Job Description

Salary:

24,000-26,000 per annum (FTE), adjusted for 22 hours per week

Contract Type:

Permanent, Part-time

Location:

St. Mary's Presbytery, 59 Normandy Street, Alton, GU34 1DN

Note:

A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle are required, as occasional travel for parish or diocesan training may be necessary.

Parish Administrator - Role Overview

Are you a skilled Administrator with a strong grasp of organisation and financial processes, seeking a role where your contributions truly matter?

St. Mary's Presbytery is looking for a Parish Administrator to deliver reliable and effective administrative support, ensuring the parish runs smoothly and allowing the Parish Priest to concentrate on pastoral care.

The Parish Administrator plays a vital role in supporting the Parish Priest by ensuring the parish's administrative functions run smoothly. This includes managing day-to-day operations, maintaining records, coordinating events, and acting as a key point of contact for parishioners and external partners.

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.

Core Responsibilities

Administrative Duties

Provide clerical and organisational support to the Parish Priest and clergy team Keep accurate financial records, including Gift Aid administration Oversee parking arrangements and maintain related documentation Ensure maintenance logs are current and testing is scheduled for parish buildings and grounds Update parish databases, registers, and schedules Produce and distribute the weekly newsletter and manage website updates Respond to phone calls, emails, and general enquiries professionally Manage calendars and appointments for clergy and pastoral visits Order supplies for parish facilities Assist with planning and coordination of parish events and activities Maintain up-to-date sacramental records and documentation Support parish groups and sacramental preparation programmes Handle bookings and invoicing for funerals and weddings

Facilities & Hall Management

Administer the parish hall booking system Ensure hire agreements and invoices are properly managed

Communication & Coordination

Serve as the first point of contact for parishioners, visitors, and external queries Help organise parish meetings, events, and initiatives Liaise with diocesan departments and submit required reports and compliance documents

Sacramental & Liturgical Support

Schedule baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other celebrations, ensuring all paperwork is completed Assist in preparing liturgical materials for major celebrations in collaboration with the Parish Priest

Governance & Compliance

Ensure GDPR compliance and maintain secure record-keeping Support the implementation of diocesan policies, including safeguarding and governance

Additional Duties

Collaborate with volunteers and provide training where needed Carry out other reasonable tasks as requested by the Parish Priest

Professional Conduct

Represent the values and ethos of the Catholic Church Work in partnership with clergy, staff, and volunteers to support parish life Maintain a welcoming and respectful environment Handle all matters with confidentiality and discretion

Person Specification

Essential

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher), Xero Finance, and database systems Strong organisational abilities and multitasking skills Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Prior experience in a busy administrative role with attention to detail

Desirable

Understanding of Catholic traditions and liturgy Awareness of safeguarding and data protection practices Experience in financial administration or bookkeeping

Benefits & Application Details

We offer a supportive working environment with the following benefits:

25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) Life assurance Employee wellbeing programme Contributory pension scheme
If you're motivated by working in a values-led organisation where your work has lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

To Apply:

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability and motivation for applying to recruitment@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk. Use the subject line: Parish Administrator St Mary's.

Application Deadline:

Sunday 23rd November at 23:59
Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert before the deadline depending on response volume.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after the closing date to arrange interviews.

The Diocese of Portsmouth is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applicants who support the ethos of the Catholic Church.

Please note:

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. The Diocese does not offer visa sponsorship.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 24,000.00-26,000.00 per year

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