Correspondence and Communications

• Manage the Bishop's correspondence, emails and enquiries.
• Draft letters, emails, briefings, reports and other documentation on behalf of the Bishop.
• Ensure communications are timely, professional and pastorally sensitive.
• Deal appropriately with confidential, complex and sensitive matters.
• Maintain systems for tracking correspondence, decisions and actions.
• Liaise with colleagues and stakeholders to gather information and draft responses as required.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with clergy, lay leaders, diocesan colleagues and external partners.
• Act as a first point of contact for many individuals seeking to engage with the Bishop's Office.
• Liaise with churches, schools, charities, civic organisations, local authorities and national Church bodies as appropriate.
• Represent the Bishop's Office with professionalism, courtesy and hospitality.
• Support the Chaplain and Bishop in maintaining effective relationships across the Diocese and wider Church.

Meetings, Visits and Events

• Coordinate meetings, visits and events involving the Bishop.
• Prepare agendas, papers and supporting documentation.
• Arrange venues, hospitality, travel and practical logistics.
• Welcome visitors and guests to the Bishop's Office.
• Support significant diocesan occasions and civic engagements.
• Ensure that visitors experience a warm, efficient and professional welcome.
• Contribute to the planning, organisation and delivery of Archdeaconry of York events and initiatives, working closely with the Archdeacon’s Personal Assistant and other colleagues as required.

Office Management, Finance, and Administration

• Contribute to the effective and efficient operation of the Bishop's Office.
• Maintain accurate, secure and well-organised systems for records, information and correspondence.
• Support effective information management and record keeping.
• Administer and keep records of the day-to-day financial processes from the Local Account and other charitable trusts and grants in the name of the Bishop.
• Work with the Bishop and Chaplain to complete the budget process for the Local Account
• To fill in and submit Quarterly Returns to the Church Commissioners for the Local Account
• Identify and implement improvements to administrative systems and processes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure resilience and continuity across the office.
• Provide mutual support and cover for the Archdeacon’s Personal Assistant during periods of annual leave or absence, ensuring that time-sensitive matters are addressed promptly and continuity of service is maintained.

Safeguarding, Compliance and Governance

• Demonstrate a commitment to creating and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture.
• Undertake safeguarding training appropriate to the role.
• Ensure compliance with diocesan policies and procedures.
• Handle personal and sensitive information in accordance with data protection legislation.
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, discretion and professional integrity.
• Comply with all relevant governance, financial and information management requirements.

General Expectations

The Executive Assistant Will

• Be a proactive, supportive and trusted presence within the Bishop's Office.
• Contribute positively to the life and culture of the team.
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to changing priorities and demands.
• Exercise sound judgement and initiative.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Diocese.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably consistent with the nature and seniority of the role.

Qualifications

Essential

Experience

• Experience of providing executive or senior administrative support to a senior leader.
• Experience of managing complex diaries and competing priorities.
• Experience of organising meetings, events and visits involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience of handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience of drafting correspondence, briefings, reports and other professional documentation.

Knowledge And Skills

• Outstanding organisational and prioritisation skills, working at pace and sometimes under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement, diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to anticipate needs and work proactively.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft 365 applications.
• Ability to manage multiple demands while remaining calm under pressure.
• Strong administrative and coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, approachable and service-oriented.
• Emotionally intelligent and pastorally sensitive.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Resilient and able to thrive in a demanding environment.
• Collaborative and committed to team working.
• Able to maintain absolute confidentiality.
• Good-humoured, positive and solutions-focused.
• In sympathy with the mission, ministry and values of the Church of England.

Desirable

• Experience of supporting a senior church, charity, public sector or civic leader.
• Knowledge of the structures and governance of the Church of England.
• Experience of project coordination or programme support.
• Experience of budget monitoring and financial administration.
• Experience of preparing briefing materials for senior leaders.
• Understanding of the Diocese of York and its context.
• Experience of working within a faith-based or values-led organisation.

This role profile outlines the principal responsibilities but is not exhaustive. The postholder may be asked to undertake other duties in line with the general nature and level of the role and occasional out of hours or weekend working might be necessary. Any reasonable adjustments or changes will be discussed in advance.

All staff working at Bishopthorpe Palace share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture regarding children and vulnerable adults, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities. Training and compliance with safeguarding policies are mandatory. A DBS check is required for this role.