OVERVIEW The General Minister and President (“GMP”) is the leader of the United Church of Christ. The GMP is the spiritual leader and pastor of the Church, charged with the care and nurture of the spiritual life of the Church. The GMP is responsible for the unity and well-being of the Church, its covenantal life, and ecumenical and interfaith relationships. The GMP is the public voice and principal spokesperson for the denomination. The GMP is the Chief Executive Officer of the General Synod and the denomination, and is responsible for the work of the Church. In each of these roles, the GMP serves with excellence to prepare the Church for the future, leading the visioning, planning, coordination and implementation of the mission of the United Church of Christ. AUTHORITY The GMP is the Chief Executive Officer and the chief spokesperson of the United Church of Christ. The GMP leads and directs the work of the Executive Ministers. The GMP is the executive ultimately responsible for all hiring and termination decisions in the national setting of the United Church of Christ. The GMP may from time to time delegate administrative responsibilities as the needs of the Church and good judgment dictate. KEY RELATIONSHIPS AND ACCOUNTABILITY The GMP is responsible for the direction and mission of the United Church of Christ. The GMP is accountable to the United Church of Christ through the General Synod and the United Church of Christ Board.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provides adaptive leadership to enable the Church to meet its mission in the midst of changing realities. Leads the ongoing envisioning of God’s mission and the planning for its effective implementation within the United Church of Christ. Provides pastoral and prophetic leadership that embodies the values and vision of the United Church of Christ. Bears responsibility for honoring the various histories and traditions of the United Church of Christ, and their place in the ongoing life of this Church. Works individually and with others to secure the financial and other resources in support of the mission of the United Church of Christ. Ensures the financial stability of the United Church of Christ. Is responsible for oversight of all financial operations in the national setting of the United Church of Christ and appoints a Chief Financial Officer to assist in discharging this responsibility. Develops and nurtures covenantal relationships among all settings of the United Church of Christ. Leads and actively participates in the involvement, development and theological education of children, youth and young adults in all settings of the Church. Is the Chief Executive Officer and principal minister of each of the Covenanted Ministries. Is the corporate President of each Covenanted Ministry. Leads the work of the Covenanted Ministries. Maintains overall responsibility for the programmatic work of each Covenanted Ministry.
Is responsible, directly or through her or his designee(s), for leadership to and supervision of, the following personnel: Chief Administrative Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Executive Ministers of the Covenanted Ministries
Director, Human Resources
Executive Assistant Is responsible for the development of goals and objectives, the assignment of duties and responsibilities, the conduct of all performance reviews and the determination of all compensation and benefits for the above-named employees. Is responsible for the approval of all budgets and expenditures, and the hiring, compensation, or termination of all direct reports or other employees serving the ministries or functions led by the above-named employees. Provides leadership to the General Counsel through the General Counsel Oversight Committee. Is responsible for all mission programming and implementation of actions related to Covenanted Ministries authorized by the General Synod. Is responsible for notifying other implementing bodies of actions authorized by the General Synod and the need for appropriate reporting of steps taken in response. Works collaboratively with the Conference Ministers to assess needs, identify trends, and provide for transparent communications and responses within the wider United Church of Christ. Ensures that the National Office works with the six UCC seminaries to meet the needs of theological education for all members of the United Church of Christ. Leads the Church in practicing unified governance. Is the corporate President of the United Church of Christ Board. Is the President of the Board of Directors of the Common Services Corporation. Is a Trustee of 700 Prospect Corporation.
Serves in rotation as a Director of Hotel Venture LLC.
Is a member of the Board of Directors of the Affiliated and Associated Ministries of the United Church of Christ. Is accountable for all decisions and performance in satisfaction of the requirements of the position. Will submit to an annual performance evaluation as prescribed by the procedures set forth in the UCCB Bylaws and the Human Resources Department. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES NOT SPECIFIED This description is not intended as a complete list of all essential functions and responsibilities required for adequate performance. It is subject to review and change at any time as determined by the needs of the Church. No job description can detail all essential functions and responsibilities that may be required from time to time for adequate performance. Thus, essential functions and responsibilities that may be inherent to this position shall be considered as elements of the position holder’s performance obligation. CHARACTERISTICS Commitments and Perspectives Is grounded in faith in the triune God and recognizes Jesus Christ as head of the Church. Has mastery of the history, polity, practices, and scriptural/theological traditions of the United Church of Christ. Demonstrates a knowledge of and openness to the multiple faith traditions and experiences within all settings of the United Church of Christ. Demonstrates a knowledge of and commitment to the United Church of Christ’s distinct presence as a multicultural/multiracial, peace with justice oriented, open and affirming, accessible to all, united and uniting Church. Recognizes the Local Church as the basic unit of life and organization of the United Church of Christ. Demonstrates competence in ecumenical and global faith matters.
Demonstrates excellence in theological integrity, critical thinking and depth of analysis. Skills and Abilities Administrative Demonstrated ability to oversee and manage a diverse workplace and complex subject matter. Demonstrated ability to lead in conceiving, articulating and executing a strategic plan. Demonstrated ability to make timely and effective decisions, to render thoughtful judgments, to take deliberate action and to acknowledge responsibility. Demonstrated competence in handling of complex financial matters, including understanding of financial reporting, investment performance reporting and audit compliance. Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the principles of effective human resource management, including affirmative action and equal employment opportunity. Ability to engage in extensive travel. Leadership Demonstrated ability to lead individuals and groups in carrying out God’s mission. Demonstrated ability to lead individuals and groups in articulating and actualizing the vision of the United Church of Christ. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership to and supervision of individuals and diverse groups toward goal achievement. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of fund raising; demonstrated ability to build a donor base and acquire major gifts. Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and media skills. Demonstrated ability to express one’s self effectively in individual and group settings. Demonstrated ability to communicate timely and responsively.
Demonstrated ability to encourage and support unique and creative ideas, innovation and positive change. Demonstrated ability to provide negotiation and dispute resolution where needed. Well-versed in, abides by, and demands compliance with all laws, protocols, procedures and guidelines governing a safe and respectful work environment in which personal boundaries are honored. Personal Qualities Is Pastoral: Maintains faith perspectives in all settings. Provides consolation, deliberation and prayer. Is a Person of Faith: Practices a disciplined rhythm of worship, prayer and spiritual growth. Demonstrates Integrity: Models moral and ethical behavior at all times. Embodies Intrinsic Strength: Demonstrates self-assuredness without arrogance and takes time for continuing self-reflection and personal growth. Understands and accepts the need for vision, decisiveness and accountability in the direction and management of others. Demonstrates Humility: Demonstrates humility; respects and is sensitive to others who are different in experience or opinion. Is Open-Minded: Controls premature decisions and judgment; is receptive to input from others for new information and different ideas or viewpoints. Values Diversity: Values and advocates for the many forms and experiences of diversity that are present in the life of the United Church Christ. Maintains a Healthy Balance: Is intentional in maintaining a healthy life style and in balancing personal and work dimensions of life. Applicants will be asked to respond to four questions during the online process.
1. We would like you to identify your unique attributes (qualities, competencies, gifts, experiences) that will ensure your success as the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.
2. In order to meet the challenges and urgencies of our current realities, we would invite you to reflect on what should be the role of the General Minister and President in terms of authority (ecclesial, administrative, corporate) and how is the General Minister and President accountable to the mission of the church?
3. What is your view of the future mission and ministry of the United Church of Christ? Please reflect theologically on the need for systemic changes that will meet the mission of the UCC for the future.
4. Why do you believe you have been called to serve as the next General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ?
Applications are being accepted now through Dec. 1, 2014. This employment opportunity is being extended to multicultural, multiracial communities, LGBTQ communities, and persons with disabilities with the goal of attracting a pool of diverse applicants.
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