Overview
Executive Assistant to the Archdeacons and Parish Support Officer (full-time, 35 hours/week)
The Diocese of Ely is seeking a highly organised, proactive Executive Assistant to support the Archdeacons and to help strengthen our support to parishes across the diocese. This is a new role at the heart of our diocesan office, based at Etheldreda House, with a particular focus on improving coordination, follow-through and responsiveness across key processes that matter to parishes. Alongside executive support to the Archdeacons, the role will also contribute to the Strengthening Multi Parish‑ Benefices (SMPB) programme, helping participating benefices build sustainable systems and governance that release capacity for mission and ministry. If you thrive on creating order out of complexity, enjoy working with a wide range of people, and want to use your skills in service of our vision to be generous and visible people of Jesus Christ, we would love to hear from you.
Role and responsibilities
* Provide high-quality executive assistance and operational coordination for the Archdeacons and SMPB, ensuring that key diocesan processes are tracked, well prepared, well recorded, and followed through, and that parishes experience a clear, responsive point of contact.
* Strengthen diary management, meeting preparation, and action tracking for the Archdeacons.
* Improve responsiveness to parishes through triage and “one front door” routines.
* Stabilise visitations and church visits through a predictable rolling programme and consistent follow-up.
* Reduce delays and friction in vacancy and recruitment processes through end-to-end tracking.
* Support delivery rhythm, documentation, and communications for the SMPB programme.
What this role will suit
* Enjoys building calm, reliable systems in complex environments.
* Has strong judgement and discretion with sensitive information.
* Can work confidently with clergy, lay leaders, and professional colleagues.
* Is comfortable chasing actions tactfully and helping people meet deadlines.
* Brings excellent written communication and high competence in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel).
We value demonstrated capability and a track record of follow through. Experience in a church, charity, or volunteer-heavy setting is welcome but not essential.
Practicalities and safeguarding
* The role is full-time (35 hours/week), based at Etheldreda House, with some flexibility by agreement and occasional travel to parishes.
* The Diocese of Ely and the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF) are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to the role and to work in line with safeguarding policy and practice.
* The diocese is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those currently under-represented in our context where they have the relevant skills and experience.
Further information and applications
* Closing date for applications: 5pm Friday 1 May 2026
* Interview Dates: 13 and 14 May 2026
* Job Description: Download here
* Application Form: Download here
* Applications should be submitted to HR@elydiocese.org
Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely
The Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
First published on: 10th April 2026. Page last updated: Tuesday 14th April 2026 3:07 AM
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