Director of Education

Introduction

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for education and a heart for the flourishing of children and young people in a Christian context? Do you bring insight, courage, and compassion to leadership, and are ready to shape the future of 90 Church of England schools across our Diocese?

The Diocese of Rochester is seeking a visionary and experienced Director of Education to lead our education strategy and team, strengthening our schools’ Christian distinctiveness and ensuring their contribution to the wider mission of the Church. This is a senior role, reporting to the Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education.

About the Role

As Director of Education, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the diocesan education function, working closely with schools, MATs, governors, clergy and wider Church networks. You'll lead a high-performing team and collaborate across diocesan departments to embed education into the life of the Church, particularly through our Called Together vision and the Growing Faith initiative.

• Your key responsibilities will include:
• Shaping and delivering diocesan strategy for education
• Providing statutory oversight as Company Secretary to the Diocesan Board of Education
• Leading the Education Department team, including budget management and service delivery
• Building strong relationships with schools, MATs, local authorities and national church bodies
• Promoting Christian distinctiveness and school improvement across all Church schools
• Supporting clergy and parishes in their engagement with local schools
• Advising on governance, policy, and the development of new schools
• Representing the Diocese on local and national educational bodies

You’ll play a central role in enabling the Diocese to proclaim the word and work of God through schools, and to support the Christian nurture and wellbeing of children and young people across our communities.

About You

• We’re looking for someone who is:
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) with significant senior leadership experience in education
• Strategic, visionary, and able to embed Christian values into educational policy and practice
• Experienced in church school leadership, governance and improvement
• Knowledgeable about the Church of England, SIAMS, OFSTED and national education frameworks
• An excellent communicator, able to inspire, build trust, and lead with integrity
• Confident in managing teams, budgets and partnerships at all levels
• Flexible, self-motivated, and resilient under pressure
• This role will require an enhanced DBS check

There is an Occupational Requirement (OR) for the postholder to be a communicant member of the Church of England (or a Church in communion with it, or a member Church of the Churches Together in England, Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland, or the Evangelical Alliance).

What we can offer:

• Flexible working, hybrid 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 for applications: Sunday 31 August 2025

Interviews will be held on:  Monday 15 September 2025