Parish Secretary - St. Gertrude en Archdiocese of Chicago

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

The Parish Secretary assists in all functions of the parish office. Serves as first point of contact for those calling and entering the parish office. Provides secretarial and general office support for parish staff. Publicly supports and promotes the mission of the parish. Acts in accordance with Archdiocesan policies, procedures and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Greet callers and guests, take messages and route calls and parish emails as appropriate.
• Respond to callers and guests by providing general information and assistance with regards to parish activities and procedures.
• Provide a high level of hospitality to visitors and meeting attendees.
• Perform office functions including, but not limited to, copying, scanning, faxing, filing mail sorting and scheduling of meetings.
• Record parishioner donations in PDS, ParishSOFT or similar software.
• Record sacramental records and provide copies when requested following Archdiocesan guidelines.
• Record mass intentions to be celebrated.
• Receive and record payments for mass intentions, weddings and funerals and votives per Archdiocesan and parish policies.
• Prepare correspondence and reporting using Microsoft Office and Google Docs programs. May draft correspondence for pastor’s signature.
• Prepare special mailings and other projects.
• Prepares and manages parish calendar for all parish activities.
• Maintain inventory of office supplies ensuring an adequate supply of forms, paper, sacramental certificates, etc.

Assist with communications:

• Weekly bulletin
• Social Media
• Website maintenance and content
• Assist in planning and executing parish events and meetings as appropriate. May include assigning and overseeing volunteers for said events.
• Practice discretion and respect privacy when dealing with personal, sensitive, financial, internal and private matters.
• Other assignments and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High School graduate, GED or equivalent
• Associates degree preferred
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in parish or business office setting, or equivalent combination of relevant education and related work experience.
• Strong demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and website software.
• Excellent organizational and time management competencies.
• Strong verbal and written communications, organizational, multi-tasking and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in team environment and has a “Service Mindset” when working with others.
• Able to identify issues and propose recommendations/solutions.
• Can be entrusted with highly confidential information.
• Strong drive to achieve results.
• Bilingual – English and Spanish, speaking, reading and writing. (Preferred)
• Demonstrate understanding, respect and support of the Catholic Church teaching, mission and values.

We offer a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.

This position has an hourly salary of $20.00 per hour. An employee’s pay within the hourly/salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.