Executive Assistant to the Dean of St Albans

The Dean is the senior priest at the Cathedral and has responsibility for leadership of the Cathedral’s daily life and ministry.  This includes chairing the Chapter, which is the Cathedral’s governing body. That leadership responsibility is shared with the Cathedral’s senior staff, clergy and lay, the wider staff team and over 580 volunteers who support the life of the Cathedral. As the senior priest in the Diocese, the Dean is also a member of the Bishop’s staff, Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod.

The Executive Assistant supports the Dean of St Albans in the management and organisation of her workload, including taking a lead in managing the Dean’s diary.  As the first point of contact with the Dean, the Executive Assistant will take responsibility for handling enquiries, researching and supplying suitable responses and ensuring the reputation of the Dean’s office is enhanced and protected. This will involve developing effective working relationships within our Cathedral community, across staff teams including the Senior Leadership Team and with volunteers, as well as engaging with external stakeholders such as the Bishop’s office, the diocesan staff team, diocesan clergy, the Association of English Cathedrals and more widely with a diverse range of people locally and nationally.

The Dean seeks an Executive Assistant who can demonstrate commitment, initiative and a willingness to take on responsibility for addressing frequently sensitive or time-critical issues. The role requires someone who enjoys engaging with people of all sorts, and has patience, a calm manner, a healthy sense of humour and is able to manage competing priorities. It is important that all the Cathedral staff, lay and ordained, have a sense that they are valued and cared for pastorally, spiritually and personally, and the Executive Assistant plays a key role in making this a reality. 

The Executive Assistant reports directly to the Dean who directs the post holder's day-to-day workload. However, the role does have a dotted line in terms of accountability to the Office Manager as the Executive Assistant is a member of the Cathedral Office team and it is important that every member of the office team is flexible in supporting and where necessary, covering each other. The successful applicant will be technically proficient, particularly in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint). They will be confident in using digital tools, with the ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies to support changing workplace needs and improve efficiency. 

The role is office-based, worked ideally over 4 days working Monday to Thursday. Working these hours over 5 days would be considered for the right applicant. The role is interesting and varied in terms of breadth and scope and would suit someone with previous experience as a personal or executive assistant looking for a new challenge in a busy, stimulating and friendly working environment.

Applicants are invited to submit an application form and covering letter to Michelle Ovenden, Head of HR, by email to [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 24 July at 3pm.  Interviews will be held in the morning on Friday 31 July.

For further details please download the job pack.

Job Pack

Application Form