Senior EA to the Chief Of Staff

Church of England

York (On-site)

Up to £50402 per annum

Permanent

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Job description

The Executive Assistant will play a key role in supporting and enabling the Chief of Staff to lead strategically by managing their diary, information flow, communications, and oversight of all aspects of Bishopthorpe Palace. They will be expected to take a hands- on approach in supporting the Chief of Staff in their operational responsibilities and wider engagement, monitoring workflow, preparing briefings and other writing, and assisting in monitoring and preparing budgets and budget reports. They will manage the Accounts Manager, the Team Administrator (F/T) and the Team Administrator (P/T) and help ensure that office support functions run smoothly and efficiently. This position combines high-level executive support, senior stakeholder management and supporting aspects of key functions at Bishopthorpe Palace.

The postholder will work independently and in collaboration with the Chief of Staff, supporting their delivery of the operational effectiveness and strategic priorities of the Archbishop's Office. This role is central to maintaining the rhythm and focus of the Archbishop's ministry and ensuring its alignment with the Gospel values of humility, service, and sacrifice.

It is important that the postholder demonstrates a diverse skills set, encompassing strong organisational and time management abilities, excellent research, interpersonal and communication and listening skills, and being proficient in using IT and office software. The person must be able to work within a wide-ranging team, be committed, have discretion, be proactive and be able to adaptability and take initiative.

Enable the Chief of Staff to prioritise and lead on strategic responsibilities.
Be the primary point of contact for incoming communication with the Chief of Staff, ensuring professionalism and confidentiality are maintained.
Manage the Chief of Staff's diary, correspondence, and communication with clarity and accuracy, including responding to meeting requests and enquiries on behalf of the CoS.
Filter and prioritise information and tasks to support effective decision-making.
Monitor emails and incoming correspondence to ensure timely and appropriate responses are made, drafting responses as required.
Make travel arrangements and bookings as needed, and submit expense claims.
Represent the Chief of Staff as required, particularly on projects and internal group meetings.
Manage and prepare research and briefing papers, and lead projects as required.
Provide high-quality administrative and policy support on complex or sensitive matters.
Coordinate stakeholder engagement and representational duties of the Chief of Staff.
Develop and manage systems for monitoring progress on strategic and operational priorities.
Assist the Chief of Staff in supporting the Archbishop's involvement in Synods, Councils, and national Church bodies.
Collaborate with project groups, internal colleagues and staff across the organisation as required to support on operational planning, decision-making processes, and staff coordination.
Support good governance and record-keeping, including meeting preparation and minute-taking.
Promote good safeguarding and share in the general responsibility to comply with all organisational policies and procedures.
Line manages the Accounts Manager, Team Administrator (F/T) and Team Administrator (P/T) and supports the effective discharge of the Office Admin functions
On behalf of the Chief of Staff, work with the Accounts Manager to monitor and oversee the budget and preparation of budgets and budget reports.
Providing administrative support to project boards and groups for which the Chief of Staff holds responsibility, such as drafting agendas, preparing minutes, and coordinating reports on research and prospective project work.

About You

Essential

Knowledge/Experience:

Experience working with or reporting to senior leaders.
High-level administrative experience including complex diary and correspondence management.
Experience managing confidential and sensitive information.
Experience of stakeholder liaison and diplomacy at senior levels.

Skills and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
Excellent written communication, with experience drafting briefings and formal correspondence.
Strong organisational skills, including prioritisation and time management.
Competence in Microsoft Office applications and digital collaboration tools.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to be self-directed, work independently and flexibly under pressure.
Strong judgment and emotional intelligence in dealing with urgent and complex issues.
Demonstrable experience of drafting and preparing correspondence, briefs and other materials.
Experience in managing and preparing budgets.
Exceptionally well organised and methodical, with the ability to cope with conflicting priorities.

Personal Attributes:

A self-starter, able to use initiative and good judgement.
Ability to line manage effectively whilst working collaboratively as a member of the team.
Able to work in a fast-paced office with good humour, sensitivity, resilience and discretion.

Desirable

Understanding of the Church of England's ministry, mission and governance.
Familiarity with public affairs, current events, or media landscapes.
An understanding of the ethos and values of the Church of England.
Awareness of and interest in national and international politics and societal issues.

Closing date for applications is 9 March 23:55

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