At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance and risk management while supporting strategic initiatives in a transformative environment.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Rochester, a values-driven organisation focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a key leadership role during an exciting period of change.
- Qualifications: Proven senior management experience with strong organisational and communication skills.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced senior leader who thrives in complex organisations and enjoys bringing clarity, coordination, and strategic oversight to challenging programmes of work? The Diocese of Rochester is seeking an Assistant Diocesan Secretary to work closely with the Diocesan Secretary at a significant moment of transformation. Following successful investment through the Diocesan Investment Plan, the Diocese is delivering an ambitious programme of work to support the Called Together vision and strategy.
This is a key leadership role providing oversight of governance, risk, and organisational coordination, ensuring the effective delivery of strategic priorities across the Diocese.
About the Role
You will play a central role in supporting the Diocesan Secretary and senior colleagues in managing governance, risk, and organisational capacity. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing governance planning, ensuring effective scheduling and coordination of diocesan committees and boards
- Monitoring implementation of actions arising from governance bodies to support organisational delivery
- Leading on the maintenance and monitoring of the diocesan risk register
- Supporting the Diocesan Secretary in responding to national policy developments affecting diocesan functions
- Helping manage internal capacity and performance monitoring as programme activity expands
- Supporting preparation for General Synod and Bishops Council, including planning and correspondence
- Advising colleagues on responding to emerging national policy developments
- Representing the Diocesan Secretary in internal and external meetings when required
- Line managing the Head of Property and overseeing the work of the DAC, Surveyors, and Net Zero teams
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience in a senior management role, ideally within a charity or values-led organisation
- Has strong governance, risk management, and organisational oversight skills
- Is highly organised and able to manage complex priorities and competing demands
- Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills and can work effectively across teams
- Is resilient, discreet, and able to approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset
- Understands and supports the aims and ethos of the Church of England
It would also be helpful if you:
- Have experience working within the Church of England or a similarly complex organisation
- Are familiar with General Synod, Bishops Council, or equivalent governance structures
- Have experience supporting senior executives or board-level leadership
What we can offer:
- Flexible working and TOIL
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Contributory pension scheme
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service
The Diocese is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes. We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.
If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact the HR department at recruitment@rochester.anglican.org
Closing date: 26 April 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
Assistant Diocesan Secretary in Rochester employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Diocesan Secretary in Rochester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Church of England or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might not be in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on governance and risk management topics. We want you to feel confident discussing how you can bring clarity and coordination to the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've managed complex priorities in the past. This will demonstrate that you're the right fit for overseeing governance planning.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Diocesan Secretary in Rochester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Diocesan Secretary. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; provide examples of how you've used them in previous roles. We want to see your governance, risk management, and organisational oversight skills in action!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on governance structures, especially those relevant to the Church of England. Familiarise yourself with the General Synod and Bishops Council, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage complex priorities and competing demands. Think of specific situations where you successfully coordinated multiple projects or led a team through a challenging period. This will demonstrate your organisational prowess and strategic oversight capabilities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider how you can convey your ideas about governance and risk management in a way that resonates with the interviewers. Role-playing with a friend can help you refine your communication style.
✨Embrace the Church's Ethos
Understand and express your alignment with the aims and ethos of the Church of England. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. This will not only show your commitment but also your fit within the organisation's culture.