to the Bishop in implementing our strategic framework, ensuring that the resources and people are fully aligned to deliver with real impact. You will lead the staff team and engage in relationships with parishes and partners across the region, building a collaborative and high-performing culture that delivers effectively whilst providing opportunities for staff to develop and fulfil their potential.

For this vital role, we are looking for a person of special talent who will bring a track record of successful strategic and operational leadership. 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 building effective relationships with a varied group of stakeholders where patience, persuasion and influence have been key to success. You will be a capable financial leader, comfortable delivering results within an environment with complex governance and high levels ambiguity. You are a committed Christian able to demonstrate a clear commitment to the mission of the Church of England and, more specifically, to the Diocese of Lichfield.

For further information on this exciting opportunity, and for an informal discussion about your suitability, please contact Matt Malone of GatenbySanderson at and click Apply below.

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.