Diocesan Director of Education - Diocese of Derby

Diocesan Director of Education - Diocese of Derby

Derby Full-Time 47000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Emmaus Leadership

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and shape educational strategy for over 10,000 children in Derby's Church Schools.
  • Company: Join the Derby Diocesan Board of Education, committed to excellence in church school education.
  • Benefits: Impactful role with opportunities for personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people through education.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as a Headteacher or MAT leader with a passion for Christian education.

The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.

Location: Derby (Hybrid working)

Contract Type: Full Time

Contract Term: Permanent

Start Date: January 2026 or earlier

Come and help us offer our children and young people life in all its fullness. Emmaus Leadership have been retained by the Derby Diocesan Board of Education to manage the key appointment of a Director of Education within the diocese. Derby DBE has oversight of 111 Church Schools across the diocese. Through the Director, Deputy Director and supported by the Senior Business & Operations Manager and Executive Assistant, the DBE works with vigour to support schools and the church to enable the delivery of a distinctive and excellent church school education; all within the context of an ever‑changing educational landscape.

At Derby DBE we are tasked with developing an improved understanding of education as mission and realising the potential of our Church Schools in the Church’s ministry to young people. We are looking to appoint a relational, strategic, gospel hearted and enabling Director of Education who works collaboratively to support the Diocesan Board of Education in its statutory role and to lead our work in Education. You will play a key role in shaping educational strategy across the diocese, influencing schools, Multi Academy Trusts and wider partnerships, and contributing to diocesan leadership as a trusted and respected voice. This role offers an amazing opportunity to influence and impact the lives of over 10,000 children each year. We aspire to hold a significant place locally, regionally and nationally where we can have influence for the greater good.

We are looking for someone with a:

  • Passion for serving children and young people through Church Schools
  • Strong track record as an inspiring Headteacher or MAT leader with a demonstrable understanding of how excellence in education can be enabled
  • Caring, pastoral approach to supporting our people working on the ‘front line’ in our schools
  • Drive for excellence and inspiring others to the principle of Christian distinctiveness in education

Now is a moment of real opportunity within the educational and Christian life of the diocese, which makes this post an extremely attractive and rewarding career opportunity. A requirement of the post is that applicants must be practising Christians.

Closing date: Monday 29 June at 12 Noon

Shortlisting: Tuesday 30 June

Interviews: Tuesday 7 July

For an initial informal chat please call Liam Dowds, our Emmaus Advising Consultant, on 01737 652 043 or email him for an Application pack. All conversations will be held in the strictest confidence. DO NOT APPLY ONLINE. ALL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL.

Derby DBE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Diocesan Director of Education - Diocese of Derby employer: Emmaus Leadership

The Diocese of Derby offers a unique and fulfilling opportunity for the Diocesan Director of Education to lead and inspire within a supportive and collaborative environment. With a commitment to excellence in education and a focus on serving over 10,000 children annually, employees benefit from a strong sense of purpose, professional growth opportunities, and a caring work culture that values Christian distinctiveness. This role not only allows for significant influence in shaping educational strategies but also fosters a community dedicated to the holistic development of young people.

Emmaus Leadership

Contact Details:

Emmaus Leadership Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Diocesan Director of Education - Diocese of Derby

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education and the church community. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially for roles like the Diocesan Director of Education. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the Derby Diocesan Board of Education and their mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to share specific examples of your leadership in education. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking chat, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your passion for serving children and young people through Church Schools.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It makes it easier for us to keep track of candidates and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our mission at Derby DBE!

We think you need these skills to ace Diocesan Director of Education - Diocese of Derby

Strategic Leadership
Educational Strategy Development
Collaboration
Influencing Skills
Understanding of Church Schools
Headteacher Experience
Multi Academy Trust Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!

Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for serving children and young people through Church Schools. Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your passion for education. Let us know why this role excites you and how you can contribute to our mission.

Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your journey, your values, and what drives you. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our vision, so being genuine is key!

Follow Application Instructions:Make sure you follow the application instructions to the letter. Since we require applications to be submitted via email, double-check that you’ve included all necessary documents and information. A well-organised application shows us you pay attention to detail!

How to prepare for a job interview at Emmaus Leadership

Know Your Mission

Before the interview, take some time to understand the mission and values of the Derby Diocesan Board of Education. Reflect on how your personal beliefs and experiences align with their vision for education as a mission. This will help you articulate your passion for serving children and young people through Church Schools.

Showcase Your Leadership Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles as a Headteacher or MAT leader that demonstrate your ability to inspire excellence in education. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, particularly in fostering a caring and pastoral approach within your teams.

Engage in Collaborative Dialogue

During the interview, emphasise your collaborative skills. Be ready to discuss how you would work with schools, Multi Academy Trusts, and other partners to shape educational strategy. Show that you value input from others and are keen to build strong relationships within the diocese.

Demonstrate Your Commitment

As a practising Christian, be prepared to share how your faith informs your approach to education. Discuss how you can inspire others to embrace the principle of Christian distinctiveness in education, and how this can positively impact the lives of over 10,000 children each year.