Assistant Diocesan Secretary

Assistant Diocesan Secretary
Based at the Diocesan Office, Rochester (with travel across the Diocese)
Full time (35hrs) Salary from: £66,485

Are you an experienced senior leader who thrives in complex organisations and enjoys bringing clarity, coordination, and strategic oversight to challenging programmes of work?

The Diocese of Rochester is seeking an Assistant Diocesan Secretary to work closely with the Diocesan Secretary at a significant moment of transformation. Following successful investment through the Diocesan Investment Plan, the Diocese is delivering an ambitious programme of work to support the Called Together vision and strategy.

This is a key leadership role providing oversight of governance, risk, and organisational coordination, ensuring the effective delivery of strategic priorities across the Diocese.

About the Role

You will play a central role in supporting the Diocesan Secretary and senior colleagues in managing governance, risk, and organisational capacity. Your key responsibilities will include:

Overseeing governance planning, ensuring effective scheduling and coordination of diocesan committees and boards

Monitoring implementation of actions arising from governance bodies to support organisational delivery

Leading on the maintenance and monitoring of the diocesan risk register

Supporting the Diocesan Secretary in responding to national policy developments affecting diocesan functions

Helping manage internal capacity and performance monitoring as programme activity expands

Supporting preparation for General Synod and Bishops Council, including planning and correspondence

Advising colleagues on responding to emerging national policy developments

Representing the Diocesan Secretary in internal and external meetings when required

Line managing the Head of Property and overseeing the work of the DAC, Surveyors, and Net Zero teams

About You

We re looking for someone who:

Has proven experience in a senior management role, ideally within a charity or values-led organisation

Has strong governance, risk management, and organisational oversight skills

Is highly organised and able to manage complex priorities and competing demands

Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills and can work effectively across teams

Is resilient, discreet, and able to approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset

Understands and supports the aims and ethos of the Church of England

It would also be helpful if you:

Have experience working within the Church of England or a similarly complex organisation

Are familiar with General Synod, Bishops Council, or equivalent governance structures

Have experience supporting senior executives or board-level leadership

What we can offer:

• Flexible 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.

Closing date for applications: 26 April 2026

Interviews will be held on: TBC