Kerron Cross, 32, is an award-winning political blogger and former Vice-Chair of the Christian Socialist Movement.

He applied for the post after seeing a message posted by Dr Sentamu on Twitter in July, which read: “As the current postholder moves to parish ministry I am seeking a Director of Communications. Is God calling you?”

Mr Cross said he saw the message from Dr Sentamu and thought: “Yes, this would be a dream job, let’s give it a go.”

“I suppose God moves in mysterious ways!”

He added that the Twitter recruitment underlined the need for businesses and organisations to “embrace the usefulness” of social media and new media in recruitment and communicating with a wider audience.

“The church should be no different in that. The vast majority of younger people in Britain now not only have access to the internet but also regularly use social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Myspace or Bebo,” he said.

Mr Cross will replace Arun Arora who has held the post for the past three years. He wished his successor well.

“Working for John Sentamu ranks as one of the best jobs in the Church of England,” said Mr Arora. “I am certain that Kerron’s unique combination of skills, passion and experience will be invaluable in supporting the Archbishop.”

Mr Cross will start his new job in mid-September.