Private Secretary to the Bishop of Parramatta – Diocese of Parramatta
About the Role
The Private Secretary is responsible for providing high-level executive and administrative support to the Bishop of Parramatta. The Private Secretary plays a critical role in managing the Bishop’s administrative workload arising from his responsibilities. To achieve this, the Private Secretary will be required to develop a clear understanding of the activities of the Bishop, assist him with the management of his affairs where necessary and coordinate his correspondence and communication with staff, agencies, parishes and external bodies. Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the management of the Bishop’s diary and work schedule and containing their effect on personal time and engagements
- Reception of clients and screening telephone and personal callers in order to ensure that the Bishop is not unnecessarily interrupted
- Processing correspondence, emails, telephone calls
- Ensuring all matters are dealt with in a timely, courteous and respectful style and manner
- Typing articles, letters and other documents for the Bishop, including confidential material
- Actively anticipating the Bishop’s needs and requirements as required
- Liaising with the Vicars General where required
- Liaising with the Vicar for Communications as requested by the Bishop on the development and management of the Bishop’s messaging and communications and in response to media enquiries
- Coordinating arrangements for all aspects of meetings and appointments and ensuring that the Bishop is properly prepared
- Scheduling various committee meetings and liaising with committee members regarding actions arising
- Managing high-level relationships with the ability to arrange appointments with people of interest
- Maintaining minutes and records of meetings when required
- Representing the Bishop to key stakeholders, at meetings and committees as required
- Assisting in maintaining files, including confidential records, and liaising with the Chancellor’s Office and Chancery Office in these matters when necessary
- Maintaining a strong collaborative relationship with the other administrative support members of the Bishop’s Office, the Vicars General, the Chancery Staff members and Agency and Parish administrative support.
About You
You will possess the following:
- Ability to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and skill in administration executive support
- Minimum five (5) years experience in a similar role
- Strong ability to manage all aspects of the Bishop’s diary and work schedules and ensure the Bishop is properly prepared for all meetings and appointments
- Skills in the coordination and implementation of projects and events across the Diocese
- Effective written and verbal communication skills with a high attention to detail and a proven capability to develop and maintain, provide and distribute information accurately and appropriately
- Proven capacity to work confidentially and productively with a high level of tact and diplomacy
- Demonstrated ability to model and demonstrate constructive professional relationships and information exchange to contribute to the advancement of the Diocese
- Ability to work across all areas of the Chancery Office and support all teams as required and experience working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Demonstrated knowledge of the structure and operation of the Catholic Church on a local, national and global level and a thorough understanding of the traditions, processes, procedures, conventions and calendar of the Catholic Church
- A demonstrated personal commitment to the ethos and values of the Catholic Church
About Us
The Diocese of Parramatta is home to more than 330,000 Catholics and is one of the fastest-growing dioceses in Australia. The Diocese is made up of 47 parishes, 80 Catholic schools, and more than 43,000 students and includes a number of agencies which assist the Bishop in the pastoral care of the community.
Join our team!
Applications must include:
- A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role and briefly describe your skills, experience and capabilities to undertake this role (maximum 2 pages)
- A current resume
- Contact details of 2 suitable referees
Please send applications to parracatholicjobs@parracatholic.org. Applications close Monday 14 June 2021.
Only Candidates with the right to work in Australia and who are prepared to undergo appropriate background checks should apply for this position.
