Diocesan Secretary

Church of England Birmingham

Birmingham

  • Location Birmingham
  • Sector Faith
  • Client Church of England Birmingham
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration c.£90,000pa
  • Reference GSe126114
  • Closing Date 5pm Monday 10 November 2025

Birmingham is the UK’s second city with the youngest urban population in one of the most lively, diverse and creative city regions. As a diocese, Church of England Birmingham (CofEB) was founded in 1905, is geographically small but densely populated, covering an area of nearly 300 square miles. Birmingham is the ‘poorest’ CofE diocese (based on IMD rankings) but also one of the most generous (based on giving as % of income). We are recognised for being innovative, making good use of scarce resources, which resonates with the character of Birmingham being known as the ‘city of a thousand trades’. At the heart of what we do there are over 187 worshipping communities across 146 parishes, with these divided between six deaneries across two archdeaconries. It is a time of new opportunities and potential in CofEB as we seek to respond to God and shape ministry and mission for a changing church and world as part of our Transforming Church vision and strategy.

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 vision and strategy, ensuring that 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 committed Christian* who will bring a track record of successful strategic and operational leadership in complex environments. You will be a collegiate and inclusive leader, with success in nurturing 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 a deep set of values. Culture is as important as capability and, in addition to your professional experience, we are seeking a collaborative, supportive, generous, inspirational and committed individual to take on this critical role.

This is an exciting time for Church of England Birmingham. The next Diocesan Secretary will be joining an excellent team as we seek to share the good news of Jesus in the West Midlands and pursue our vision of growing churches and flourishing schools at the heart of each community. For further information on this exciting opportunity, and for an informal discussion about your suitability, please contact Matt Malone of GatenbySanderson at matt.malone@gatenbysanderson.com   

* 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.

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Documents

  1. Church of England Birmingham, Diocesan Secretary - Candidate Pack.pdf

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