At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and operations while influencing education policy across England and Wales.
- Company: Join the National Society for Education, a legacy organisation with over 200 years of impact.
- Benefits: Shape the future of education with a strong Christian ethos and community support.
- Other info: A unique opportunity to influence national education while upholding Christian values.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education by leading with purpose and vision.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience and deep knowledge of the education system required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
About the National Society for Education (NS)
The National Society for Education (NS) is the Church of England’s national education office, with a proud legacy spanning over 200 years. The NS plays a pivotal role in enabling children, young people and adults to flourish through education that is Deeply Christian, serving the Common Good through our work supporting diocesan boards of education, who are the largest providers of schools in England and Wales, through influence at the most senior levels of government, and through a growing presence across Further and Higher Education.
Over the past decade the organisation has undergone significant growth and transformation, expanding its influence, reach and financial scale. Today, the NS operates in a complex and evolving education landscape shaped by changing government policy, heightened public accountability, increased devolution of policy to Wales, and wider social and geopolitical uncertainty. Within this context, the Church of England and Church in Wales remain major national voices in education, committed to collaboration, inclusion and excellence as we seek to serve the Class of 2040.
Chief Executive & Chief Education Officer – Position Overview
The NS is now seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Chief Executive and Chief Education Officer for the Church of England. This is a broad and influential role, combining organisational leadership with national system engagement and influence across dioceses, schools, FE, HE, government and a myriad of other partners across England and Wales. Reporting to the Chair and Council, the postholder will lead strategy, operations, culture and performance; and act as the Church of England’s senior education voice with government, regulators and key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategy, operations, culture and performance; act as the Church of England’s senior education voice with government, regulators and key stakeholders.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will bring substantial senior leadership experience gained in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments, alongside deep knowledge of the education system and public policies of England and Wales. They will demonstrate personal gravitas, sound judgement and the ability to lead with clarity through contested and high‑profile issues. Exceptional communication skills, political and relational acuity, and a track record of building collaborative and engaged teams and partnerships will be essential. As a public leader formed by a corrigible and inspiring Christian faith, the Chief Executive will be motivated by Christian values, a vision for the mission of Church schools, and committed to enabling institutions and people to flourish.
Opportunities
This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of education nationally with the distinct and hope‑filled voice of the Church, building on a strong legacy while leading confidently into the next phase of impact and service.
For more information, and for an informal conversation about the role and your suitability, please visit our recruitment partners, GatenbySanderson.
Legal Requirement
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.
Chief Executive and Chief Education Officer employer: The Church of England
The National Society for Education (NS) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and influence the future of education in England and Wales through a deeply Christian ethos. With a strong commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and excellence, NS fosters a supportive work culture that values personal growth and professional development, empowering its leaders to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and communities. Located at the heart of the Church of England's educational mission, this role provides a platform to engage with key stakeholders and shape policies that serve the Common Good.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive and Chief Education Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Church of England or education sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the National Society for Education thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in leading with a Christian ethos.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for education and how it aligns with the NS’s goals. Use clear examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to navigate complex environments.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive and Chief Education Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand the National Society for Education and its mission. Tailor your application to reflect how your values align with theirs, especially around education and community service.
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your senior leadership experience and any relevant achievements in complex environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead strategy and operations effectively.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! The NS is looking for someone with personal gravitas and sound judgement, so don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and how your Christian faith informs your leadership style.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the National Society for Education and its mission. Understand their values, especially their commitment to Christian education and the Common Good. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you align with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Given the seniority of the role, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Communicate with Clarity
Exceptional communication skills are a must for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you've built collaborative teams and partnerships in the past, as this will showcase your ability to engage with various stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Your Vision
As a candidate motivated by Christian values, be prepared to share your vision for the future of education within the Church of England. Discuss how you plan to lead strategy and operations while fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence. This will demonstrate your alignment with the organisation's goals.
