Recruiting : PA to Warden of Sheldon Retreat

Overview of the PA role

Updated October 2024

• A substantial full time role with a really interesting range of responsibilities. 
• We hope to appoint a capable person with a deep understanding of the quality of Sheldon's ministry and the stability that comes from serving in post for at least 5 years
• The Warden is involved in a range of administrative responsibilities having served as Administrator before taking up her current role. She seeks a PA to support and assist across many aspects of her role.
• We welcome applications for the role either as a salaried post or joining the resident community

How the role looks day to day

Expect each day at Sheldon to be different. Our primary focus is to ensure guests are looked after during their stay, whether that is welcoming them or being the first port of call sorting out any practical issues that arise. "The interruptions are the job".

You will work closely with the Warden on bookings and publicity, fundraising and donor care, all aspects of the organisation's back office, and some practical things around the buildings and site. 

You are well-organised and methodical with tracking tasks and priorities. You have a methodical approach to analysing and resolving problems, able to take responsibility or collaborate as needed.

Your office will be in or adjacent to reception.

The environment is friendly, hard working and passionate about our service of guests. We run a Covid-aware operation to protect the health of team and guests alike. 

Skills required

Entry level requirements:

You need to be able to evidence practical working experience across a good range of software, and the ability to learn quickly.

• Fluent with day to day use of Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Good written and verbal communications skills (telephone, email, in person, report writing)
• Copy writing and design skills for promoting Sheldon (social media, posters, flyers etc)

Nice to have

A strong candidate is likely to offer some additional skills

• Use of website content management system (we use SelectCMS and Wordpress) perhaps with basic understanding of html
• SQL query writing  
• Adobe software (we use InDesign, Photoshop and Lightroom)
• Financial literacy (we use Xero Accounting with Dext and Excel)
• A complex database (ours is a SQL database serving a bespoke user application)
• Support for office infrastructure such as small computer network, patch panel, broadband, etc

About you and your experience

• You bring commitment, enthusiasm and flexiblity for a wide ranging role
• You enjoy the fulfilment that comes from being part of team dedicated to its core purpose
• You bring wide ranging experience at a reasonably senior level. Perhaps you are looking for a change of focus or an opportunity to try something different. 
• There is no Occupational Requirement for candidates to be Christians, but a good working knowledge of church structures will be an asset and we hope to appoint someone with a genuine sympathy for our core purpose.

Application

Closing date: noon Sunday 17th November. 

To apply as a salaried position please complete this form

To apply as a community member please complete the form above and ALSO this form

If you have questions in advance of submitting your application please email warden@sheldonretreat.com