Receptionist

Diocese of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 16,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Oxford is seeking a part-time Receptionist. The role includes managing visitor interactions, overseeing mail, and supporting the Facilities Manager. Candidates should have strong communication skills and a flexible work approach. Benefits include a generous holiday package, employer pension contributions, and a supportive working environment. This position involves 20 hours a week, with a salary of £13,103.87 annually. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2025, with interviews scheduled for 15 January 2026.

Benefits

Annual holiday entitlement starting at 25 days

Free parking

Subsidised on-site café

Generous employer pension contribution

Access to wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Excellent face-to-face and telephone communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Comfortable with the Christian ethos of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for staff and visitors.
• Manage reception email account and visitor bookings.
• Oversee incoming and outgoing mail.
• Support Facilities Manager with café operations and food ordering.

Skills

Friendly approach

Exceptional communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Word

Proficiency in Excel

Proficiency in Outlook

Flexibility

Ability to multitask

Job description

The Role

The Receptionist serves as the primary point of contact for staff and visitors, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience through face-to-face interactions and telephone communications.

Collaborating closely with the Facilities Manager and job share partner, the role involves efficiently handling queries, managing the reception email account, and coordinating visitor bookings and parking logistics.

Responsibilities also include overseeing incoming/outgoing mail, facilitating large‑scale mailings via the Royal Mail online system, managing publications on behalf of the Communications team, monitoring, and replenishing stationery supplies, and producing access cards for new team members and contractors.

Additionally, the Receptionist provides support to the Facilities Manager in handling the café coffee machine and food ordering as needed. The role requires availability for full‑time coverage during annual leave and absences of the other job share post holder to ensure the continuous smooth operation of the reception area.

Please be aware that you are required to provide full‑time coverage during annual leave and in the absence of the other job share post holder as outlined in the job description. Please note that this is exclusively a non‑hybrid role, with your work location being based at Church House Oxford.

About You

You do not need to be a practising Christian or have a faith to work here - around 50% of staff are not practising Christians but are comfortable with the Christian ethos that underpins this vital work. However, all staff do have a desire to make a difference.

We are seeking an individual who embodies friendliness, approachability, courtesy, and helpfulness, coupled with exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. The ideal candidate thrives on taking initiative, possesses a flexible work approach, excels at multitasking, and adeptly prioritises tasks.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is a must, with a willingness to embrace new technologies and learn database management. While being a supportive member of the team is essential, we also value the ability to work independently with confidence.

Additionally, candidates should be open to training as a First Aider/Fire Marshal, contributing to the resilience of our Church House community. If you're ready to bring your skills and enthusiasm to the vibrant team, we'd love to hear from you.

Benefits and Rewards

We offer a generous package including:

• Annual holiday entitlement starting at 25 days, excluding public holidays, rising each year by one day to a maximum of 30 days, pro‑ratio for part‑time employees
• In addition to the statutory UK public holidays, the Diocese offers three privilege days to all employees, namely Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day, and Christmas Eve (or the closest working day, where this falls on a weekend)
• Free parking and subsidised on‑site café
• Generous employer pension contribution of 12.5% into the auto‑enrolment pension scheme, which includes death in service benefit (5% employee contribution)
• Electric car and cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice schemes
• Access to wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies and a generous sick pay provision
• Access to low‑interest financial services from Churches Mutual Credit Union including loans.
• An attractive modern working environment

The successful candidate must have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us, your application has not been successful.

We want the Church of England’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all to be reflected in all staff. We are particularly keen to receive applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority heritage and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented.

The Church of England is committed to the safeguarding, care, and nurture of everyone within the church community. In the Diocese, the team follow and are committed to the Church of England's House of Bishops Safeguarding Policies and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance, “Working together” to ensure the welfare of children and young people is paramount.

You may have experience in other areas such as Receptionist, Admin, Administrator, Administration, Junior Receptionist, Senior Receptionist, Office Manage, Front of House.

Receptionist

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to work for an organisation that makes a difference An organisation that nurtures its staff, encourages development and rewards staff for their hard work. If the answer is yes, then the Diocese is the place for you!

This is a part‑time role, based in Oxford.

Position: Receptionist (pm)

Location: Kidlington, Oxford

Hours: 20 hours per week, 4 hours per day Monday to Friday: 12:30 to 16:30

Salary: £13,103.87 per annum (£24,242.20 per annum full‑time equivalent (FTE)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 31 December 2025

Interviews will take place at Church House, Oxford on: Thursday 15 January 2026