Parish Secretary
Part-Time | Approximately 25 Hours/Week
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church | Upper East Side, New York City
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 88th Street and Lexington Avenue, is seeking a dependable, organized, and welcoming part-time Parish Secretary to serve as an administrative and communications hub for our congregation.
This is a varied, relationship-oriented position. A primary responsibility is managing the church's day-to-day relationships with the organizations and individuals that use our facilities. The Parish Secretary also helps coordinate parish communications, supports preparation and distribution of worship materials, and provides general administrative support to the congregation.
We are looking for someone who combines strong organizational and interpersonal skills with good judgment, discretion, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while knowing when to coordinate with others.
Key Responsibilities
Facility Use & Renter Relationships
• Serve as the primary administrative contact for current and prospective facility users.
• Coordinate requested dates and space availability.
• Prepare and manage facility-use agreements, contracts, and invoices; track payments and follow up as needed.
• Build positive, professional relationships with facility users.
• Coordinate facility needs with the Sexton, Trustees, and other church representatives.
• Resolve routine scheduling and renter issues within established guidelines and consult church leadership on significant matters.
• As needs arise, assist in identifying appropriate new or replacement facility users.
Parish Communications & Coordination
• Maintain the church calendar and coordinate scheduling information.
• Respond to telephone, email, and other inquiries and direct requests appropriately.
• Prepare correspondence and assist with communications, meetings, church programs, and special events.
• Help keep church leaders, staff, and volunteers informed and coordinated.
• Maintain accurate administrative records and strict confidentiality.
Worship & Congregational Support
• Assist in preparing the weekly Worship Folder/bulletin and other worship materials.
• Prepare and distribute weekly emails, newsletters, seasonal mailings, and other congregational communications.
• Post appropriate worship and newsletter materials to the church website.
• Assist with printing, assembling, and distributing worship and church materials.
The position also provides general parish administrative support, including maintaining membership and church records, receiving mail and deliveries, assisting with routine financial recordkeeping, and supporting the effective operation of the church office.
Qualifications
We are seeking a candidate with:
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Reliability and the ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and standard office technology.
• Prior administrative, office-management, receptionist, or secretarial experience; three or more years preferred.
• A gracious, professional, and compassionate approach when working with congregation members, visitors, facility users, staff, volunteers, and the public.
Because of the confidential and trusted nature of the position, finalists will be asked to provide professional references who can speak to their reliability, judgment, discretion, interpersonal skills, and ability to work independently.
Schedule
Approximately 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday, currently anticipated as approximately 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with some additional or adjusted hours surrounding major church festivals and events.
Immanuel is a member of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), whose four core values are Christ Centered, Mission Driven, Traditionally Grounded, and Congregationally Focused.
Other churches hiring for Administrative Assistant and similar positions.