Melissa Caslake, who is currently the executive director of children's services for Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster boroughs, will take up the role.
It it the first time the Church of England has appointed a permanent director of safeguarding. She takes over from Sir Roger Singleton, the former chief executive of Barnados, who has been the interim director since the beginning of the year.
Caslake has worked in children's and adults' service for 20 years, with experience of leading 'good' and 'outstanding' rated children's services in local authorities.
She has overseen responses to non-current child sexual abuse cases and lead services for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in London and also overseen support for children affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
She contributed to the City of Westminster's family services getting an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating in 2016 and has also worked in Harrow and Merton.
Caslake said: "I am proud to be taking on the role of National Director of Safeguarding for the Church of England. My career has been dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and helping families in need.
"I am determined to ensure that the Church is a safer place for all, and I look forward to applying my professional experience and expertise to this challenge."
William Nye, Secretary General to the Archbishops' Council, said: "The Church of England has come a long way in improving its safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in recent years, particularly since the establishment of the national safeguarding team in 2015. But there is much still to do, and the creation of a director post for safeguarding recognises that.
"We have been fortunate in the last few months to have Sir Roger Singleton filling the post on an interim basis and now to have someone with the experience and seniority of Melissa to fill the post on a permanent basis, and to take the national Church's safeguarding work to a new level. She will be an excellent addition to the Council's leadership team, and I am very pleased to welcome her to Church House."
Bishop Peter Hancock, the Church of England's lead safeguarding bishop, said: "I welcome the appointment of Melissa as the Church of England's first Director of Safeguarding. Her strong, professional background and experience will strengthen the National Team as it continues its work at a time of increasing demand. Melissa's appointment is part of our commitment to ensuring the Church is a safer place for all and she will take on leadership of the team as we approach our main IICSA hearing. I look forward to working with her in my role as lead safeguarding bishop."
Melissa's start date will be confirmed in due course.
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