We are seeking a part-time Director of Operations for a potentially renewable one-year fixed term contract at a full-time equivalent salary of £35-40k. This is a unique job at a unique church, that attracts up to a thousand visitors a day in high season. They come to photograph the famous North Door with its Tolkien connection, to explore the history of the town, or just to experience the beauty of the Cotswolds. We are also a faithful worshipping community with weekly services as well as weddings, blessings and funerals. This dual-focus role involves working with us to engage with visitors and providing operations leadership for this ancient Grade 1 Listed church.Find out more at https://gloucester.anglican.org/2026/director-of-operations-at-st-edwards-stow/
We are hiring!Director of OperationsPart-time (20 hours per week), 1 year fixed term contract, renewableSalary: £35-40k pro rataA unique job at a unique church.We attract up to a thousand visitors a day in high season. They come to photograph the famous North Door with its Tolkien connection, explore the history of the town, or just to experience the beauty of the Cotswolds.We are also a faithful worshipping community with weekly services as well as weddings, blessings and funerals. Our priest in charge is a transitional minister who is tasked with raising the profile of the church locally and nationally with our visitors.This is a dual focus role. We have made a good start on engaging with visitors but we know we could do more. We are looking for a strategic, entrepreneurial practitioner who can work with us to engage with these pilgrims, tourists and visitors to share our message of love and hope in our faith. We also need to you provide the operations leadership to ensure that we are compliant with the necessary legal requirements of a grade one listed building. Are you the unique individual who can help shape the future of our North Cotswold church in a significant tourist area?Key responsibilities will include:Leading on developing and delivering our strategy to strengthen the visitor experience at St Edward’s Church.Leading on the overall operations and logistics for a grade 1 listed church buildingOverseeing church office, facilities, and administrationWorking with the priest in charge and PCC secretary on how enhance our communications via our website, social media and marketingAssisting with event planning and delivery in collaboration with the priest in charge and director of musicEnsuring compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, legal regulations and data protectionContributing to governance and committee workAbout You:We are looking for someone who:Has professional experience in developing tourist and event engagement within venue management or similar leadership roles.Is highly organised, strategic, and a collaborative problem-solver.Has experience with governance and legal and regulatory compliance relating to venues and/or churches.Has practical awareness of how to meet diverse visitor needs.Has fundraising and budgeting experience. Is able to work collaboratively in a team and with integrity.Has excellent people management and communication skills. Experience working with volunteers is desirable.Shares the mission, vision and values of St Edward’s Church as a Christian organisation and appreciates the complexities of bringing visitors into a sacred space.Experience in a church, charity, or not-for-profit setting is desirable but not essential.TermsHours: 20 hours per week, flexible to be negotiated. Location: St Edward’s Church, Stow on the Wold and home working Line management: Reports to the Priest in ChargeHow to ApplyFor an informal conversation about the role, please contact Revd Karen Wellman (Priest in Charge) at revdkaren@stedwardsstow.org.uk or Elizabeth Allen (PCC Secretary) at secretary@stedwardsstow.org.uk To apply for this role please send a CV to with a covering letter telling us how you would develop the visitor experience at St Edward’s in the context of a grade 1 listed church to secretary@stedwardsstow.org.ukClosing date midnight on the 22nd February. Interviews Friday 6th MarchWebsite: www.achurchnearyou.com/St-Edward-StowInstagram: st_edwards_stowSt Edward’s, Stow on the Wold is committed to safer recruitment practices.
Stow's town clock sits proudly on St Edward's church tower but it’s looking a little sad. It would be wonderful if, in this 550th Anniversary year of our Cotswold town's charter, we could restore our beautiful clock as it looks out over the square. Work to update the clock face and mechanism will cost around £32,000 with experts from Smith of Derby - they installed the clock 100 years ago - needing to abseil down the church tower to remove the clock face for repairs. The women of Closely Knit – who meet to knit and natter in the church from 10am on Saturday mornings – have chosen to knit for 'Little Ed' this year. They have already raised nearly £4,000. Diane Close, from Closely Knit said: ‘Our church clock is at the heart of our town and is loved by townsfolk and visitors. We are determined to help restore our clock to its former glory.’ We hope that townspeople, shops, businesses - and anyone who loves Stow and the Cotswolds - will support the campaign to give 'Little Ed' an update for the 21st Century. You can donate at https://givealittle.co/c/StowClock. Thank You for your support. Tick tock for our clock!
