At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire Church schools, shaping educational strategy and ensuring high standards.
- Company: Join the Church of England Birmingham, a diverse and impactful community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming education and supporting young people's growth.
- Qualifications: Significant senior leadership experience in education and a practising Christian.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 79000 - 79000 £ per year.
The Church of England Birmingham is seeking to appoint an exceptional Diocesan Director of Education to lead and serve its family of Church schools across one of the most diverse dioceses in the country. This is a senior and influential role, offered at a time of opportunity and change, following the retirement of the current post holder. It is a calling as much as a post, combining strategic educational leadership with deep commitment to the Church’s mission.
Church of England Birmingham serves a richly diverse urban and rural population across Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. At the heart of this work are 52 Church of England schools, educating children and young people to flourish academically, socially and spiritually.
Reporting to the Birmingham Diocesan Board of Education, and working closely with the Diocesan Secretary and Bishop, the Diocesan Director of Education will provide vision, leadership and statutory oversight for all aspects of the Diocese’s education work. You will act as the senior adviser on education, shaping strategy, influencing policy and ensuring the highest standards of governance, compliance and Christian distinctiveness across schools and academies.
This is a pivotal role, requiring confident systems leadership, strong professional credibility and the ability to build trusted relationships with headteachers, governors, clergy, local authorities, academy trusts and national bodies.
As Diocesan Director of Education, you will:
- Champion and safeguard the Christian vision and distinctiveness of Church of England education
- Provide strategic leadership to the Birmingham Diocesan Board of Education
- Lead and develop the diocesan education team
- Shape and influence the MAT landscape across the Diocese
- Support school improvement, especially where need is greatest
- Oversee governance, admissions, appeals and statutory compliance
- Represent the Diocese locally, regionally and nationally
- Ensure effective stewardship of financial and estate resources
- Contribute to the wider diocesan vision of growing churches and flourishing schools
We are seeking a practising Christian with significant senior leadership experience in education, ideally as a headteacher or principal, and a strong understanding of the Church of England’s role in education. You will bring clarity of vision, warmth of presence and the confidence to lead in complex and changing contexts. You will be values-led, relational and resilient, with the ability to inspire trust and collaboration.
This post carries an Occupational Requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
How to apply: For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact: Laura McGunigle at Satis Education on 07931 384683 or email laura@satiseducation.co.uk. Please visit www.joinbirminghamdbe.co.uk for more information and how to apply.
Safeguarding: Church of England Birmingham & Satis Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references and safeguarding training, in line with safer recruitment practice.
Diocesan Director of Education | Church of England Birmingham employer: Satis Education Ltd
Contact Detail:
Satis Education Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Diocesan Director of Education | Church of England Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education and the Church of England. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on the Diocesan Director of Education role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Diocese and its schools. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, influenced policy, and improved educational outcomes. This is your chance to showcase your strategic vision and how it fits with the Church's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Diocesan Director of Education | Church of England Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand the Church of England Birmingham's values and mission. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their vision for education.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! Share your passion for education and the Church’s mission. We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your commitment and values in your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your senior leadership experience in education. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead, inspire, and navigate complex situations, especially in a church or educational context.
Follow the Application Process: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. Make sure to double-check all requirements and submit your application before the deadline. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Satis Education Ltd
✨Understand the Church's Mission
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Church of England's mission and values. Reflect on how your personal beliefs align with these principles, as this role is deeply rooted in faith and education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles in education, especially any experience as a headteacher or principal. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams or influenced educational policy.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with headteachers, governors, and local authorities in the past.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Anticipate questions about your vision for education within the Diocese. Consider how you would approach school improvement and governance, especially in areas of greatest need, and be prepared to articulate your strategies clearly.