Salary: £24,000 to £26,000 per annum (FTE), pro rata for 22 hours per week
Contract: Part-time, Permanent
Location: St. Mary's, Presbytery, 59 Normandy Street, Alton, GU34 1DN
Some occasional travel may be required for Diocesan or Parish training so you must hold a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Are you an experienced Administrator with great organisational skills and accounts knowledge, looking for a role where you can make a real difference?
St. Mary's, Presbytery, is seeking a Parish Administrator to maintain and uphold efficient administrative support to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the parish, enabling and supporting the Parish Priest to focus on pastoral duties.
The Parish Administrator provides comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the Parish Priest, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the parish. This role enables the Parish Priest to focus on pastoral duties while maintaining efficient administrative processes.
This is an exciting time to join our friendly, busy, and supportive team as we implement our 10-year Mission Plan, shaping the future of our Diocese and the communities we serve.
Covering Hampshire, Berkshire, South Oxford, and the Channel Islands, our Diocese is home to 87 parishes and 50 schools, serving over 27,000 practising Catholics and supporting 32,000 children and their families. Our work is both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful.
Parish Administrator - Job Description:
Key Internal and External Relationships
* Parish Priest
* Priests and Deacons across the Pastoral Area
* Parish volunteers and employees
* Parishioners and visitors
* Diocesan Curia departments (Finance, HR, Estates, Safeguarding, Communications, and Governance)
* External suppliers and contractors
Main responsibilities
General Administration
* Provide administrative support to the Parish Priest and clergy.
* Maintain Parish Financial Records including Gift Aid
* Administration of Parking Facilities
* Ensure all Maintenance Records are up to date and arrange Testing, when necessary, for Church, Hall, Presbytery & Grounds
* Maintain and update parish records, including parishioner databases, sacramental registers, and schedules.
* Prepare and distribute the weekly Parish Newsletter and other parish communications, including updating the website.
* Handle general inquiries, phone calls, emails, and correspondence professionally.
* Manage diaries and appointments for the Parish Priest and pastoral visits.
* Order and maintain supplies for the presbytery, office, churches, and halls.
* Assist in coordinating pastoral activities and parish events.
* Ensure all registers are up to date and maintain accurate documentation for sacraments.
* Support parish groups and sacramental preparation programs, including managing course materials.
* Coordinate funeral and wedding bookings, including diary management and invoicing.
Hall Booking & Facility Coordination
* Manage the parish hall booking calendar and ensure appropriate hire agreements and invoicing.
Parish Communication & Liaison
* Act as the first point of contact for parishioners, visitors, and external inquiries, either in person, via telephone or email, ensuring a welcoming and professional response.
* Support the Parish Priest in coordinating meetings, events, and pastoral initiatives.
* Ensure effective communication between the parish and diocesan departments, submitting reports and compliance documents as required.
Sacramental & Liturgical Support
* Schedule and coordinate baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other sacramental celebrations, ensuring all necessary documentation is completed.
* Prepare mass sheets and liturgical documents for Christmas, Easter, and other key celebrations in conjunction with Parish Priest.
Governance & Compliance
* Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (GDPR) and maintain secure and well-organised records.
* Assist in implementing diocesan policies, including safeguarding procedures and governance protocols.
Other Responsibilities
* Work collaboratively with parish volunteers, offering support and training where required.
* Undertake other reasonable tasks as requested by the Parish Priest.
* Professionalism & Values
* Uphold and promote the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.
* Work collaboratively with clergy, employees, and volunteers to support the parish mission.
* Foster a welcoming and professional parish environment for all.
* Maintain confidentiality and discretion in all aspects of the role.
Parish Administrator - Person Specification
Essential
* IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (Publisher, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) Xero Finance and database management.
* Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks effectively.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ensuring professional interaction with parishioners and external stakeholders.
* Previous administrative experience, in a busy office with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
Desirable
* Familiarity with the Catholic Church, its teachings, and liturgical practices.
* Knowledge of safeguarding and data protection best practices.
* Experience with financial management or bookkeeping.
Applicant Information
Employee benefits include 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays, life assurance, an employee wellbeing programme, and contributory pension scheme.
If you are inspired by the idea of working in a values-driven environment where your efforts will have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Come and be part of our mission
How to Apply
Please send a comprehensive and up to date Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role and motivation in applying to Please state 'Parish Administrator' in the subject line of your email.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 28 September at 2359 hours.
In anticipation of a high number of applicants for this role, we encourage early application as we may close this advertisement at our discretion, before the date stated.
Should we wish to progress your application, you will be notified shortly after the closing date and invited to interview.
The Diocese of Portsmouth is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all who support the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.
You must have a valid UK Right to Work, as the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,000.00-£26,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 22 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Application question(s):
* Do you a valid UK Right to Work, as the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship?
Experience:
* Booking and Accounts: 3 years (preferred)
* Secretarial and Administration: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person