Executive Assistant

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to play a central role in the mission and ministry of the Diocese, working at the heart of diocesan life in a role that combines exceptional organisational demands with genuine pastoral purpose.

The Diocese of Plymouth serves Catholic communities across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, supporting parishes, schools and charitable organisations throughout the region. With a clear mission and a strong sense of community, this is an organisation where every role contributes directly to something meaningful.

You will provide high-level organisational, administrative and pastoral support to the Bishop, enabling him to fulfil his mission and ministry across the Diocese. Working closely with the Bishop, the Vicar General, the Chief Operating Officer and the wider Diocesan team, you will be the central point of contact for the Bishop's Office, ensuring everything runs smoothly, professionally and with total discretion.

• Acting as the first point of contact for the Bishop's Office, providing a professional and welcoming response to all enquiries
• Managing complex diary commitments and coordinating pastoral visits, Confirmation programmes, meetings and events
• Preparing the Bishop for engagements by gathering papers, minutes and relevant briefings
• Drafting correspondence, preparing reports and maintaining electronic filing via MS Teams
• Taking minutes, following up actions and supporting project timelines
• Managing travel arrangements and routine office correspondence
• Contributing to communications including newsletters, website content and prayer cards
• Supporting safeguarding administration, finance processes and database updates
• Participating in key diocesan events at the Bishop's House, with occasional out-of-hours work (TOIL provided)

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or in a senior administrative role, ideally supporting senior leaders
• Strong IT proficiency across Word, Excel and MS Teams
• Excellent organisational, scheduling and minute-taking skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain total confidentiality and work with sensitivity and integrity
• Strong relationship-building skills across a diverse range of stakeholders
• Empathy with the mission, values and ethos of the Catholic Church
• Willingness to work occasional out-of-hours
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Understanding of the structure and ministry of the Catholic Church
• Experience in communications or social action work
• Knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching

• Location: Bishop's House, 45 Cecil Street, Plymouth, PL1 5HW
• Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Contract: Permanent

• Holidays - 20 days per annum + Bank Holidays plus Maundy Thursday at Easter and time off over the Christmas period typically between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
• Pension
• Death in Service Benefit
• Mileage
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cashback and discount scheme
• Free Car parking at Bishop's House

The ideal candidate will be a warm, proactive and highly organised professional with experience supporting senior leaders and a genuine empathy for the Catholic Church's mission. You'll bring excellent judgement, total discretion, and the ability to anticipate needs and manage a varied workload with calm and confidence.

Please submit your CV to Sophia at Avocet Commercial Careers in the first instance. Following review, shortlisted candidates will be sent a full job description and application form, which must be completed and returned by 9am on Wednesday 13th May 2026.

Applications received after this time will not be considered.

• Shortlisted candidates notified: Friday 15th May
• Interviews: Friday 22nd May

Interview dates are non-negotiable