Current job title: Administrative
Assistant
Industry: Church
Department: Clerical support/volunteer
management/group administrator/communications.
Years worked in this industry: Over ten
years in non-profit service; over 20 in admin services
Years worked in this department: More
than 3
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): No special
training was required, but I have taken many training and college classes
to improve my skills and increase my knowledge base. Most of my training,
however, has been on-the-job. Attributes: flexibility, desire to serve
others, ability & desire to learn.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: I specifically support two,
but it’s a real team effort in our organization. I occasionally do work
for others pastors as well; I also assist other support staff members as
necessary.
Typical work hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday. (This is by design and personal boundaries. In a
job like mine, where I also go to church and socialize with these people,
I make a point not to “work” outside those hours. – I don’t want to
experience burn out (again.)
Weekends or overtime hours: There are
occasions when I have to work overtime; I earn comp time for this time
spent. This is rare, though.
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.): Starts at
approx. $10 per hour with a raise after 90-day evaluation. My
organization is also a non-profit, so money isn’t the same as in the
for-profit world.
Benefits (direct or indirect): I have
great benefits. A fairly flexible schedule when/if I need time off.
Health, vision and dental insurance with a low deductible for which I pay
a part. Plus I really like the work I do and the people I work with. They
are generous with paid time off; for instance, we are getting July 3 AND
July 4 off with pay this year. Another thing, the personal satisfaction of
feeling that I’m serving the God I worship is important and I believe, a
benefit.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
"Seeker-sensitive” “Relevant” “Authentic” and of course “salvation”
“heaven” “Jesus” – these are words pretty specific to our industry.
For admin assistants in my industry, I’d have to say “boundaries” is a
significant word – as in how to set and keep them with coworkers and
congregants.
A typical day on the job: Each morning
I check interoffice and webmail and organize & prioritize my MUST DOs for
the day. Each day has preparatory tasks for weekly recurring events, for
example, each week I prepare a bulletin for our youth service which
includes graphic design and information. I prepare the attendance sheet,
so we can track visitors and regular students for follow-up. I prepare an
agenda and an announcements sheet for leadership. There’s more, but I’m
sure you get the picture.
I meet weekly with each pastor to discuss upcoming events, get
assignments, etc. In a typical day, there are always several interruptions
and unexpected “things” that come up. In a ‘people-oriented’ position like
this, flexibility, organization and preparation (as much as possible) are
vital.
Some other tasks I do are correspondence – letters, reminder postcards,
information dissemination; calendaring for two pastors – meetings, etc.;
computer troubleshooting; database management; event management and
organization; compiling statistics and preparing reports; weekly staff
meetings; filing; library-type activities – check-in/check-out of
resources; the list goes on.
I assist with funerals/memorial services in a variety of ways. This is
only a summary.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
1. For me, I feel good about what I do because I’m good at it. It suits my
personality and personal work style.
2. The money and benefits are compensatory for the industry, and although
I could earn more in a for-profit position, personal satisfaction is more
important to me.
3. I have understanding, supportive employers and supervisors who are also
my friends.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: There is difficulty in working
where you worship and socialize because, without clear boundaries, the
lines blur and burnout occurs. I know this from personal experience. I
worked here for several years [during a previous period], left in complete burnout
and have just returned to this position [this year]. I’m healthier and
I’m enjoying being here again. I’m also in a unique position to help other
staff members deal with what I’ve dealt with.
Type of workspace/office:
office
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Calendaring, communication,
database administration, event planning/organization/implementation,
positive staff/congregation interaction.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement: On the
job description I would list flexibility, dependability, organizational
skills and friendliness. In an interview, I would look for assertiveness,
compassion and excellent communication skills.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
I use computers, phones, fax, printers, copiers, etc.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Word processing-writing, graphic design/publications, database management,
finance/bookkeeping/monetary tracking.
Critical soft skills:
1. Good communication (written, oral and unspoken) is a must. Without
these, I’d be unable to function in this position. I deal with so many
people every day with so many different communication styles and needs.
2. Compassion, understanding and being able to ‘read’ people is also
important because that’s just what the job is about – with both staff and
congregants.
3. Flexibility and the ability to “forgive” myself when I make mistakes is
important because it models what I believe personally AND it allows me
(and others) to learn from the mistakes and grow personally and
professionally.
Pace of this position: It depends on
the day of the week and what is on the calendar. I can’t really rate the
pace, but I do feel like I can complete what’s necessary.
Geographical region: Pacific Northwest
USA
