Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled team to ensure smooth operations within the diocese.
- Company: Join the Diocese, serving over 800 church communities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holidays, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse organisation while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, governance, and communication skills are essential; experience in complex organisations preferred.
- Other info: Must be a communicant member of the Church of England or in full communion.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 84000 £ per year.
This is a role in which you can make a major difference to the smooth running of the diocese, which serves the whole of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.
This is a full time role offering hybrid working.
Location: Kidlington, Oxford/hybrid
Hours: Full-time
Salary: Approximately £75,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Start date: On or around 1 September 2025
Closing Date: Sunday 27 April 2025 at midnight. Interviews will take place on Monday, 12 May 2025, with a prior online meeting with the Diocesan Secretary, ideally on Friday 9 May 2025, and a confirmatory meeting for the recommended candidate with the Bishop of Oxford.
The Role
In leading a department within Church House, which largely comprises of the church buildings team and governance functions, you will be blessed with a highly skilled group of people. You will have the opportunity to lead and guide them and to make a significant contribution to the life of the diocese through being part of the Bishop’s senior team and heads of department group, and deputising as required for the Diocesan Secretary.
The main areas of work are:
- Organisational leadership
- External grant-funding
- Oversight of our highly regarded Development Fund
- Governance and compliance, including elections, data protection, and risk
About You
You will have well-honed skills in leadership and governance, and ideally also project management. You will have very strong communication and interpersonal skills, with high attention to detail, and will have operated at a senior level in a complex organisation. You will be self-motivated and have a real interest in the very diverse work of the diocese as it seeks to support over 800 church communities and to carry out strategic work as determined through our governance structures.
There is a genuine occupational requirement that the appointee must be a communicant member of the Church of England or of a church in full communion with it, in accordance with schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Benefits and rewards include:
- 25 days holiday per annum, rising each year by one day to a maximum of 30 days
- In addition to the statutory UK public holidays, the Diocese offers three privilege days
- Free parking and subsidised on-site café
- Generous employer pension contribution of 12.5%, which includes death in service benefit (5% Employee Contribution)
- Electric car and cycle-to-work salary sacrifice schemes
- Access to wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced family-friendly policies and a generous sick pay provision
- Access to low-interest financial services from Churches Mutual Credit Union, including loans
- An attractive modern working environment
The Organisation
The Diocese is the administrative area of the Church, broadly speaking, covers the three counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. There are 815 churches in the Diocese – more than any other diocese in the Church of England. So, in many ways the best description is that it is the family of the 55,000 or so regular worshippers in these churches.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. If you do not hear from us, your application has not been successful.
We want our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all to be reflected in the composition of staff. We are particularly keen to receive applications from candidates from communities currently underrepresented in the diocese.
Director of Secretariat employer: Diocese of Oxford
Contact Detail:
Diocese of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Secretariat
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the governance structures of the diocese. Understanding how decisions are made and who the key players are will help you engage effectively during interviews and demonstrate your knowledge of the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the diocese, especially those in leadership roles. They can provide valuable insights into the culture and expectations of the position, which can be beneficial for your preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in organisational leadership and governance in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed complex projects in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for the mission of the diocese. Research their recent initiatives and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, as this role requires a genuine commitment to the Church's work.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Secretariat
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Secretariat position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as leadership, governance, and project management.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your leadership roles and any experience in governance or compliance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for the role and the mission of the diocese. Mention specific examples of how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Oxford
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Director of Secretariat role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities such as organisational leadership, governance, and external grant-funding. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership abilities, especially in complex organisations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and managed projects, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Communicate Your Passion for the Diocese's Work
Express your genuine interest in the diverse work of the diocese. Highlight any relevant experiences or connections you have with church communities, as this will show your commitment to their mission.
✨Prepare for Governance and Compliance Questions
Since governance and compliance are significant aspects of the role, be prepared to discuss your knowledge and experience in these areas. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you addressed them, particularly regarding data protection and risk management.
