The Role

As Director of Strategy and Engagement, you will report to the Chief Executive of the Church Commissioners and works closely with other members of the Commissioners’ leadership team to support the Chief Executive and the Board through leadership of the strategic and business planning process and delivery of strategic projects and assignments.  This support includes the design and delivery of proactive and comprehensive stakeholder engagement. You will have direct responsibility for Central Support and Governance, comprising the Commissioners’ Secretariat (4 colleagues), the Engagement Manager and the Strategic Programme Management team. Additional Strategic Programme team members may be added as further Strategic projects are commissioned.

Your responsibilities

Strategic focus

  • Support the Chief Executive and Board with the development, articulation and delivery of the Commissioners’ strategic business plan to enable it to support the mission and ministry of the Church of England, engaging widely and authentically in so doing.

Communications and stakeholder engagement

  • Advise on, and support, stakeholder engagement.  Develop and implement engagement and communications strategies for key stakeholders and leaders, e.g., bishops, parliamentarians, dioceses and General Synod (the Church’s legislative and deliberative body).  This includes major projects and programmes of work and liaison with the Communications team.

Project support

  • Manage complex or sensitive strategic projects and issues, thinking through the consequences of those projects, decisions and communications, including considering reputation matters.
  • Facilitate the implementation of change plans, working closely with the Commissioners’ leadership team and other NCI executive team colleagues.
  • Support the implementation of cross-NCI programmes from the Commissioners’ perspective.

Provide leadership and support to project teams, including:

  • the Programme Spire team (which is managing a multi-year research programme to understand and respond to the charity’s historic links to African chattel enslavement).
  • any changes to the organisational structure for the Church Commissioners, ensuring they are provided with appropriate performance targets and support.  This should be done working closely with the appropriate Finance and People teams.

Leadership and wider context

  • Support the wider Church as a senior leader, contributing to the development of the NCIs.
  • Draw connections between operational activities in different teams, and with other NCI activities where appropriate.

Please revert to the role profile for further information.

About you

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the country. Therefore, while we of course welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH), LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and other under-represented groups.

Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone to feel that they belong and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose.  Living out our values in all that we do, we: Strive for Excellence; Show Compassion; Respect others; Collaborate; and Act with Integrity.

We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels our progress and drives us forward.  The Commissioners is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life.  We welcome applications from people of all faiths and of no faith. We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people who share our values.

Person Specification

We are seeking an experienced and motivated professional who is eager to make a meaningful impact within the Church Commissioners. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strategic thinking, excellent relationship-building skills, and the ability to lead complex programmes while fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture. You will have a strong interest in developing others, learning continuously, and supporting the organisation’s mission and values.

You will be someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, able to manage competing priorities, engage a wide range of stakeholders, and translate organisational goals into practical, deliverable strategies. Your approach will be proactive and positive, demonstrating resilience under pressure and a commitment to excellence.

Key Skills and Attributes:

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships across all levels of the organisation, including senior stakeholders and external partners.
  • Strategic thinker and planner, able to see the big picture, take a long-term perspective, and connect ideas across organisational boundaries.
  • Skilled influencer, capable of inspiring support for initiatives and delivering change in environments without direct line management authority.
  • Full lifecycle programme management experience, ideally supported by recognised accreditation, including the ability to define a vision, engage teams, and drive projects to successful delivery.
  • Strong presenter and report writer, able to tailor communication for different audiences and actively listen to feedback, adjusting plans when needed.
  • Experienced in planning, prioritising, and coordinating work for yourself and others, adapting effectively to changing priorities and deadlines.

Knowledge and Experience:

  • Proven administrative and organisational capability, including experience supporting high-level governance bodies.
  • Experience working with boards and teams to develop and implement strategic plans, monitor progress, and ensure successful delivery.
  • Substantial experience leading complex change programmes, particularly those subject to public scrutiny.
  • Track record of engaging stakeholders affected by change, including designing and delivering appropriate engagement strategies.
  • Familiarity with responsible investment and impact investing principles.
  • Experience in policy research, drafting, and presentation, and understanding of organisational priorities to inform sustainable strategy development.
  • Broad knowledge of the Church of England, its structures, values, and ethos, or experience working in public or not-for-profit sectors.

Personal Attributes:

  • Collaborative by nature, with a strong commitment to working cross-functionally and supporting teams.
  • Resilient and composed under pressure, able to manage competing perspectives with respect and diplomacy.
  • Proactive, positive, and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently in a context of ambiguity and multiple priorities.
  • Emotionally intelligent, with excellent people skills to inspire, coach, and develop colleagues.
  • Committed to personal growth and embodying the values of the organisation, acting as a role model for colleagues.
  • Supportive of organisational change, championing initiatives with credibility and influence.
  • Sympathetic to the aims and ethos of the Church of England and the Church Commissioners.

Education

  • Degree level or able to demonstrate experience and skills to an equivalent level.

Remuneration and Benefits

The salary for this role is £95,000 per annum.

Our benefits include:

  • Age-related employer pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of salary.
  • 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and three additional 'NCI days'
  • Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities
  • Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
  • Opportunity to the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies

We aim to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.