We're seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support our Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer whilst playing a pivotal role in the smooth running of our Diocesan office.
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Ely Diocesan Board of Finance, Ely, Cambridgeshire
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Full-time, 35 hours per week. Permanent
About the Role
We're seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support our Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer while playing a pivotal role in the smooth running of our Diocesan office.
This is a varied and rewarding position that combines high-level executive support with operational management, governance administration, and team leadership. You'll be at the heart of our organisation, managing complex diaries, clerking important meetings including Diocesan Synod and Bishop's Council, and overseeing our administrative team of three.
What You'll Be Doing
Executive Support
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Diocesan Secretary including diary management, correspondence, and stakeholder communications
- Coordinate strategic alignment of meetings and events across senior leadership
Office & Operations Management
- Manage day-to-day Diocesan office operations, resources, and facilities
- Oversee budgets within delegated authority and ensure health & safety compliance
Governance & HR
- Act as Clerk for Diocesan Synod and Bishop's Council: prepare agendas, produce minutes, manage venues
- Serve as Elections Officer and maintain statutory registers
- Coordinate HR support for 46 staff members, including recruitment, onboarding, and appraisals
- The HR coordination is as a referral point to HR professionals who then handle the specific requirements.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Senior administrative experience with a proven track record in executive support roles
- Line management experience with ability to manage and motivate others
- Experience handling strictly confidential information with complete discretion
- Exceptional organisational skills and ability to manage complex workloads independently
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) including minute writing
- Proactive problem-solver with a "can do" attitude
- Strong relationship-building skills at all levels
- Microsoft Office proficiency and competency with Zoom/Teams
- Commitment to safeguarding practice and policy adherence
Desirable:
- Experience supporting and administering governing bodies
- Understanding of and appreciation for Christian ethos and values
- Knowledge of the Church of England's life and work
- Clean driving licence and access to own transport
Qualifications:
- We welcome applications from candidates with diverse educational backgrounds. Whether you have A-levels, a degree, or have built your expertise through professional experience, we're interested in your demonstrated ability to excel in this role.
What We Offer
- A pivotal role at the heart of diocesan operations
- Opportunity to work with diverse stakeholders across the Church of England
- Supportive team environment
- Hybrid working options with some home working flexibility
- The chance to make a real difference to our diocesan community
Please note: The role occasionally requires evening and weekend work (with prior arrangement) to clerk key meetings.
Key dates and Job Description:
- Application deadline: Noon on Friday 5 December 2025
- Shortlisting: Monday 8 December 2025
- Interviews: Tuesday 16 December 2025
- Appointment confirmation: Thursday 18 December 2025
- Further information about this position can be found in the Job Description - click here.
How to Apply
- To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your experience meets the requirements outlined above.
- Applications should be sent 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 (click here for more).
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.
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