Personal Assistant

My client, a vibrant, growing community that serves over 3.2 million people including 470 parishes, 144 schools, and 579 churches based across East London and Essex are recruiting for a Personal assistant to the Archdeacon.

The Archdeacon resources, advises and directs clergy and lay officers in the Anglican parishes of the Archdeaconry of West Ham and often represents their joint interests at diocesan meetings and at the local parochial level.

The suitable candidate will act as the primary point of contact for the Archdeacon’s office and is responsible for providing diary management and the organisation of meetings, as well as providing full administration support to the duties undertaken by the Archdeacon’s office. You will work close to the Archdeacon’s home.

Duties in more detail (but not subject to):

• To manage the Archdeacon’s calendar and appointments in an accurate and efficient manner.
• To provide high-quality support to the Archdeacon in preparation for key meetings and forums, including the collation of relevant documentation, creating agendas, preparing and distributing minutes, highlighting actions
• To attend and take minutes or notes at meetings when required.
• To respond proactively to enquiries and queries addressed to the Archdeacon’s office, including drafting correspondence, following these up with the appropriate action or redirecting for actions.
• To manage visitors to the Archdeacon’s office, providing hospitality and a warm welcome
• To carry out research on the web, or elsewhere, on topics relating to the Archdeacon’s ministry and where necessary provide this in a user-friendly format.
• To manage the arrangements for vacancy meetings, including liaising with parishes, senior colleagues and patrons
• To administer the appointment processes (recruitment) for clergy and other roles (liaises with parishes, candidates, referees, Diocesan Registry), including placing vacancy adverts with the relevant media sites, recording applications, and conducting background checks and references.
• To administer the DBS Applications renewal process for current Diocesan clergy, ensuring applications are initiated prior to current certificates expiring
• To arrange training events and under the guidance of the Archdeacon prepare relevant documentation as well as ensuring the provision of training materials, including the annual training for new churchwardens.
• Maintain supply of stationery and sundry items (tea, coffee etc.).

Essential’s to be considered for the role:

• At least ‘A’ Level standard or equivalent level of education.
• Having an understanding of the Church of England/Diocese of Chelmsford and the Christian faith.
• Proven professional PA/ administration support at a senior level.
• Experience of managing diaries and arranging meetings with multiple stakeholders on Teams/Zoom and face to face.
• Experience of Office 365 (or equivalent) Excel, Zoom, Teams and Electronic Diary Systems.
• Experience of drafting emails and correspondence relating to routine and non-routine matters.
• A self-starter and able to confidently work on own initiative, ensuring tasks are prioritised.
• Able and motivated to work alone at times, including under pressure.
• Able to occasionally travel across the Diocese.
• Holds a current valid Driving Licence and access to private transport with insurance for travel on business purposes

The vacancy is an ideal opportunity for a self-starter with experience of working as a PA.

The post holder will apply discretion and diplomacy in their work and be competent to manage much of the work on their own

Closing date is 11th October with in-person interviews taking place on 22 October.

All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Basic DBS check.

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