Program Officer for Transition Ministry

Department: Mission Leadership Center
Date Posted: 7/1/2008
Closing Date: 8/15/2008

Job Description

The Center for Mission Leadership is engaged in building networks and providing resources and tools for creative pastoral and prophetic leadership in the church and beyond. It includes areas of lay and ordained ministry, Women’s Ministries, Chaplaincies, Mission Personnel, Young Adults and Theological Education, church growth and vitality. The purpose of this position is to further God’s mission by serving and equipping the people of the Episcopal Church in the Ministries of Transition.

The Program Officer for Transition Ministry should have a broad vision for church and clergy deployment. This position requires a passion for congregational ministry as well as an appreciation of ministry in a wide variety of settings, knowledge of the emerging church and a desire to seek creative solutions regarding the current reality of clergy shortage. The incumbent is expected to provide diocesan deployment/transition officers with resources to equip them to think and work creatively in response to the deployment and leadership issues facing the 21st century church. The position requires a person who is culturally competent and who demonstrates a commitment to assisting diocesan deployment/transition officers to strive to increase multicultural pools of candidates. Working with Bishops and diocesan deployment/transition officers, the position requires the ability to explore and envision new models of congregational ministry as well as assisting clergy and lay ministers in calling processes. These may include chaplaincies.

Job Requirements

Essential responsibilities: Exercise programmatic, managerial and budgetary oversight and responsibility for the Office of Transition Ministry; analyze and understand employment needs and trends in the Episcopal Church in order to plan strategically and offer recommendations for deployment programs; develop resources for diocesan deployment/transition officers to increase understanding of complex clergy employment issues and identify effective solutions to address these issues; create and present reports about the Office’s work to the Board for Transition Ministry and the Executive Council; and, increase the strategic use of technology for deployment solutions.

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree and theological education/training; an advanced degree is preferred; ordination is not required; at least three years experience in deployment/transitions ministry; thorough knowledge and understanding of the organization and governance of the Episcopal Church; at least 3 years experience as a trainer; experience as a leader and manager; demonstrated ability to work with a variety of cultures and groups. The qualified applicant will possess leadership development skills; collaborative leadership style; be culturally competent to engage with diverse populations; ability to work effectively with volunteer boards; ability to effectively train others with confidence and sensitivity; ability to manage staff and budget; strategic understanding of the uses/applications of technology to Transition Ministry programs; above average computer literacy; excellent interpersonal skills; excellent oral and written communication skills.

Work Environment

This position is based in New York City at the Episcopal Church Center and travel is estimated at 50%.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience starting at approximately $90,000 and includes a generous benefits package. EOE, m/f/d/v encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a cover letter with salary requirements, a resume and a list of three professional references to eccjobs@episcopalchurch.org and indicate in the subject line: Program Officer for Transition Ministry. Please, no telephone inquiries. Qualified applicants will be contacted.