Director of Operations and Executive Chaplain to Bishop

Director of Operations and Executive Chaplain to the Bishop of Carlisle

Join to apply for the Director of Operations and Executive Chaplain to the Bishop of Carlisle role at The Church of England

This is a senior role in the Bishop’s team, ensuring the effective support of the ministry of the Bishop of Carlisle, including some wider outward facing and diocesan responsibilities. It is open to both lay and ordained applicants.

• Provide high-level support to the Bishop of Carlisle and Bishop of Penrith, acting as a trusted adviser and representative.
• Manage pastoral matters and complaints, ensuring timely and appropriate resolution in line with diocesan procedures.
• Support communications, liaising with key stakeholders on diocesan strategy, crisis management, and major services.
• Oversee Bishop’s Office operations, including staff management, data protection compliance, clergy appointments, and financial governance.
• Contribute to the Bishop’s Leadership Team, fostering prayer, communication, and pastoral care, and leading diocesan projects.
• Undertake research and prepare briefings, agendas, and correspondence for meetings and episcopal duties.
• Drive continuous improvement, implementing change management to maintain high standards across systems and processes.

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office).
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Full driving licence and access to a car.
• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure.
• High level of confidentiality and pastoral sensitivity.
• Ability to manage people and negotiate complex issues.
• Prayerful, collaborative, and adaptable.
• This post is subject to an occupational requirement that the post holder be a communicant member of the Church of England under Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
• An Enhanced DBS check will be undertaken for the successful candidate as part of the pre‑employment checks.
• This role is open to both lay and ordained applicants.

A salary of £44,079 – £51,571 per annum, plus age‑related pension contributions between 8‑15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements are considered on a case‑by‑case basis to support a good work‑life balance.
• Family‑friendly programmes including enhanced maternity leave, adoption leave, paternity leave, and shared parental leave.
• Access to Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programme, and Medics‑Cash benefits such as routine dental, optical, and specialist consultations.
• Unlimited access to virtual GP & private prescription service and health & stress helplines.
• Eyecare voucher eligibility.

We celebrate diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a safe, welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Please note you must have the right to work in the United Kingdom to be considered for this role.

Closing Date for applications:
Friday 16th January 2026. Interviews will be held in Keswick on Friday 30th January 2026.

For an informal conversation about the role, email Sarah Marshall‑Ellison shall‑El