Administrative Assistant (Part-time, hybrid)

Position Highlights:

• Part-time, hybrid position
• Location: Evanston, ILÂ
• Compensation: $23-$27 per hour
• Reports directly to the Senior Pastor.

Company Overview:

The history of First Church is long, rich, and complex. First Church was founded in 1854 by the same group of Methodists who also founded the town of Evanston, Northwestern University, and Garrett Biblical Institute (now Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary). A hundred years ago, First Church was known as the “Cathedral of Methodism,” a model of effective organization, programming, and worship in the global Methodist denomination. First Church is a welcoming Christian community that offers hospitality, congregational care, and fellowship to all. We embrace individuals and families of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, races, and economic backgrounds. We are a community of faith seeking the transformation of the world through Jesus’ courageous love.

Position Overview:

First Church is seeking a dedicated and organized part-time Administrative Assistant (15-20 hours/week) to support our Senior Pastor. This role is crucial in managing logistical and administrative tasks, allowing the Senior Pastor to concentrate on pastoral care, worship oversight, and other essential responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of pastoral work and worship at our vibrant, welcoming congregation located in the heart of downtown Evanston. You will work closely with the Executive Pastor and Office/Communications Specialist.

What You Will Be Responsible For:

• Prepare and manage full logistics of worship services, including bulletins/ worship scripts.
• Maintain worship supplies (altar flowers, candles, etc.) and implement them to support worship.
• Recruit, train, and schedule volunteers for worship services (e.g., acolytes, readers, cross bearers).
• Maintain daily management of prayer requests: monitor the dedicated prayer email address and prayer cards, then forward to appropriate staff and volunteers. Conduct a weekly update of the First Things First prayer list.
• Proof, format, and send the Senior Pastor’s written communications, such as Grace Notes and Sympathy Notices.
• Prepare written materials as needed and triage emails sent by congregants to the general pastoral email.
• Manage the Senior Pastor’s calendar for baptisms and funerals (including meetings with families to plan such events) and for other pastoral care work.
• Maintain excellent relationships with the entire church staff and congregation, and work with the Executive Pastor and Office/Communications Specialist as appropriate to fulfill duties.
• Represent the Senior Pastor as needed at assigned meetings.
• Able to employ technology associated with this role (Microsoft Office suite, Zoom, Constant Contact, Realm, Sign-up Genius, Canva, Doodle, and Website editing).
• Other duties as assigned to help support the Senior Pastor.

What You Bring to the Role:
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and composed under pressure.
• Superior interpersonal skills. Collaborative and able to build relationships with others.
• Superior ability to keep matters confidential.
• Competence with the technology mentioned above.Â
• Baccalaureate degree in a related field (English, Psychology, Sacred Music, or similar) is preferred. Highly qualified and experienced in office administration will substitute.
• Flexibility in scheduling is required for peak times.Â

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Structure:

The hourly rate will be $23-27/hr based on experience.

• In-Person :
  • Sundays: 8:00 a.m. to Noon to facilitate worship (essential to be available for this).
  • Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to attend staff meetings and work with the Senior Pastor.
  • Special Days: Presence optimal for significant worship events (e.g., Christmas Eve, Easter), but can recruit/coordinate others to support logistics in your place if necessary.
• Flexible Hours : The remaining 5-10 hours can be negotiated as remote or in-office, depending on the Assistant’s and Senior Pastor’s needs.

​​​​ How to Apply:

Please submit your resume through the NextGroup website . The NextGroup search team will contact you regarding the next steps.