Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of Canterbury

Introduction

The Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of Canterbury will help set the framework for the Archbishop’s ministry priorities and ensure their delivery. You will work alongside the Archbishop to provide robust advice and insights that enable her to conduct her ministry within the life of the nation, the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.

Description

This is a critical senior leadership role at the heart of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s ministry. As her principal adviser, you will help set the framework for the Archbishop’s ministry. You will hold a broad range of strategic relationships and represent the Archbishop across the Church of England and Anglican Communion, as well as with the Royal Household, Parliament, other denominations and faith groups.

Reporting directly to the Archbishop, you will work collaboratively with the Chief Operating Officer, supporting and covering for each other to ensure that the work of Lambeth Palace enables the ministries of the Archbishop, the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. You will each need to be a visible senior leader within the Palace proactively demonstrating our values, prioritising the wellbeing of colleagues, and taking responsibility for excellent safeguarding practice and promoting a safer culture.

The closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 12 May. 

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role prior to applying, please book a time to speak with our recruitment team.

To apply, you will need to upload a copy of your CV (or LinkedIn profile) and provide some specific examples that demonstrate your relevant experience, including:

• your judgement and strategic influence at a senior level within a complex organisation
• how you have shown diplomacy, discretion, and integrity

• how you have led with clarity, confidence and trust during a significant organisational difficulty 

You don't need to upload a cover letter or other supporting statement at this stage of the application process.

If you are stipendiary clergy or an NCI colleague, please apply via the Church of England People System.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for supporting the Archbishop in the ministry to which she has been called by God, working collaboratively with colleagues to provide a strategic approach to balancing the Archbishop’s wide range of ministry responsibilities. You will need to be comfortable focussing on both current priorities, as well as horizon-scanning to identify opportunities and risks that may emerge in the future.

As a senior leader in a fast-paced and high-profile environment, you will need to be agile and able to respond to emerging priorities. Your priorities will typically include:

• providing the Archbishop with robust advice, insights and guidance on the topics and issues relevant to her role as a theological, spiritual, pastoral and moral leader;
• acting as a sounding board and trusted advisor who can offer the Archbishop candid and objective advice;
• developing and sustaining external relationships (e.g. with Government, the Royal Households, business, civil society and charitable organisations) representing the Archbishop and her priorities;
• working closely with the National Safeguarding Team and Lambeth Palace safeguarding lead to ensure that the Archbishop is fully equipped for and supported in delivering her safeguarding responsibilities;
• communicating on behalf of the Archbishop, sharing her views and perspectives with senior colleagues and stakeholders;
• giving strategic oversight to the diary-setting process and ensuring the Archbishop is fully briefed and prepared for major meetings and events;
• ensuring effective communication between Lambeth Palace and colleagues across the Church of England (e.g. Bishopthorpe Palace, Bishops and their offices, the Faith & Public Life department, the Bishop of Dover and staff in Canterbury) and the Anglican Communion.

This role will require occasional travel, including accompanying the Archbishop on overseas visits. 

You will oversee the work of the Director of Communications, the Archbishop’s Chaplain and the Head of the Private Office. As a senior leader, you will lead by example across in ensuring our values are demonstrated throughout all of our work. All staff working at Lambeth Palace share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture with regard to children and vulnerable adults, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you will have experience of being a trusted senior adviser, with the ability to support a high‑profile Christian leader in a complex national and international ministry. You’ll bring mature judgement, strategic insight, pastoral sensitivity, and an excellent understanding of a range of theological, political and social issues facing the Church, our nation and the world. 

This is a role requiring someone who can offer wise, honest counsel while maintaining discretion and personal integrity. You will help the Archbishop navigate issues of national and global significance with clarity and confidence.

There is an Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 for the post-holder to be a communicant Anglican.

You will need to demonstrate:

• proven senior leadership experience in a complex, public‑facing, or politically/faith‑sensitive environment, with the ability to frame strategic priorities and guide decision‑making at the highest level;
• a strong understanding of the structures and governance of the Church of England, and the structures of the Anglican Communion;
• exceptional judgement and insight, including the confidence to offer radical candour, the wisdom to shape priorities, the ability to advise on theological, pastoral, moral and public issues and experience of responding calmy and decisively in challenging times;
• experience of crisis management;
• outstanding relational and diplomatic skill, able to represent the Archbishop credibly with Government, Royal Households, civic leaders, ecumenical and interfaith partners, and international Anglican bodies;
• a grounded spiritual maturity, able to work effectively with Lambeth Palace chaplaincy colleagues;
• exceptional discretion in handling sensitive matters, coupled with emotional intelligence and personal integrity;
• strong communication skills, capable of briefing, interpreting, and articulating the Archbishop’s views in a way that is faithful, accurate and attuned to context;
• a collaborative leadership style, modelling humility, inclusion and safeguarding awareness.