Diocesan Director of Education

Cofesuffolk; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in Suffolk is seeking a senior leader in education to lead their team and support Church of England schools. This full-time position involves providing training, leading a dedicated team, and promoting education in the region. The ideal candidate should have successful senior leadership experience, collaborative management skills, and a strong commitment to educational values. Applications are open for a permanent position starting September 2026.

Qualifications

• Successful experience as a senior leader in education.
• Collaborative leadership and management skills.
• Ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively.
• Deep commitment to Church of England schools.

Responsibilities

• Provide support, training and advice to Headteachers and Governors.
• Lead a small and effective team.
• Develop policy as the national education landscape changes.
• Promote education in Suffolk and represent the diocese.
• Work with the Department for Education and local authority.
• Collaborate with national and regional Directors of Education.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Collaborative leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Commitment to Church of England schools

Job description

Our mission is to support the 87 Church of England schools throughout Suffolk. As a diocese, we work closely with our schools which, together, educate 14,000 pupils. We are looking for an experienced education professional with successful senior leadership experience to lead our team from September, following the retirement of the current postholder. Based in Ipswich, but with travel throughout Suffolk, this post is both rewarding and varied and involves:

• Providing a range of support, training and advice to Headteachers and Governors
• Leading a small and highly effective team
• Leading the work of the Diocesan Board of Education, developing policy as the national education landscape changes
• Promoting education in Suffolk and representing the diocese as the lead on education
• Working across the diocese more widely as a senior member of diocesan staff
• Working with the Department for Education and local authority on a range of school issues
• Working as part of a strong and supportive network of national and regional Directors of Education and with the Church of England’s National Society for Education on policy development and issues

If you love schools and can demonstrate the following criteria we would love to hear from you:

• Successful experience as a senior leader in education
• Collaborative leadership and management skills
• The ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively
• A deep commitment to Church of England schools

Full-time – 35 hours per week

Permanent appointment from September 2026

Closing date: 9 February at 5.00pm 2026

We are an equal opportunities employer and the DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory DBS check.

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with our Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Applications marked ‘Confidential Application’ should be sent to: HR at [e-mail] or by post to Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Centre, 4 Cutler Street, Ipswich IP1 1UQ.Please note: Applications will only be accepted via our application form. Please do not apply directly from online jobsites or send CVs.

Page last updated: Tuesday 20th January 2026 9:52 AM