The Sheldon Community is a small group of Christian lay men and women living and working at Sheldon, the home of the Society of Mary and Martha. The ethos of our “rule” focuses on servant-hood, stewardship and stability. We have a daily pattern of prayer and work. Our spirituality is liberal and inclusive, quiet but not silent.
House Co-ordinator is a new, full time, live-in post which reflects the growth and development of the ministry at Sheldon. We are looking for a potential Community member who will work with the Administrator and Housekeeper to maintain and develop the delivery of a quality service to all our guests. These include individual retreatants and self-catering school groups, open air theatre audiences, families, and guests on our own programme of events.
The Hen Runs guest accommodation has just opened and in September the new Long Barn (for 17 people) will be ready for use. This will enable us to expand and develop the range of bookings and use of the facilities. We are looking for a new team member to join us in taking Sheldon forward with these wonderful additional resources. |
The primary area of responsibility will lie in the details that need attention between the taking of a deposit and the guest arriving on the doorstep. It is likely to include lots of list-making, preparatory paperwork, organising cleaning and room preparation, ordering supplies, trouble-shooting and making sure guests and team members all have the information they need. The House Co-ordinator will play a key role in ensuring that all the practical details of bookings run smoothly.
We anticipate an induction period of 3 – 4 months with hands on experience across all practical areas of the work teams. This followed by a period of trial responsibility roughly within the existing framework. After successful completion of these there would be a substantive review of roles and responsibilities across Housekeeping and Administration teams to create the permanent shape of the new House Co-ordinator role. |
Essential skills you must have:
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Explorer |
Your gifts and abilities will include:
A track record of being a good organiser in your field
Flair, energy and enthusiasm
An eye for detail, accuracy and method
A “can-do" attitude
The ability to collaborate closely with colleagues in the team, to take responsibility, and to delegate effectively
Willingness to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty
A welcoming personality able to join us in extending hospitality to guests and visitors while maintaining appropriate boundaries |
Ideally you will already be good at or willing and able to learn:
Competence in cooking (but commercial catering experience not necessary)
Domestic odd jobs (plugs, light bulbs, mending, minor technical adjustments, and decorating)
Gardening |
The successful candidate may also have opportunity to develop their role into other areas such as:
Leading liturgy
Front line reception and telephone
Animal husbandry |
The post is being offered as a Community post. Please read about Community membership in conjunction with the above.
Basic conditions are the same as existing members of the Community.
You won’t have much disposable income, but your day to day standard of living will be comfortable.
£425/month net personal allowance.
Class 1 national insurance contributions
All food provided through a combination of shared meals and communal purchasing for self-catering
Self-contained accommodation on site including utilities.
One day off per week.
Working hours and routines varying according to house programme.
Statutory paid holiday (currently 5.6 weeks) – taken at set times. |
| Applications should include a full CV and an introductory letter about yourself covering the areas outlined above (especially evidence of the required skills and aptitudes) and on the joining community page. Please provide the names of two referees. They may be posted to The Warden at Sheldon, Dunsford, Exeter EX6 7LE or emailed to warden@sheldon.uk.com. |
| Note that this post is subject to enhanced disclosure from CRB |
