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 career growth and to work alongside diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a serene environment while fostering community and spirituality.
- Qualifications: Experience in retreat programming and excellent communication skills.
To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.
Part Time – 21 hours (3 days) per week
Salary £24,000 (£40,000 FTE)
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
St Benedict's Centre Warden employer: Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance
St Benedict’s Centre offers a unique and enriching work environment nestled in the picturesque Kent countryside, where employees can engage deeply with spiritual heritage while making a meaningful impact on contemporary society. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to employee wellbeing through an Employee Assistance programme, the Centre fosters a supportive culture that prioritises personal and professional growth. Join us in creating a welcoming space for spiritual retreats and community engagement, where your contributions will be valued and celebrated.
Contact Detail:
Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land St Benedict's Centre Warden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to St Benedict’s Centre. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Centre's mission and values. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, and don’t be shy about sharing your ideas for retreats and quiet days!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your experience and skills clearly, making you more confident when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace St Benedict's Centre Warden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Specs Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure you’ve read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so highlight those relevant skills and experiences in your application.
Show Your Passion for the Role:Let us know why you’re excited about the Centre Warden position! Share your thoughts on spiritual retreats and how you envision contributing to our mission. A bit of enthusiasm goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. We love it when candidates take the time to tailor their CV and cover letter to fit the role. Use keywords from the job description and relate your past experiences to the responsibilities listed.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance
✨Know the Centre Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what St Benedict’s Centre is all about. Familiarise yourself with its mission, values, and the types of programmes they offer. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience with retreat and quiet day programming. Prepare specific examples that highlight your organisational skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders. This will demonstrate that you have the practical knowledge needed for the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the Centre's vision and future plans. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the Centre’s growth and success.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
As a Centre Warden, leadership is key. Be prepared to discuss your approach to setting culture and vision within an organisation. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, and how you plan to inspire others at St Benedict’s.
