The purpose of the role of the Synod Support Officer is to provide broad-based administrative and research support within the Synod Department assisting in the delivery of departmental objectives and supporting committee activity. This is a key appointment working under the direction of the Head of Synod Services and Communications. The Synod Support Officer provides administrative support (both committee papers and financial administration), governance and charities support, analysis and briefing. Some event planning will be required to support in-person meetings, seminars, book launches and consultations. The RCB offers good training opportunities for individuals keen to develop a professional qualification. The work is challenging but engaging and broad ranging. Committees are volunteer-led and focus on various aspects of church life. Experience of databases and electronic filing systems would be beneficial to the role as would an understanding of organisational communications to facilitate working with the Church’s Press Office.

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of Synod Services and Communications (HSSC) the Synod Support Officer will:

1. Work under the direction and management of the HSSC.
2. Assist the HSSC in delivering departmental objectives to support committees and deliver services provided by the department.
3. Research topics and provide briefing papers to various bodies.
4. Additionally, the Synod Support Officer will:
5. Develop an understanding of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland and assist in implementing the requirements of the Constitution in respect of governance and committees.
6. Have responsibility for the logistical and business arrangements of various committees including venue booking, remote meeting management, preparation of agendas, minutes, reports, draft legislation, and the issue of relevant documentation to members and others, and the execution of committee decisions.
7. Prepare material for upload to the Church of Ireland website, as required.
8. Prepare budgetary and other financial information. 
9. Prepare statistical information and analysis.

10. Undertake any other duties assigned by the Head of Synod Services & Communications.

Terms and Conditions of Appointment

Appointment: The post is a full-time (or part-time if agreed) position, confirmed after a 6-month probationary period, by agreement with the successful candidate.

Hours of work: The role is based on an average 35-hour week or other as agreed. Some flexibility around evening and weekend working will be required from time to time to accommodate committee support functions. The organization has a flexible working policy. Flexible working is always subject to the functional needs of the role.

Location: this role will be based in Church of Ireland House, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Some travel within the island of Ireland will be required from time to time. 

Remuneration: salary and benefits will be competitive with market rates reflecting the experience/qualifications of the successful candidate.