Executive administrative assistant

Northern Illinois Annual Conference; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church in Chicago is seeking an Executive Administrative Assistant to support the Bishop and the Episcopal Office. The role covers calendar management, travel planning, and preparation of official communications.

You will coordinate projects and events with the Wisconsin Annual Conference, handle confidential records in Brick River, and assist with Journal preparation and appointment lists.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5-7 years of administrative experience in a similar role.
• Ability to manage complex calendars and priorities with accuracy.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook); experience with Brick River, EBridge and Emburse is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Bishop and Assistant to the Bishop, including calendar management, scheduling, travel, expense reports, and other financial processes.
• Prepare correspondence and communications on behalf of the Bishop and Assistant to the Bishop, including official communications.
• Coordinate projects, meetings, and events for the Bishop and Assistant to the Bishop, including logistics and hospitality.
• Collaborate with the Wisconsin Annual Conference Administrative Assistant to coordinate Bishop activities across Conferences.
• Support Annual Conference tasks, including preparation of the Journal, certificates, appointment lists, and the Bishop’s agenda.
• Maintain accurate Extension Ministries information and records in Brick River.
• Participate in Administrative Assistant meetings to support alignment of Episcopal Office practices.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and sound judgment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Conference staff, clergy, laity, denominational partners.

Skills

Calendar management

Microsoft 365

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Discretion & confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Brick River

EBridge

Emburse

Microsoft 365 Suite

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Northern Illinois Conference - Chicago, IL 60601

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $50,034.00 - $63,000.00

SalaryExecutive Administrative Assistant

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Bishop and Assistant to the Bishop, including calendar management, scheduling, immigration related appointments, daily priorities, travel, expense reports, reimbursements, and other financial processes
• Prepare correspondence and communications on behalf of the Bishop and Assistant to the Bishop, including clergy and clergy spouse acknowledgements, condolences, and other official communications
• Coordinate projects, meetings, and events for the Bishop and Assistant to the Bishop, including logistics, communications, hospitality, materials, and support for Cabinet meetings, retreats, clergy meetings, and other Episcopal Office gatherings
• Collaborate with the Wisconsin Annual Conference Administrative Assistant to coordinate Bishop activities and ministries across both Annual Conferences, including meetings outside Conference boundaries and denominational events such as the North Central Jurisdictional College of Bishops and Council of Bishops
• Provide administrative support for Annual Conference, including preparation of the Journal, certificates, appointment lists, and the Bishop’s agenda and related materials
• Maintain accurate and current Extension Ministries information and records in Brick River
• Participate in Administrative Assistant meetings within the jurisdiction and denomination to support collaboration and alignment of Episcopal Office practices
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Conference staff, clergy, laity, denominational partners, and others who interact with the Episcopal Office, while staying informed about Conference priorities and activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5-7 years of experience as an administrative assistant, executive assistant, or in a related administrative support role
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex calendars, competing priorities, meetings, travel, and special projects with accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and respond effectively to changing priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook
• Experience with or ability to quickly learn administrative systems and databases, including Brick River, EBridge, and Emburse
• Knowledge of The United Methodist Church’s organizational structure, governance, terminology, and denominational relationships preferred, or demonstrated ability to quickly develop such knowledge
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across multiple Annual Conferences and denominational organizations
• Commitment to supporting the mission, ministry, and leadership of The United Methodist Church

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Office based work environment with regular interaction with Conference leadership, staff, clergy, laity, and denominational partners
• Ability to accommodate occasional evening and weekend meetings, events, retreats, and Conference activities
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, events, and denominational activities
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities
• Ability to perform work requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use

Closing Date

09/21/2026

The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.