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 in a diverse, inclusive setting.
- 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
St Benedict's Centre Warden in West Malling employer: Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance
St Benedict's Centre offers a unique and fulfilling work environment nestled in the serene Kent countryside, where employees can engage deeply with spiritual heritage while making a meaningful impact on contemporary society. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlement, and a commitment to employee wellbeing through an Employee Assistance programme, the Centre fosters a supportive culture that prioritises personal and professional growth. This role not only allows for creative programming of retreats and quiet days but also encourages building strong relationships within a diverse community, making it an excellent employer for those seeking purpose-driven work.
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 in West Malling
✨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 that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! Attend events or workshops related to the role. This not only boosts your visibility but also gives you a chance to showcase your passion for retreat programming.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you have ideas for retreats or partnerships, share them with the team at St Benedict's Centre. It shows initiative and your commitment to their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace St Benedict's Centre Warden in West Malling
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 your values align with the mission of St Benedict's Centre. Share why you're excited about the opportunity to lead and create meaningful experiences.
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 relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively. This will help us understand your vision for the Centre without any confusion.
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 the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
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 the St Benedict’s Centre and its mission. Familiarise yourself with its programmes, values, and the community it serves. 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 of how you've successfully developed similar programmes in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and how you've built relationships with stakeholders in those settings.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Centre's future plans, challenges, and how they envision the role of the Warden evolving. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the Centre's growth.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
As a Centre Warden, you'll be setting the culture and vision. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, focusing on building strong relationships and effective communication.
