PA to the Archdeacons of Kingston

Archdeacons are called to share in the mission of the church, exercising their ministry in close collaboration with the Bishop. They play a significant role in the recruitment, oversight, support, discipline, and pastoral care of the clergy. They also play a key role in strategic planning, managing conflict, encouraging stewardship and responding to safeguarding issues, alongside exercising their legal responsibilities.

The Archdeacons PA will need to have a high level of hospitality, a friendly and engaging telephone manner, and excellent people skills. The PA manages many interactions with clergy and parishes and is often the first port of call with the wider Diocese.

With a close eye for detail they provide administrative support to the archdeacons, managing their diaries, project managing events, ensuring processes work effectively, writing or acting on their behalf, and providing the information and support they need to carry out their work effectively and in a timely manner.

They need to take the initiative and be proactive in finding creative solutions to a range of issues. An ability to prioritise will be essential.

The ability to take initiative and be proactive is a key skill for an archdeacons' PA, as is flexibility, as the workflow is not always consistent, and the two archdeacons at different times have different demands. The PA is part of the Kingston Area Team, consisting of the Bishop of Kingston, his Chaplain, the two Archdeacons, and the two PAs and so must be an exceptional team player.

While experience of church life - particularly in the Church of England - would be an advantage, the ability to learn and be empathetic are the key strengths the PA needs.