Director of Mission and Ministry

The Diocese of York The Diocese of York stretches from the Humber to the Tees, from near the A1 to the Yorkshire coast. Covering the largest area of any Church of England diocese, it spans more than two hours’ drive north to south and serves a population of 1.44 million. While our main centres — Hull, Middlesbrough, and York—are well connected by major road and rail networks, much of the Diocese is rural, with slower transport links and economically diverse communities. As a diocese, we are seeking to Live Christ’s Story by becoming more like Christ, reaching people we currently don’t, growing churches of missionary disciples, and transforming our finances and structures. The Opportunity This is a significant role at the heart of Living Christ’s Story, a key focus of which is to help us to nurture vibrant and sustainable missional communities serving the length and breadth of the Diocese of York, and to grow lay and ordained ministers who are outward facing, confident in discipleship and mission, well-resourced and well-supported. We are seeking an imaginative and confident senior colleague to be our next Director of Mission and Ministry, who will bring a creative and faith-filled approach to embracing both the opportunities and challenges of the future, contributing significantly to the ongoing change management that is taking place across the Diocese. Reporting to the Diocesan Secretary (CEO), and working closely with the suffragan bishops, the post holder will be a member of the Diocesan Leadership team, leading a team of experienced colleagues as they provide specialist support to lay and ordained ministers and the parishes in which they serve, inspiring the missional renewal of the whole People of God. There is a genuine occupational requirement that the appointee must be a communicant member of the Church of England or of a church in full communion with it, and eligible to hold the Archbishop’s authorisation to preach and to lead public worship. About the Role The Director of Mission and Ministry should expect to divide their time between strategic leadership, project work, and providing management support and development for key departmental heads, who will in turn build and manage their own teams. Key areas of work include: Vocations & Initial Ministerial Training Developing & Supporting Ministry for Mission ‘Growing Missional Communities’ A particular priority for the Director of Mission and Ministry will be to work with the team and the bishops to shape the next phase of missional support both for the revitalisation of existing expressions of church and also the planting of new worshipping communities. The post-holder will work collaboratively beyond the Mission and Ministry Team, including: Safeguarding Senior Colleagues (The Archbishop, Bishops, and Archdeacons) Nationally & Regionally York Diocesan Leadership Team (YDLT) Heads of Department team The post will involve frequent travel within the Diocese, and attendance at events that take place outside normal office hours (for which time off in lieu may be offered). This post is subject to an occupational requirement that the holder be a practicing Christian under Part 1 of schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. Candidates must be communicant members of the Church of England, or of a church in full communion with it, and eligible to hold the Archbishop’s authorisation to preach and to lead public worship. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from disabled candidates and those from UKME heritage as these groups are under-represented in our staff. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All employees are expected to share this commitment. You will be required to undertake safeguarding training, and this role is subject to a DBS check. Only fully completed applications through Pathways will be accepted; applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Closing Date: 14 December 2025 (12 midnight) Shortlisting: 22 December 2025 Interviews: 12 January 2026 in York #J-18808-Ljbffr