About Us
St Mary’s is a busy parish church in the heart of our community and part of the Barnes Team Ministry in the Diocese of Southwark. Our life together is centred around our Sunday and weekday worship. We are an Anglican Church which has witnessed to and served this community for over 800 years.
Rooted in the love of God revealed to us in Jesus Christ, we value the traditions of thoughtful, exploring faith and building an inclusive community. We play an important role in our local community and enjoy hosting a wide variety of events, from concerts to fashion shows.
As a church community we are at an exciting period of development, seeing new growth and having set a new church vision. We envisage that this role will be key in implementing the new strategy, working closely with the Church Manager, Kitson Hall Chair, Rector, and others.
About You
With a background in administration and teamwork, the ideal candidate will be sympathetic to the Christian faith and the Church of England, and enthusiastic about our parish’s mission, vision, and values.
You will be flexible and highly motivated in helping us deliver the new church strategy and modernise the working of the church office. You will be focused, able to work to deadlines, maintain good relationships, and communicate effectively.
You will need patience and sensitivity when dealing with visitors, alongside strong attention to detail, time management, and strategic thinking.
Key Relationships
- The Rector and Church Wardens
- The Church Manager (line manager)
- Clients of the Hall
- The Kitson Hall Chairperson (PCC)
- Kitson Hall Publicity Officer
- Fabric Committee Chair
- The PCC Treasurer
- The Church Cleaner and Kitson Hall cleaners
- The caretaker(s)
- The Director of Music
- The Chair of the Friends of St Mary’s
- Our immediate neighbours
Detailed Job Description
This is a new role, and some duties may be phased in over the first year. These will be reviewed through appraisal after one year. The postholder will help establish new systems and working practices, including filing and administration.
Specific functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
General Premises Oversight
- Oversee the operation, presentation, and maintenance of the church and Kitson Hall
- Manage cleaners, contractors, and maintenance providers
- Conduct regular inspections and resolve maintenance, repair, cleanliness, and safety issues
- Coordinate planned maintenance, servicing, utilities, and fabric-related works
- Maintain office systems, supplies, noticeboards, signage, and the online church diary
- Promote effective use of the church and hall, encouraging bookings
- Support improvement projects and additional duties as directed
Compliance and Finance
- Maintain safeguarding, DBS, health and safety, fire safety, insurance, and inspection records
- Coordinate compliance inspections and risk assessments
- Ensure hirers comply with safeguarding and safety requirements
- Administer key management and access records
- Prepare invoices and support financial processes with the Treasurer and Bookkeeper
- Monitor income and expenditure and maintain accurate records
- Ensure value for money in contracts and services
- Prepare reports for committees as required
Event Management and Client Liaison
- Manage enquiries, bookings, contracts, and scheduling
- Liaise with hirers and maintain accurate records
- Develop and implement standard hire agreements
- Conduct viewings and confirm event requirements
- Coordinate communication between all stakeholders
- Oversee post-event inspections and manage deposits
- Maintain relationships with neighbours and community partners
- Manage shared spaces and resolve operational issues
- Act as first point of contact for enquiries and feedback
- Support delivery of the Church’s Mission Action Plan
- Undertake occasional evening or weekend work (TOIL provided)
Administrative Assistance
- Monitor emails, calls, and in-person enquiries
- Be present during agreed office hours
- Provide cover for the Church Manager during absence
Requirements and Skills
- Knowledge of Barnes and surrounding areas
- Professional approach with strong written and verbal communication
- Self-motivated, organised, and able to work under pressure
- Strong administrative and time management skills
- Ability to prioritise and adapt
- Friendly and collaborative
- Comfortable with basic bookkeeping
- Computer literate (Microsoft Office)
- Understanding of the Church of England
Terms and Conditions
- 25 hours per week, mainly during office hours across 5 days
- Salary approximately £24,000 per annum (pro rata)
- Up to 5 hours overtime per week for first 6 weeks (induction)
- 140 hours paid annual leave plus UK public holidays
- Mainly site-based working
- Subject to references, right-to-work checks, and DBS check where applicable
- One-month probationary period
Equalities Statement
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexuality, race, or socioeconomic background. We value the unique contributions that different experiences and perspectives bring to our team.
Application
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter to [email protected] by 5pm on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday, 4 August. If this date does not work for you, please apply early and state this clearly in your email.
Please provide details for two professional referees and indicate whether we may contact them prior to interview.