At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the St Benedict’s Centre, creating engaging spiritual retreats and building strong community relationships.
- Company: A beautiful Anglican Benedictine community in the heart of Kent.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holidays, pension scheme, and employee support.
- Other info: Opportunity for hybrid work and potential to combine roles with Cascade Project Manager.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a serene environment while fostering community connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in retreat programming and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
The St Benedict’s Centre is situated within the grounds of Malling Abbey, the home of an Anglican Benedictine religious community in the heart of the Kent countryside. It is a place of great beauty, a liminal space which draws deeply on its spiritual heritage and tradition to engage with the needs of contemporary society: education, training, counselling, holistic therapy, study days, quiet days, workshops and much more.
We are seeking a Centre Warden to provide overall leadership for the Centre, taking responsibility for setting culture and vision across the organization. The Centre Warden will develop strong and successful relationships with key external partners, deliver an imaginative programme for spiritual retreats and quiet days, and ensure that there are sufficient resources available for the Centre to flourish.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate experience and understanding of retreat and quiet day programming in a setting like St Benedict’s. You will be able to build relational capital with a range of stakeholders, and have excellent organisational and communications skills.
Please see the attached Job Description for a full list of responsibilities, which include:
- Developing a clear vision and strategy for the Centre
- Ensuring that all necessary resources are in place for the Centre to flourish
- Developing and delivering an imaginative programme of retreats and quiet days
- Responsibility for building strong and effective relationships with all stakeholders
Please note that we are advertising this role in parallel with the role of Cascade Project Manager (a wellbeing project for frontline church leaders, lay and ordained). While the two roles are distinct, they are inter-related. We are open to flexing both appointments where one person is interested in holding both part-time roles together.
What we can offer:
- Flexible working, Hybrid working and TOIL
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Contributory pension scheme
- Access to an Employee Assistance programme
This is an employed post, if you are an ordained candidate wishing to remain a member of the clergy pension scheme, please contact us for a discussion about salary and pension.
The St Benedict’s Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes. We are committed to the Diocese of Rochester’s aim to achieve diversity by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide-range of backgrounds, to help create a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Closing date for applications: Friday 12 June
Interviews will be held: Thursday 2 July
Countryside Warden in Kent employer: Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance
St Benedict’s Centre offers a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful and spiritually enriching environment within the Kent countryside. As an employer, we prioritise flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to employee wellbeing through our Employee Assistance programme. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about community engagement and spiritual development.
Contact Details:
Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Countryside Warden in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the St Benedict’s Centre and its mission. Understanding their vision will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members if you can. They can provide insider insights about the culture and expectations, which can be super helpful when you're preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about the role, plus it gives you a chance to assess if the Centre is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and keeps everything streamlined for us.
We think you need these skills to ace Countryside Warden in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about the mission of St Benedict’s Centre and how your values align with ours.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in retreat programming and relationship building. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they can benefit our Centre.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at St Benedict’s Centre.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance
✨Know the Centre's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the vision and mission of St Benedict’s Centre. Familiarise yourself with their approach to spiritual retreats and quiet days, as well as their commitment to community engagement. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As a Countryside Warden, building strong relationships is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders or developed partnerships. Be ready to discuss how you can foster these connections at the Centre.
✨Prepare for Programme Development Questions
Expect questions about your experience in developing retreat programmes. Think about specific programmes you've created or contributed to in the past. Be prepared to share your ideas for imaginative retreats that could resonate with the Centre's audience.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The role requires excellent organisational abilities. Come equipped with examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised, as this will show your potential employer that you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
