Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer

Diocese of Chelmsford

Chelmsford

  • Location Chelmsford
  • Sector Faith
  • Client Diocese of Chelmsford
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration Competitive for a large Church of England Diocese
  • Reference GSe132344
  • Closing Date 5pm, Monday 8 June 2026

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 Duncan Ewart duncan.ewart@gatenbysanderson.com or Matt Malone of GatenbySanderson at matt.malone@gatenbysanderson.com 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.

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

Documents

  1. CDBF Confidential Declaration Form - new format 2024 - Enhanced DBS.docx
  2. Diocese of Chelmsford Reference Form.docx

Continue to full details and apply

Share this job

Featured jobs

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Land Registrar

HM Land Registry

UK-wide (with a significant presence in Croydon)

Chief Executive Officer

Coin Street

London

Chief People Officer

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

Hertfordshire

Corporate Director, Growth & Environment

London Borough of Lambeth

Lambeth, London