Office Administrator

Office Assistant

Purpose:

East Church embraces a rich history rooted in Christian freedom, unity, and purpose. As the church continues to nurture a vibrant, diverse faith community, the Office Assistant is a crucial part of this effort. The Office Assistant is essential to East Church’s vision and mission, helping to create an environment where members are welcomed, informed, and supported in their faith journey. By ensuring efficient administration and effective communication, the assistant empowers the church’s leadership and members to focus on the spiritual and outreach goals that define East Church’s purpose. This role, deeply rooted in the church's traditions while also adaptable to future needs, serves as a cornerstone for the church’s administrative needs.

Work Location: East Congregational Church, 1005 Giddings Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Work from Home: Due to the nature of the duties and responsibilities, this is not a WFH position Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 9am to 4pm (21 hours per week)

Compensation:$15.50 per hour

Reporting: The Office Assistant reports to the Senior Minister and the Personnel Committee

Duties and Responsibilities

• Phone & Email Management: Answer incoming phone calls, provide information or direct calls to appropriate individuals, and respond to emails in a timely and professional manner.
• Office Supply Management: Maintain and order office supplies as needed, ensuring that the office is properly stocked with necessary materials.
• Database Management: Maintain the membership database with up-to-date contact information. Collaborate with the pastor, treasurer, and church clerk to update membership roles.
• Bulletins & Communication: Assist the Pastor and Music Director in preparing the weekly Worship Service Bulletin, including bulletin inserts, using Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Word. Distribute to appropriate parties and update weekly email for member communication.
• Calendar Management: Update and maintain the church calendar, scheduling rooms and events as necessary. Assist building users in reserving spaces.
• Mail Management: Open, prioritize, and distribute incoming mail. Coordinate mass mailings and prepare materials for special communications and events.
• Event Support: Assist in preparing materials for special church events, including weddings, funerals, baptisms, and annual meetings. Support the planning and coordination of church-wide events such as Remembrance Sunday, Summer Arts Camp, and Annual Church Picnic.
• Data Entry & File Organization: Accurately update and maintain electronic and paper files. Ensure all church documents and materials are properly filed and easily accessible.
• Assisting the Minister: Provide general administrative support to the Senior Minister, assisting with tasks and preparing documents as needed.
• Visitor & Member Relations: Create a welcoming environment for visitors, members, and staff, providing friendly, efficient service to those who contact or visit the office.
• Support for Special Initiatives: Assist in preparing and distributing materials for special church initiatives, including promotional materials, event flyers, and fundraising campaigns.
• Building Use Coordination: Maintain the building use roster and work with the rental committee chair to manage the scheduling of building use for outside groups.
• Funeral and Baptism Coordination: Prepare and coordinate materials for funerals and baptisms, ensuring that church procedures are followed and materials are ready for services.
• Event Preparation: Assist with the preparation and coordination of materials for the annual finance meeting, annual meeting, and any other special church events.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher) and email platforms (e.g., Outlook)
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Experience with database management and file organization
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with church staff, volunteers, and external vendors
• Comfortable answering phones and interacting with church members, visitors, and community members in a welcoming manner
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle diverse administrative tasks
• Experience in event coordination or support is a plus
• Knowledge of church operations and ministry activities is preferred but not required
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
• Familiarity with church communication tools like Constant Contact is a plus

Education:

• Minimum of a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate
• Training and/or experience in an office environment or similar role preferred

Disclaimers:

East Church is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age As a religious organization, East Church reserves the right to prioritize candidates who share in our religious mission and beliefs. This position is exempt from certain provisions of employment law as allowed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 In accordance with Michigan Employment Laws, employment with East Church is considered ‘at-will’ and either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, unless otherwise required by law As part of the hiring process, East Church may conduct background checks on all final candidates for this position. Criminal background checks will be conducted in accordance with Michigan law East Church is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact us This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay. Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek East Church complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including those in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: From $15.50 per hour

Schedule:

• Day shift

Experience:

• Clerical experience: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16