Personal Assistant to the Area Dean of Hackney

Job Summary 

The primary role of the Area Dean’s PA is to provide high quality and professional administrative support to the Area Dean of Hackney in their work. The job requires someone who is a self-starter, who is able to prioritise a busy workload, meet deadlines and work as part of a dynamic team.    

Job responsibilities 

PA duties  

• To support Area Deans with the administrative aspects of the Hackney and Islington Projects: Hackney Area Dean oversees the catholic mission stream of work  

• To support the Area Dean with administration related to their parish and deanery responsibilities in partnership with local colleagues, ensuring that all documents and briefing materials are prepared and collated.  

• Dealing sensitively and confidentially with mail, email and telephone calls.   To respond as far as possible on the Area Dean’s behalf, and, where appropriate, draft emails and letters.  

General Duties  

• To develop and maintain efficient filing systems, both in hard copy and electronically.  

• To be responsible for the ordering of office supplies and equipment.   

Support to Mission Project  

• Assist the Area Dean with organising meetings with colleagues, planning mission and training events  

• Liaise with the Archdeacon and Dean of Mission and Associate Area Dean  

• Communications with the Stepney Area Team.  

• Provide administrative support to the Parish and Deanery (rotas, minutes, agendas etc) in a way that releases capacity of the ministry of the Area Dean  

• Processing of Area Dean’s expenses.  

Finance   

• Support the parish finance processes where required.  

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

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on the main responsibilities. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Excellent administrative skills with proven relevant experience 

• Experience of email management and electronic filing 

• Ability to innovate, initiate and maintain good and effective administrative procedures 

• Proficient user of Microsoft Office and Eventbrite with the ability to master quickly other software packages 

• Database experience   

• Good interpersonal and social skills: Good communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English, and able to relate to the wider public 

• The ability to work well with others, as well as independently when required (This post will be located in a satellite office) 

• Efficient and organised with an eye for detail and an ability to anticipate what needs to be done 

• Sympathetic to the aims and ethos of the work of the Church of England 

• Be willing to turn their hand to a variety of tasks as the need arises 

• Good judgment, discretion and confidentiality 

• Self-motivated with the ability to remain calm under pressure 

• Willingness to work flexibly with occasional evening and weekend attendance required (Time off in lieu given) 

Desirable 

• Experience of running and overseeing events and courses 

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on Person Specification. 

About the London Diocesan Fund 

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the employment body that serves and supports the Diocese of London and Church of England. The Diocesan of London comprises of c400 parishes north of the River Thames and within the M25 motorway. 

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. 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion 

The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. 

We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation. 

Safeguarding 

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

Benefits of working with us 

The LDF offers a supportive working environment, opportunity for career development and the following financial benefits: 

• Competitive remuneration package 

• 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays 

• 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available 

• Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary 

• Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months’ of employment 

• Season ticket loans of public transport 

• Access to Benenden Health Insurance 

• EAP counselling through Health Assured                                

• Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles                          

• Two additional paid days for community volunteering 

Interviews will be held on 5th November 2024.