Current job title: Administrative
Assistant
Industry: Church/Religious organization
Department: Senior Minister’s office
Years worked in this industry: 2
Years worked in this department: 2
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): There was
no required special training or attributes, however, I feel my past
experience of being an assistant to executive directors and self-study in
the administrative field helped me acquire my current position. In
addition, being able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and
handle often delicate situations that arise within a church setting are
key.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: One manager and four other
staff
Typical work hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Weekends or overtime hours: No weekends
and an occasional overtime during busy seasons (Easter/Christmas) or to
attend meetings to take minutes. I do not get paid overtime but do get
“comp” time.
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.):
$25,000 - $27,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Health
insurance, currently two weeks paid vacation plus seven personal/sick
days.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
A typical day on the job: Check e-mail,
process department mail, answer calls, schedule meetings for senior
pastor, send out minutes of meetings or meeting reminders, make copies,
schedule weddings and baptisms and answer questions related to these
events, support other admins in the office.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Being able to work in a very
caring environment.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: None that come to mind.
Type of workspace/office:
Office
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Keep senior minister’s
calendar, take the minutes of the Session meetings, keep records of
meetings, support the music department.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Organization, confidentiality, strong computer skills.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer, copy machine, phone, fax machine, postage machine, tri-fold
machine.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Access, Excel and the church database.
Critical soft skills:
Organization:
because it is important to keep files and appointments in order.
Confidentiality: because a lot of sensitive information can come through
my office that needs to be kept from other staff or congregation members.
Caring/Understanding/Empathy: because often people who schedule
appointments with the senior pastor are doing so to discuss painful issues
in their lives.
Pace of this position: Average
(occasionally fast depending on the time of year or special events)
Geographical region: Midwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™