Diocesan Director of Ordinands

Premier Christian Communications Ltd; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Diocesan Director of Ordinands to nurture vocations within the Church of England. The role involves guiding candidates through the discernment process, managing a team, and collaborating with clergy and church bodies. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, along with a commitment to supporting diverse candidates. Benefits include hybrid working, generous holiday, and pension contributions.

Benefits

25 days holiday per annum

Hybrid working

Free parking

Subsidised on-site café

Generous employer pension contribution of 12.5%

Electric car and cycle-to-work schemes

Wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience in parish ministry within the Church of England.
• Proven track record in vocational discernment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee discernment and selection of candidates for ordained ministry.
• Provide pastoral and theological guidance to candidates.
• Lead a team of Assistant Directors of Ordinands.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Team Management

Strategic Development

Education

Ordained Member of the Church of England

Job description

Diocesan Director of Ordinands

We are looking for a new Diocesan Director of Ordinands with the experience and strategic skills to release the considerable potential for licensed lay and ordained ministry across the Diocese.

Position: Diocesan Director of Ordinands

Location: Kidlington, Oxford. OX5 1GF

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £54,531.32 - £59,075.41 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 23:59

Interview Date: Friday 6 June 2025 in person at Church House Oxford

The Role

As Diocesan Director of Ordinands, you will play a pivotal role in nurturing and discerning vocations to ordained ministry within the Church of England. You will guide individuals through the national discernment process, ensuring they are supported spiritually, pastorally, and practically. You will lead a team comprising two full-time Area Directors of Ordinand (ADO), one full-time Administrator, and seven part-time Volunteer Assistant Directors of Ordinands (VADO).

Key responsibilities include:

1. Overseeing the discernment and selection of candidates for ordained ministry.
2. Providing pastoral and theological guidance to those exploring vocation.
3. Collaborating with parish clergy, bishops, and national church bodies to support candidates.
4. Managing and developing pathways for diverse vocations, fostering inclusion across communities.
5. Supporting the transition of candidates into theological education and formation.
6. Maintaining accurate records and reporting on candidate progress.
7. Leading and inspiring a team of Assistant Directors of Ordinands and Vocations Advisors.

About You

There is a genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) for the appointed person to be an ordained member of the Church of England under Part 1, Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. The ideal candidate will have:

1. Experience of parish ministry within the Church of England, with the ability to engage across its breadth.
2. A lively, sustaining faith expressed through prayer, worship, and scripture.
3. Proven track record in vocational discernment, including knowledge of the Shared Discernment Process.
4. Commitment to supporting male and female candidates with integrity, aligned with the Five Guiding Principles.
5. Strong leadership, team management, organizational, and communication skills.
6. Experience of developing strategy, managing budgets, and writing reports within Church of England frameworks.
7. Awareness of human development and discernment processes, with sensitivity and critical insight.
8. Ability to travel widely across the Diocese, including rural areas, with good IT skills and adaptability.

Benefits and Rewards

• 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 30 days with service
• Additional UK public holidays and three privilege days
• Hybrid working
• Free parking and subsidised on-site café
• Generous employer pension contribution of 12.5%
• Electric car and cycle-to-work salary sacrifice schemes
• Access to wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family-friendly policies and sick pay
• Low-interest financial services from Churches Mutual Credit Union
• Modern working environment

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Church of England values equality, diversity, and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority heritage and disabled candidates, who are underrepresented.

Safeguarding

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, including barred lists. The Diocese follows and is committed to the Church of England's safeguarding policies to ensure the welfare of children and young people.

The successful candidate must have the right to live and work in the UK.