PA to the Archdeacon of Hackney

Overview

The Archdeaconry of Hackney forms the Stepney Episcopal Area and is composed of the deaneries of Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets. This is an interesting and eclectic part of London with a lot of change taking place across all three deaneries. The demographic is changing and will continue to do so in future years as the skyline changes and well established residential estates are cleared to make room for new developments.  Holding the old and emerging East End in tension as the Church seeks to minister to all who live and work in the Area is a core part of the ministry in Stepney and one which is an interesting and rewarding challenge.

Introduction

The Archdeacon's Personal Assistant will provide important and valuable support to the Archdeacon in the ministry across the Archdeaconry, especially among the parishes and the Area Staff. The PA has responsibility for a wide range of administrative and coordinating roles. The PA works in close co-operation with the Administrator to the Archdeacon, Area Staff, Area Deans and other office holders, as well as Diocesan staff based at London Diocesan House. Additionally, the PA will be working regularly with clergy and volunteers.

Closing Date -  Tuesday 8 January 2019

Interview Date -  Thursday 17 January 2019

Main Responsibilities

Strategic

• Working to support the Archdeacon in their responsibility for shaping vision and ministry in the Stepney area
• Replying to routine correspondence within established guidelines
• Strategic diary planning – forward planning of events and specific project and day-to-day management of the Archdeacon's diaries
• Overall responsibility for ensuring the preparation of agendas and supporting papers for meetings
• Arranging visits in connection with ingoing works
• Maintaining good relations with all Diocesan staff

Operational

• Diary management
• Proactive management of mail, enquiries, telephone calls, e-mail. Using initiative as to when to refer upwards and flag issues with the Archdeacon (in consultation with the Archdeacon's Administrator)
• Preparing weekly and daily briefings for the Archdeacon
• Preparing papers for meetings
• Liaison with and between Area staff members and others, setting up meetings
• Logging Clergy Safety Incident Forms
• Drafting of letters and preparation of papers for signature. Signing of occasional routine correspondence on behalf of the Archdeacon

​Customer Service

• ​Excellent communication skills - both oral and written
• Time management – essential due to projects with time constraints
• Knowledge – ability to understand and memorise guidelines and protocols
• Emotional intelligence
• Good listener- ability to listen keenly and make decisions accordingly
• Evaluation – ability to evaluate a situation and take the initiative 
• Empathy - ability to share another person's feelings

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the role.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential 

• Be sympathetic to the aims and ethos of the Church of England
• Excellent written and oral communication skills both within the Church of England and with the wider public
• Self-motivated with the ability to recognise and set priorities
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills 
• Effective multi-tasking skills with the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• IT literate with demonstrable proven ability to use computers for word processing, publications and databases
• Accurate and fast note-taking and copy typing skills 
• Ability to maintain effective administrative procedures
• Willingness to take on a variety of tasks as the need arises
• Sound judgement
• Ability to be discreet and confidential at all times

​Desirable

• Willingness to be committed to flexible working

About us

The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people.

We understand the benefits of employing individuals from a range of backgrounds, with diverse cultures and talents. We aim to create a workforce that:

• values difference in others and respects the dignity and worth of each individual
• reflects the diversity of the nation that the Church of England exists to serve
• fosters a climate of creativity, tolerance and diversity that will help all staff to develop to their full potential.

To learn more about the work we do, click here

To learn more about Capital Vision 2020 please click here