Director for Congregational Vitality and Innovation

Job Title:                     Director for Congregational Vitality and Innovation

Reports to:                  Vice President for Mission, Advocacy and Programs

Hours:                         Full-time Position

Starting Date:             January 20, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director for Congregational Vitality and Innovation has primary responsibility for developing resources and learning experiences for pastors and congregations to assist in congregational self-reflection, lay leader development, community partnership, and outreach. Additionally, the Director of Congregational Vitality and Innovation serves as Merger Staff, providing leadership and coordination in support of programs and events for Black Church Ministries.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In consultation with the VP of Mission, Advocacy and Programs, design and implement scalable and sustainable programming that promotes congregational vitality and innovation.
• Produce, curate, and distribute resources (webinars, downloadable resources, podcasts, videos, etc.) in support of Disciples clergy and congregations to strengthen local congregational ministry across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
• Work with the DHM Leadership to encourage, expand, and support networking, and peer-to-peer learning amongst congregational pastors, regions, and general ministries across the wider church in sustainable ways.
• Collaborate with other Disciples general ministries, regions, and higher education institutions to enhance engagement and support of, and services to, congregations.
• As Merger Staff, participate in National Convocation board meetings, providing agreed-upon reports, and additional support to, and engagement with, African American congregations and clergy.
• Coordinate programs and events related to Black Church Ministries, as determined by DHM leadership.
• Support organizational efforts to secure resources for supporting the work of congregational vitality and innovation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• A passion for working with congregations, pastors, and community organizations.
• Strong written and oral presentation skills.
• Detail-oriented, skilled at managing multiple priorities, with attention to deadlines.
• Self-starter and the ability to work unsupervised.
• Strong computer and internet skills; proficiency with MS Office, Teams, and other workplace productivity software.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn and implement new things.
• Flexibility and effective time management while maintaining superior work quality.
• Experience and Skills in producing informative and compelling reports.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Master of Divinity or equivalent degree preferred.
• Ordination and current standing required.
• Ten or more years of congregational leadership as a pastor.
• Significant experience with and knowledge of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
• Significant community engagement experience.
• Notable understanding of securing external funding and resource development opportunities.
• Success in building networks and ministry partnerships.

 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• No direct ongoing supervisory responsibility.
• Occasional responsibility for directing the work of administrative assistants and contract staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is deployed with the ability to work remotely.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The physical demands require occasional lifting of up to 40 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

• This position requires up to 30% travel.

EEOC STATEMENT:

The Division of Homeland Ministries (DHM), dba Disciples Home Missions, is an Equal Employment Opportunity Organization and every effort will be exercised to ensure that employment consideration is given to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, age, or handicap. Every effort will be made to employ the most qualified individuals without regard to the above factors.

To apply for this position please submit a letter of interest and current resume to lhubbard@dhm.disciples.org placing DHM SEARCH—DCVI in the subject line.

DEADLINE: Friday, December 6, 2024.