Executive Assistant to the Diocesan Secretary

Diocese of Portsmouth; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading organization in the Diocesan sector seeks an Executive Assistant to support the Diocesan Secretary in delivering effective governance and support within the Diocese of Portsmouth. This part-time role, ideal for someone seeking flexibility, involves overseeing office operations, organizing meetings, and maintaining efficient communication across the Diocese.

Benefits

25 days pro rata paid annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience in administrative support or EA roles beneficial.
• Ability to manage meetings and communication effectively.
• Familiarity with the workings of church governance advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operation of the Diocesan Secretariat.
• Organize meetings and take minutes.
• Support Diocesan Secretary and Head of Finance.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Team Support

Flexibility

Job description

Executive Assistant to the Diocesan Secretary

Category Diocesan Address 1st floor, Peninsular House,Wharf Road,PortsmouthPO2 8HB Phone [phone] Email [e-mail] Website https://pathways.churchofengland.org/en/jobs/ea-to-the-diocesan-secretary/2584 Deadline 18 Jul 2025, 5 p.m. Share

Download Job Description

The Diocesan Secretary, in partnership with the Bishop of Portsmouth, leads the professional and effective operation, governance and management of the Diocese of Portsmouth and its employees, to set and support the tone and culture of the organisation.

This role will be, in essence, a job share with the existing EA and has become necessary due to work time adjustments. It is therefore ideally suited to someone who is looking for a part time opportunity, however for a suitable applicant a full time role would be considered.

The main responsibility is to ensure the smooth operation of the Diocesan Secretariat, which serves, supports, encourages and enables others within the Diocese of Portsmouth.

In practice this will involve organising meetings and taking minutes, together with the regular communication with Committee members. Ideally this would include out of hours meetings where appropriate – there are three Diocesan Synod meetings per year on a Saturday and ten Bishops Council meetings on weekday evenings.

In addition to supporting the Diocesan Secretary this role will include providing support to the Head of Finance, with the counterpart supporting the Head of Safeguarding in addition to the Diocesan Secretary. A fuller description is contained in the Job Description.

The role reports directly to the Diocesan Secretary.

Main Responsibilities

General:

• To provide appropriate support as requested by the Diocesan Secretary in the exercise of their duties.
• To provide oversight to ensure the effective day-to-day running of the Diocesan Secretary’s office, ensuring that all key functions of the office are delivered to the highest possible standard.
• To ensure that all contact with the Diocesan Secretary’s office, whether through a personal visit, telephone call, or correspondence is dealt with in a timely, courteous, and efficient manner.
• To ensure that the Diocesan Secretary’s office can be flexible and innovative to meet the new developing needs of the Diocese.
• To support the office staff when required, to that end enabling the creation of a positive team and a learning culture.
• To identify possible areas for development and change.
• To liaise with the Communications Director about announcements and information to ensure all posted content remains relevant and reflective of the diocesan values.

Terms

• Working hours: to be confirmed, with a minimum of 2-3 days per week (14-21 hours).
• 25 days pro rata paid annual leave per year.

Please apply through the Church of England portal Pathwayshere for this post.

If you wish to have an informal discussion please do contact Philip Poulter viaemail to arrange.

• Closing date for applications: 5pm, July 18th, 2025

First Floor, Peninsular House, Wharf Rd, Landport, Portsmouth PO2 8HB

Get directions to this location on Google Maps.