Office Assistant

Wicker Park Lutheran Church (WPLC) is a growing, urban congregation that focuses on expansive/welcoming theology. We are seeking an office assistant to join our team!

This position is 24 hours per week and will require all on-site work (no weekends or evenings required). As an integral part of our church, you will mostly work independently but will do so in conjunction with other staff, volunteers and the public. The position will support our mission in three general areas of administration, online media, and space use management.

Bring your confident, cordial, and curious self to help us bring transformation to the church, neighborhood, and world. Applicants from diverse faith backgrounds are encouraged to apply!

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• At least two years of office experience
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, associate's degree needed

Technical Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and organization
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word along with Google documents, forms, and spreadsheets
• Ability to carry and lift items up to 20 pounds, traverse stairs and uneven surfaces, and see diverse colors
• Familiarity with Dropbox, WordPress, MailChimp, Canva, Meta Business Suite, and/or database software, is a plus but not required
• Successfully pass a full background check (including financial)
• Non-member of Wicker Park Lutheran Church

Interpersonal/Language Skills

• Strong English communication skills (verbal and written), Spanish proficiency is helpful
• Dependability, honesty, and punctuality
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently within the job description
• Willing to learn and be open to constructive feedback from supervisor
• Must work well with others and maintain a positive attitude
• Desire to welcome people of various backgrounds in alignment with our values

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Follow a comprehensive daily task list that will ensure that recurring weekly and monthly operations run smoothly with duties falling in three general areas:

General Administration (60%)

• Format and input weekly worship information (readings, hymns, prayers, announcements, etc.) into a paper bulletin, electronic leader guide, and onto PowerPoint slides
• Use a commercial multi-function printer to make copies, scans, and prints
• Answer onsite phone and respond to general emails giving information and connecting individuals with appropriate resources or leader
• Write checks, acquire signatures, and notify treasurer of these payments
• Input and balance each batch of weekly giving into the church database for donor giving statements
• Maintain and organize basic church records, including attendance logs, church management software, written register, and paper/electronic filing systems
• Organize, stock, and maintain inventories for a small food pantry along with office/ janitorial supplies
• Run errands nearby in support of the church’s ministry (i.e. post office, bank, or grocery store) within 10 blocks walking distance - a car is not required
• Assist in compiling reports, mailings, statements, and campaign/marketing materials
• Organize volunteer schedule monthly and remind volunteers weekly of their commitments
• Arrange for maintenance and repairs as directed by the pastor

Online Media (20%)

• Maintain and update website and social media accounts (Instagram and Facebook) with the pastor and "media and worship specalist"
• Manage announcements and input information into MailChimp for weekly communications

Space Use Management (20%)

• Working with the pastor, coordinate and oversee space use groups including scheduling heating/cooling and access point, calendar management, general correspondence, building tours, and agreement oversight

LOCATION/SCHEDULE

• This position is a 100% on-site, in-person position (work from home is not available) because it is part of the church’s “ministry of presence” and will including overseeing building space use
• 24 hours per week on a set weekly schedule falling between Tuesday through Friday– we are flexible on days and times– to be agreed upon with the pastor
• Additional weekend/evening hours with extra pay may be available as separate positions by being a “wedding assistant” and/or “building monitor”

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $19.25-$20.75 per hour, based on experience, for 24 hours per week (~$24,024-$25,897 per year)
• All work to be completed onsite
• Accrue up to 24 hours paid vacation annually (usable after 180 day introductory period)
• Paid holidays when it falls on a regularly scheduled shift
• Accrued paid sick leave per Chicago ordinance (usable after 180 days)
• Flexibility in choosing a set schedule
• Paid on-boarding and on-going training
• Option to buy into medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits pre-tax
• Additional weekend and evening pay may be available in separate positions as needed: -- Wedding assistant ($150 per wedding) with an average of 5-7 weddings annually (~$1,050) -- Building monitor ($16 per hour) with an average of 30 hours per year (~$480)
• The joy of working with a fun, growing, and exciting congregation in the heart of Wicker Park

APPLICATIONS

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with priority given to those received before February 3. The process will include completing two skills assessments on really, a Zoom interview, in-person interview, supplying 3 references (at least 2 professional references), and full background check (including financial).

ABOUT THE CHURCH

WPLC is a diverse and growing Christian (ELCA) community focused on expansive theology. The congregation comprises most age groups, people from a variety of life stages, as well as many ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Every Sunday at 10 a.m. we gather together online and in person to worship; our services feature traditional liturgy and sermons that have been described as both deep and accessible. During Sunday service, we offer Sunday school for school-aged children and a staffed nursery. Community service is an ongoing focus, and every month we help feed the homeless and needy alongside The Night Ministry’s Health Outreach Bus. Our commitment to ecotheology is lived out in many ways, including through our composting bins and solar panels. Our sanctuary is open for weddings and baptisms regardless of membership status. We view our building as an extension of our ministry and are delighted to partner with many community groups.

WPLC is "Reconciling in Christ" and an “Immigrant Welcoming Congregation” that welcomes, supports, and affirms all people, including diverse religious pasts, gender or gender identities, sexual orientations, marital statuses, races, countries of birth, socioeconomic or employment statuses, physical abilities, political parties, immigration statuses, home addresses, medical or psychological histories. We’re excited about all that is happening here, and you could be an integral part of our community! Learn more at www.wickerparklutheran.org/

Our Mission: As a passionate, Christian community, we are committed to nurturing and building up the body of Christ through welcoming, creative, and diverse ministries.

Our Vision: To be a thriving Christian presence in metro Chicago, recognized as offering spiritual and social resources in our community.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.25 - $20.25 per hour

Expected hours: 24 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• No nights
• No weekends

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• office: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60622 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24,024 - $25,897