Executive Assistant to Bishop

Position: Executive Assistant to the Bishop
The Executive Assistant is a senior member of the Lead Bishop's Office, working closely with the Lead Bishop and Chaplain to extend and enable the Bishop's ministry and leadership across the Diocese of York. The postholder will provide proactive, strategic and highly professional executive support, ensuring that the Bishop's time, priorities and resources are used effectively in support of the Diocese's mission and ministry.

The Executive Assistant will act as a trusted colleague, organiser, coordinator and facilitator, helping to respond efficiently to a high volume of correspondence and invitations, to ensure that the Bishop is well prepared for meetings, visits and key decisions, that actions are followed through effectively, and that those who engage with the Bishop's Office receive a welcoming, responsive and pastorally sensitive service.

The role requires sound judgement, initiative, discretion and resilience, together with the highest standards of confidentiality, discretion and professional integrity. The ability to build positive relationships across the Diocese, the wider Church, civic life and local communities. The work is varied, demanding and often fast-moving. The successful postholder will bring a calm presence, excellent organisational skills, good humour and a commitment to supporting the flourishing of ministry and leadership in the Diocese of York.

Interviews will take place in person on Thursday 15 October 2026

Responsibilities

Executive Support to the Lead Bishop

• Provide high-level executive support to the Lead Bishop.
• Manage a complex and demanding flow of correspondence and diary, ensuring that responses, appointments and commitments align with the Bishop's priorities and strategic objectives.
• Exercise judgement in balancing competing demands on the Bishop's time and attention.
• Coordinate appointments, meetings, visits, engagements and public events.
• Organise travel, accommodation and associated logistics.
• Ensure the Bishop is fully briefed and appropriately prepared for meetings, visits, services and public engagements.
• Maintain oversight of actions requiring the Bishop's attention and ensure timely follow-up.
• Act as a gateway to the Bishop's Office, ensuring appropriate access while protecting time for priorities, reflection and decision-making.
• Lead on the Bishop's Office responsibilities as part of clergy appointment processes in the York Archdeaconry (as set out in the process document), working closely with the Archdeacon of York's Office and the Chaplain.

Coordination of the Bishop's Ministry

• Work closely with the Bishop and Chaplain to support the delivery of strategic priorities and objectives.
• Maintain awareness of forthcoming commitments, key developments and emerging opportunities across the Diocese, including a weekly diary meeting with the Bishop and chaplain, a quarterly look ahead and meetings with the Archdeacon's Office and the other Bishops' EAs for diary setting and coordination
• Assist in coordinating diocesan visits, consultations, celebrations, confirmations, services and events.
• Support the administration and coordination of the Ministerial Development Review (MDR) process within the Archdeaconry of York, working with relevant clergy, reviewers and diocesan staff to ensure reviews are arranged and completed in a timely manner.
• Support the implementation of initiatives led by the Bishop.
• Monitor progress against agreed actions and ensure appropriate follow-through.
• Help ensure that work streams involving the Bishop are effectively coordinated across diocesan structures and teams.

Correspondence and Communications

• Manage the Bishop's correspondence, emails and enquiries.
• Draft letters, emails, briefings, reports and other documentation on behalf of the Bishop.
• Ensure communications are timely, professional and pastorally sensitive.
• Deal appropriately with confidential, complex and sensitive matters.
• Maintain systems for tracking correspondence, decisions and actions.
• Liaise with colleagues and stakeholders to gather information and draft responses as required.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with clergy, lay leaders, diocesan colleagues and external partners.
• Act as a first point of contact for many individuals seeking to engage with the Bishop's Office.
• Liaise with churches, schools, charities, civic organisations, local authorities and national Church bodies as appropriate.
• Represent the Bishop's Office with professionalism, courtesy and hospitality.
• Support the Chaplain and Bishop in maintaining effective relationships across the Diocese and wider Church.

Meetings, Visits and Events

• Coordinate meetings, visits and events involving the Bishop.
• Prepare agendas, papers and supporting documentation.
• Arrange venues, hospitality, travel and practical logistics.
• Welcome visitors and guests to the Bishop's Office.
• Support significant diocesan occasions and civic engagements.
• Ensure that visitors experience a warm, efficient and…