Pastoral Secretary – Diocese of Oxford (Hybrid, Part‑time)

About the role

The Pastoral Secretary will lead the Diocese’s pastoral reorganisation work, ensuring statutory processes under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 are delivered accurately, consistently and sensitively. This senior, part‑time position offers a central role in shaping parish and benefice structures to support the Church’s mission.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver pastoral reorganisation projects across the diocese.
• Manage complex casework, advising Archdeacons, clergy and parishes on structural change.
• Act as Executive Secretary to the four Archdeaconry Mission and Pastoral Committees.
• Line‑manage the Assistant Pastoral Secretary and ensure consistent pastoral processes.
• Collaborate with senior clergy, the Diocesan Registry, Church Commissioners and other diocesan colleagues.

Required profile

• Highly organised and analytical professional comfortable with complex legislation and sensitive pastoral situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a high level of accuracy and judgement.
• Experience advising senior church leaders and balancing legal, pastoral and missional considerations.
• Leadership ability to oversee staff, contribute to training and support colleagues.
• Background in ecclesiastical, legal, public sector, charity or governance environments, working within statutory or regulatory frameworks.
• No requirement to be a practising Christian; alignment with the Christian ethos is sufficient.

Required skills

What we offer

• Permanent contract, hybrid working model.
• Part‑time (22.2 hours per week, 0.6 FTE) with a pro‑rated salary of £45,378.55‑£48,869.21 per annum.
• Opportunity to influence the future structure of the diocese and support its mission.