Executive Officer to the Secretary of the Conference

This is a Permanent vacancy that will close on 6 September 2026.

Could you help shape the governance and leadership of the Methodist Church? Do you have the judgement, organisational skills and initiative to support one of the Methodist Church's most senior office holders?

We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and proactive Executive Officer to support the Secretary of the Conference. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the Methodist Church's governance, leadership and decision-making structures.

Working closely with the Secretary of the Conference and colleagues across the Conference Office, you will provide executive, governance and project support, helping to ensure the effective delivery of key priorities and the smooth operation of major governance processes. The role combines executive support, committee and governance administration, research and briefing, stakeholder engagement and project coordination. It offers the opportunity to work with senior leaders, office holders and colleagues from around the Methodist Connexion and beyond.

The post holder will provide advice and support to the Secretary of the Conference across the entire range of their responsibilities. They will prepare briefing papers, reports, presentations, worship material and other documentation supporting the Secretary. In this crucial role, the Executive Officer will read committee and meeting papers and flag items requiring the Secretary's attention/awareness, ensuring appropriate briefings are received and that the Secretary is alerted to key issues.

The post holder will also lead on the preparation for regular meetings on behalf of the Secretary of the Conference including the Connexional Leaders' Forum and the Nominations Committee. The successful applicant will also liaise with the wider Methodist family of charities and organisations to enable regular engagement and updates for the Secretary. The successful applicant will also undertake and develop special projects, or plan or commission research on behalf of the Secretary of the Conference.

We are seeking an individual committed to making a positive contribution to the work of the Conference Office by providing executive support to the Secretary. To be successful in this role you will be confident navigating complex organisations, managing competing priorities and exercising sound judgement when handling sensitive matters. You will bring strong executive support, governance or project coordination experience, alongside excellent communication skills and a proactive, collaborative approach.

You will be equally comfortable preparing high-quality briefings and reports, coordinating key meetings and governance processes, and building effective working relationships with colleagues, volunteers and partners. The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability effectively to support a senior manager or senior office holder and be experienced in researching information and producing briefings and reports. You can prioritise, work unsupervised and demonstrate initiative. You can assimilate new information quickly and keep abreast of rapidly changing situations and work themes.

You will have outstanding organisational and communication skills, with a meticulous eye for detail, and strong proficiency in written and spoken English. You have strong interpersonal skills and can work with colleagues as an effective member of a team and work alongside and guide volunteers. Ability and willingness to travel for work purposes including some evenings, weekends and overnight stays is essential for this role.

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing, a work-life balance augmented by:

• Generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year)
• Flexi-leave and or TOIL (where applicable)
• Access to an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service.
• A generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups.

For questions or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email hr@methodistchurch.org.uk.

Closing date: Sunday 6 September 2026

Interview Date: Monday 14 September 2026 in London

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if sufficient applications are received.

For further information about The Methodist Church please visit our website here.

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. The Church exists to:

• Increase the awareness of God's presence and celebrate God's love (Worship).
• Help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care (Learning and Caring).
• Be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice (Service).
• Make more followers of Jesus Christ (Evangelism).

Our Benefits include:

• Pension scheme
• Living Wage
• Season ticket loan
• Removal leave
• Annual quiet day
• Eye test vouchers
• Enhanced sick pay
• Flexible working
• 25 days' annual leave
• Maternity/paternity pay
• Christmas office closure
• Training and Development
• Health and Wellbeing