Executive Assistant to the Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight

Executive Assistant to the Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight

Part-Time | 28 Hours per Week over 4/5 days | Isle of Wight / Hybrid Working Available

We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Executive Assistant to support the Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight in strengthening communication, coordination and relationships across the Archdeaconry.

While the post includes some diary, correspondence and administrative support, its focus is to help the Archdeaconry function effectively across the Island by supporting parish-facing activity, clergy and church officer liaison, meetings, visitations, local processes and effective communication between the Archdeacon, parishes and diocesan colleagues.

The successful candidate will be confident working independently, able to build trusted relationships with a wide range of people, and comfortable representing the Archdeaconry in a professional, welcoming and discreet manner.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing proactive executive, administrative and Archdeaconry coordination support to the Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight.
• Helping to coordinate the work of the Archdeaconry by supporting parish-facing activity, meetings, visitations, clergy processes and local initiatives.
• Acting as a key link between the Archdeacon, clergy, churchwardens, PCC officers, parish representatives, diocesan teams and external partners.
• Supporting communication across the Island, ensuring enquiries, information and actions are handled appropriately and followed through in a timely way.
• Preparing agendas, papers, reports, briefing notes and meeting records for Archdeaconry meetings and related activity.
• Maintaining accurate records and supporting diocesan and Archdeaconry processes, including those linked to clergy, parishes, buildings, governance and pastoral matters where required.
• Developing effective working relationships across the Island to support collaboration, local understanding and timely resolution of queries.
• Supporting arrangements for Archdeaconry governance, visitations, licensing, collation, installation or other clergy and parish-related processes where required.
• Undertaking diary, correspondence and appointment management where this supports the wider work of the Archdeaconry.
• Supporting the delivery of strategic priorities, local initiatives and operational improvements across the Archdeaconry.
• Helping to ensure the effective day-to-day functioning of the Archdeaconry office, including clear systems, good information flow and reliable follow-up.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, strengthen communication and support consistent ways of working across the Island.
• Handling confidential, pastoral or sensitive matters appropriately, in line with diocesan policies and safeguarding expectations.

You will have:

• Experience in a senior administrative, coordination, executive support, parish, governance or comparable role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate people, information, meetings, actions and deadlines across a varied workload.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• A professional, welcoming and collaborative approach, with the confidence to build constructive relationships across parishes, clergy, diocesan teams and external contacts.
• The ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• An understanding of, and sympathy with, the mission and values of the Church of England, or a willingness to learn about diocesan structures, parish life and the practices of the Church of England.

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities where appropriate.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Pension scheme.
• Opportunities for learning and professional development.
• The chance to contribute to the life and mission of the Church across the Isle of Wight.

• Hours: 28 hours per week (worked over 4 or 5 days by agreement)
• Salary: £28,400 per annum FTE (£22,720 actual…