The Anglican Church Southern Queensland is seeking applications for the position of Executive Director, Ministry Development Commission (MDC).
The Ministry Development Commission has been established to bring together a range of ministry development, formation, educational and support functions that equip and strengthen faith communities across the Diocese.
The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership for the Commission and its ministries, working collaboratively with clergy, parish leaders, volunteers and diocesan staff to support the flourishing of ministry throughout Anglican Church Southern Queensland.
The Commission's responsibilities include:
- Ministry development and parish support
- Discernment, formation and training for ministry
- Continuing education and theological learning, including St Francis College
- Families, children and youth ministry initiatives
- Social justice and reconciliation programs
- Supporting the mission and growth of faith communities across the Diocese
As the inaugural Executive Director, you will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the Commission, building on existing strengths while fostering innovation, collaboration and effective ministry practice.
About You
You will bring
- Demonstrated senior leadership experience
- Strong strategic, organisational and relationship management skills
- Experience leading teams through change, growth and development
- The ability to build trust and work collaboratively with clergy, parishes, volunteers and staff
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- A commitment to the mission, ministry and values of the Anglican Church
- The capacity to lead diverse portfolios and translate strategic priorities into practical outcomes
- Tertiary qualifications and experience relevant to the role
About us The Anglican Church Southern Queensland (ACSQ) is one of 23 Dioceses that form the Anglican Church of Australia. The Diocese works to care for and improve the life of the community through our network of parishes, schools, community services, ministry education, and social justice and advocacy. We operate 134 parishes, 14 schools, a theological college and a significant number of residential community and social service programs. About the role The Executive Director, Ministry Development Commission provides strategic, missional,
theological and organisational leadership across all ministry development functions of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland. Based in Brisbane at St Francis College, Milton, and/or St Martin’s House, Brisbane, the role leads the integration of parish support, clergy development, lay education, theological education, ministry formation, reconciliation and social responsibility, youth and families ministry, and innovation.
The Executive
Director will develop and implement the Ministry Development Commission Strategic Plan, support flourishing parishes and faith communities across metropolitan, regional and rural contexts, and strengthen relationships with parishes, schools, Anglicare, chaplaincies and community partners. Reporting to the Ministry Development Commission and the General Manager, the Executive Director is an ex-officio member of the Diocesan Leadership Team and serves as an advisor to Diocesan Council.
Key responsibilities
- Provide visionary and strategic leadership for ministry development across the Anglican Church Southern Queensland.
- Develop the Ministry Development Commission as a united, vision-oriented and forward-looking organisation.
- Lead implementation of the Commission’s purpose and objects under the Diocesan Governance Canon.
- Develop and implement strategic plans and diocesan-wide strategies for clergy and lay formation, parish flourishing, theological education and ministry innovation.
- Identify emerging trends and opportunities through research, consultation and contextual analysis.
- Build and lead a cohesive, values-aligned team with a collaborative culture.
- Oversee the work of the St Francis College Principal, Directors and Managers across ministry units.
- Ensure clear reporting lines, accountability, performance management and effective risk management.
- Present policy and project proposals, program evaluations and Commission activities to Diocesan Council and other relevant bodies.
- Ensure compliance with legal obligations, Diocesan Canons, policies, child protection requirements and WHS obligations.
- Strengthen parish vitality through leadership development, mission planning and contextual support.
- Oversee programs that cultivate belonging, outreach and partnerships within and beyond parish communities.
- Support clergy and lay minister wellbeing, professional development and lifelong formation.
- Provide strategic oversight of St Francis College through its Principal and Council.
- Maintain relationships with theological institutions and accreditation bodies.
- Lead initiatives that encourage experimentation, fresh expressions and new forms of faith community.
- Promote adaptive leadership, missional imagination, learning communities and pilot projects across the Diocese.
- Shape and communicate a compelling narrative for ministry development and ensure transparent, timely communication with stakeholders.
- Represent the Ministry Development Commission in diocesan, ecumenical and public forums.
- Oversee budgets, financial planning, resource allocation and financial accountability for St Francis College and other Commission units.
- Work with the Finance & Diocesan Services Commission and General Manager to ensure sustainable resourcing.
- Approve expenditure within delegated authority and report to the Commission, Diocesan Council and Anglican Church Southern Queensland leadership.
What we're looking for
- Sound understanding and lived experience of Anglican identity, parish life and relationships within the church.
- Knowledge of the higher education sector.
- Demonstrated senior leadership experience in ministry, education or organisational leadership.
- Proven ability to lead change, develop culture and build cooperative teams.
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to innovate.
- Excellent communication, relationship management and influencing skills.
- Experience working in complex organisational environments.
- Ability to work effectively with bishops, clergy, lay leaders and diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications in leadership, management or organisational development are desirable.
- Graduate or postgraduate theological qualifications are desirable.
- Experience in theological education, ministry formation, parish ministry, community development, social responsibility or chaplaincy is desirable.
- Current National Police Certificate.
- Current Blue Card.
- Ability to travel across the Diocese.
- Right to work in Australia.
📌 Executive Director, Ministry Development Commission (Brisbane)
🏢 ACSQ
📍 Brisbane