Office Assistant

Our Savior Lutheran Church (OSLC) is a congregation of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod (MCS) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Fed by the Spirit, we share God’s love revealed in Christ with the world. OSLC affirms God’s unconditional love for all people, no matter their sexuality or gender identity, racial or ethnic background, age, ability, marital status, socioeconomic or employment status, political affiliation, or religious or spiritual background.

As a progressive-minded worshipping community rooted in the Lutheran liturgical tradition, OSLC prides itself on being “the downtown Aurora cathedral-style church”. We are known for our emphasis on faith formation and outreach, with opportunities for adult and intergenerational Christian education and opportunities for service in our community.

Overview:

The Church Office Assistant supports the ministry of OSLC through the ministry of administration and communication. This position is a part-time salaried position, estimated at 16 hours per week. Weekly hours may vary based on the seasons and rhythms of the church year. The Executive Office Assistant works closely with the Pastor as a part of the OSLC staff.

The Church Office Assistant is directly accountable to the Pastor, with secondary accountability to the Congregation Council Executive Team. Work from others should normally be routed through and/or approved by the Pastor. As a member of the staff, the Executive Office Assistant will meet regularly with the Pastor, and the Council will support the work of the Executive Office Assistant through prayer, conversation, and action.

Responsibilities:

The Church Office Assistant shall fulfill the following duties and responsibilities:

· The Church Office Assistant shall be responsible for the design, production, and distribution of all regular congregational publications and communications including:

o Weekly bulletins, and other materials for worship.

o Coordinate volunteers as necessary for completion of specific responsibilities.

o Weekly and special email newsletters to the congregation.

o Monthly Congregation Council and regular ministry team materials as directed.

o Annual congregational report.

o Assist with recording of weekly contributions, financial records for donors, and mailing of quarterly/annual contribution reports to members as directed.

o Assist with the recording, tracking, and acknowledging of memorial contributions and endowment gifts including preparing reports as needed.

o Printed versions of selected email communications and materials to be made available to the congregation as directed by the pastor.

o Other materials as assigned by the Pastor or Congregation President.

· The Church Office Assistant shall collaborate and implement the overall communications strategy of the congregation, including branding, website, social media presence, etc. Specifically, this entails:

o Maintaining the weekly publication on social media, YouTube videos, the weekly email newsletter, and in print to those without access to the internet.

o Providing regular updates on the church website and social media platforms for worship services, meetings, special events, etc.

· The Church Office Assistant shall receive and distribute mail and read, respond to, and distribute email directed to the church office.

· The Church Office Assistant shall answer all incoming phone calls to the church office and respond to or forward voicemails in a timely manner.

· The Church Office Assistant shall assist the Pastor in maintaining congregational records (membership, births, deaths, and other life passages) and update and maintain all mailing and email lists. Proficiency in and use of Church 360, is pertinent.

· The Church Office Assistant shall maintain a comprehensive calendar of church activities and building use and address issues arising from groups or persons using the building. Building Usage Policies approved by the Council and discretion from the Pastor will serve as a guide for this process.

· The Church Office Assistant shall take regular inventory of office, kitchen, and bathroom supplies and re-order as required or necessary in consultation with the Treasurer.

· The Church Office Assistant shall oversee the maintenance of all office equipment and report issues and initiate service requests as required.

· The Church Office Assistant shall coordinate with the Properties Team the church cleaning service and may require tending to between regular cleanings.

· The Church Office Assistant shall coordinate with the Properties Team annual inspections and/or maintenance issues with contractors.

· The Church Office Assistant shall assist the Pastor and the Treasurer with the preparation of the annual budget.

· The Church Office Assistant shall identify opportunities for process and office management improvements, and design and implement new systems, in coordination with the Pastor.

Job Expectations:

In addition, the Church Office Assistant shall:

· Maintain a regular work schedule in the church office as agreed upon with the Pastor.

· Participate with other staff in the overall ministry of the congregation, demonstrating a desire to be collegial and share gifts and responsibilities.

· Not be a member of the congregation but may otherwise participate fully in the life of the congregation, including worship, faith formation, outreach, and other activities as desired.

· Attend Staff Meetings under the direction of the Pastor.

· Develop goals on an annual basis.

· Attend training for continued growth as it relates to responsibilities.

· Provide at least 14 days written notice of intent to terminate employment.

Qualifications:

ü Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

ü 2+ years of work experience in an administrative role

ü Must have exceptional attention to detail, strong organization and time management skills, and ability to prioritize

ü Must be a self-starter and driven

ü Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

ü Strong problem-solving skills and analytical abilities

ü Demonstrated proficiency with or willingness and ability to quickly learn all current technology platforms and use including Microsoft Office and Google Drive products, social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and You Tube, Canva, Hootsuite, Mailchimp, and church database system, Church 360.

ü Show a commitment to ELCA Lutheran teachings, and to anti-oppression practices, especially around race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, and ability.

ü Familiarity with Lutheran liturgical practices and the patterns of the Christian church year are a plus

ü Flexibility and creativity as well as strong interpersonal skills and ability to hold appropriate information confidential.

Compensation:

• The Church Office Assistant role is 52 weeks annually with one week paid time off after one year. Time off is to be agreed upon between the Church Office Assistant and the Pastor, with a minimum of 2 weeks’ advance notice given.
• This time off may not be taken during Holy Week/Easter/Christmas.

Immediate Supervisor: Pastor and Congregation President

Anti-Discrimination:

Our Savior Lutheran Church is committed to the support of human rights and the struggle against injustice. We do not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, income source, or veteran status in our mission and ministry.