What are the responsibilities and job description for the Parish Administrator position at St. John's Episcopal Church?
Position Overview
The Parish Administrator plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of the church, ensuring smooth administrative processes that uphold the mission and ministry of the parish. This position is responsible for managing parish data systems, overseeing membership and stewardship records, coordinating office operations, and providing administrative support to clergy, staff, and ministry leaders. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and able to maintain a warm and professional presence in the parish office.
General Administration
- Serve as the first point of contact for visitors, parishioners, and phone inquiries, maintaining a welcoming and professional presence.
- Maintain the parish calendar, scheduling events, meetings, and facility usage.
- Oversee the church’s general email inbox and phone system, responding to inquiries and directing messages to the appropriate staff or volunteers.
- Support ministry leaders and staff by preparing reports, correspondence, and other administrative materials as needed.
- Provide basic IT support, including troubleshooting computer and printer issues, managing email accounts, updating software, and assisting staff with technology needs. Coordinate with external IT support for more complex issues.
Communications
- Facilitate the delivery of parish communications, including weekly bulletins, newsletters, email updates, and social media posts.
- Maintain and update the church website, ensuring information is accurate, timely, and accessible. Manage basic site functionality and seek technical support when needed.
Membership & Stewardship Management
- Data Management: Serve as the primary administrator for the parish’s data management system (Realm), ensuring data accuracy, consistent usage, and optimal functionality.
- Membership Records: Maintain up-to-date membership records, including processing new member intake, managing membership transfers, and updating contact information.
- Stewardship Oversight: Manage all administrative aspects of stewardship, including tracking pledges, recording contributions, and overseeing donor communications. * Financial Handling: Handle accounts receivable in accordance with financial policies. * Giving Statements: Prepare and distribute giving statements twice annually (currently in June and January), maintaining strict confidentiality of donor information.
- Annual Reporting: Compile and present detailed reports on membership trends, giving patterns, and engagement metrics to staff and parish leadership.
- Acknowledgments & Gratitude: Oversee timely recognition of contributions by generating thank-you lists, coordinating volunteers for acknowledgments, and providing clergy and ministry leaders with necessary details for personalized thank-you notes.
Clergy & Worship Support
- Provide administrative support to Rector and Associate Rector.
- Manage liturgical schedules and assist in producing bulletins and other worship materials.
- Support coordination of worship leaders for religious services.
Office & Facility Coordination
- Maintain office supplies and equipment, ensuring an organized and well-functioning workspace.
- Interface with vendors, contractors, and service providers for office and facility-related needs, including maintenance and repairs.
Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years in an administrative role, preferably in a church or nonprofit setting.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and data base management. Experience with Realm or similar church management software preferred.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with a friendly, professional demeanor.
- Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines. Record keeping
- Confidentiality & Discretion: Experience handling sensitive information with professionalism and care.
- Commitment: No religious affiliation is required. An understanding of and appreciation for the mission and values of the Episcopal Church is preferred.
Schedule
Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an additional 6 hours of flexible time to be done in person. Remote work is not an option. Some evening and weekend events are required, including the monthly Vestry Meeting, Kick-Off Sunday, the parish retreat, and other large parish events (4-6 events per year).
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Based on experience ($25-$30 per hour)
- Competitive benefits package including, Health, Retirement, holidays, and paid time off.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $39,000.00 - $47,000.00 per year
Expected hours: No less than 30 per week
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Application Question(s):
- While no religious affiliation is required, this role involves working in an Episcopal Church. What is your comfort level working in a church setting, and do you have any experience with faith-based organizations or other not for profits?
- This position requires working on-site Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an additional six flexible in-person hours, as well as occasional evening and weekend events. Are you available to meet these scheduling requirements?
- What is your experience with Microsoft Office Suite and database management? Have you used any church management software like Realm before?
Ability to Commute:
- Portsmouth, NH 03801 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $39,000 - $47,000