Current job title: Administrative
Assistant
Industry: Non-profit/Religious
Department: Religious
Years worked in this industry: 7
Years worked in this department: 3
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): no
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 8
Typical work hours: 8:30 - 5:00
Weekends or overtime hours: Yes, more
from September through May. 3-7 hrs. per week unpaid. (Often times out early
Fri. in summer months.)
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.):
$27,000 - $30,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Paid
vacations and holidays. Medical is through my husbands employer.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Constituents Regularly attending, financial contributors who have not
become members of the church.
Apportionments The amount of money the church pays to the local
denomination district/council to support administration and
district/conference ministries.
PostModern Current term used to describe the generation moving into
adulthood, most often referred to in terms of new styles of worship and
expressions of spirituality.
A typical day on the job: Busy! I am
the only office staff, and typically get several phone calls, drop-ins,
etc. each day to go along with my daily/weekly duties with deadlines.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: There is a “bank” of
volunteers available to help out with large projects and tasks like the
monthly newsletter. I like having an opportunity to provide people with
things to do where they feel like they make a difference and/or have a
purpose.
Family will always, always, always come first over job. (Having worked for
an employer with less leniency, I have really appreciated this!) The
mindset is “the work will get done” and everyone works together to find a
way to make it happen.
I have the opportunity to be a comforter & encourager and respond to
people in need every day. Co-workers are typically up-beat and positive
and faithfully supportive. Also, since the organization consists of many
members, it’s like being part of one big, caring family!
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: As the “front door” person, I
have one chance to make a good first impression. That sometimes means that
I put on hold things that are deadline sensitive to respond to a person
that comes in for assistance or church business.
I have had to learn how to work with numerous interruptions. This has been
the biggest challenge.
Limited budgets - although this does enhance the opportunities for us to
be creative!
Type of workspace/office:
I am in the main office, with staff mailboxes, a second computer station
for volunteers. There’s always an open door.
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Receptionist & “gatekeeper”
Assistant to the Pastor
Weekly bulletin/monthly newsletter
Coordinating facility usage (rentals, weddings, church activities, etc.)
Membership database Manager & Computer Network Administrator
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement: The
ability to work with numerous interruptions & effectively prioritize.
Working knowledge & experience with MS Windows, Office Suite, Publisher,
Visio and database programs.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Network server/computer/printer, Duplo Machine, Folding Machine,
laminating, multi-line phone.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Computer (multiple software applications), Presentation Prep (audio/visual
equipment)
Critical soft skills:
Good listening:
Everyone who comes into the building during business hours comes through
me. I have to listen closely to make sure I understand their need,
determine who can meet that need, and connect them to the resources they
need. Also, many times people who come in are emotionally hurting and/or
in a crisis. Listening is one way to let them know we care.
Good communication (print & verbal): I am responsible for all church
publications (bulletin, newsletter, mailings, etc.). I also have to be
able to verbally communicate to our staff members, church members and
people coming to us for assistance.
The ability to “think on my feet”. Sometimes we have to get creative and
respond quickly in a situation. Having ready “resource files” is a must.
Pace of this position: Fast
Geographical region: Midwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™