Executive Director, UMCOR (Remote - application deadline is 5/17/24)

The General Board of Global Ministries is the worldwide mission, relief, and development agency of The United Methodist Church, working with partners and churches in more than 110 countries to equip and transform people and places for God’s mission. Global Ministries connects the church in mission through the sending of missionaries, evangelism and church revitalization, global health and disaster response and recovery, which is led by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

Job Summary:

In collaboration with and under the direction of the general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR, the executive director of UMCOR plays a critical role in coordinating global humanitarian efforts. Working with the general secretary, the executive director of UMCOR sets the strategic direction and is responsible for the development, plans and objectives of the UMCOR organization, including global health efforts. The executive director leads a multidisciplinary team of staff members and is charged with creating a results oriented and healthy organizational culture. As a member of the Global Ministries senior leadership team, the executive director will work collaboratively with the organization’s leaders to align and create an environment where Global Ministries and UMCOR’s mission is aligned together as part of an overall organizational strategy.

Essential Job Functions:

In collaboration with and under the direction of the general secretary, the executive director of UMCOR sets strategic direction and oversees UMCOR's global humanitarian response, development, and capacity building efforts in Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery, Global Migration, Global Health, Livelihood and Food Security and other areas of humanitarian response:

• Strategic Leadership
  
  
  
  • Identifies programs within and outside of The United Methodist Church that help alleviate human suffering and advance the Programs of UMCOR.
  
  
  • Develops and implement disaster response strategies, policies and protocols.
  
  
  • Sets goals to develop a dynamic team that is accountable and results oriented while creating a healthy and inclusive environment. Lead staff to ensure good working relations between all internal departments of UMCOR and other departments within Global Ministries.
  
  
  • Ensures partnership and collaboration with United Methodist Church humanitarian program leads, coordinators, and committees, government agencies, NGO’s and other stakeholders that enable effective disaster response and recovery management to advance the purposes of UMCOR.
  
  


• Communication and Public Relations
  
  
  
  • Works with the chief communications officer and communications staff to represent Global Ministries and UMCOR in a variety of public and private settings through print, media, presentations and other forms of timely information and communication on the agency’s humanitarian program efforts.
  
  
  • Engages and fosters partnerships and visibility with affected communities, volunteers, community, and regional leaders. Provides support and information and stands in solidarity with them.
  
  


• Manages budgets, grants and funding for UMCOR, working closely with the general secretary, chief financial officer, and budget director, including providing coordinated reporting to the board at each of its regular meetings, and when requested.

Major Accountabilities:

• Develops a high performing team that understand their link to alleviating human suffering.


• Fosters a collaborative and healthy work environment.


• Communicates and supports Global Ministries’ and UMCOR’s integrated projects and initiatives.


• Represents UMCOR and Global Ministries in a highly responsible and professional manner.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s or PhD preferred in non-profit management, public administration or a health-related field.


• Experience serving in a senior leadership position in emergency management, public health or related fields.


• 5+ years of direct management experience, including finance, budgeting and reporting and staff management.


• Prior experience leading development programming.


• Prior experience developing programs and strategies to respond to disasters.

Job Requirements/Specialized Knowledge:

• Knowledge of UMC structure and focus of work of UMCOR a significant plus.


• A respect and awareness of cultural differences in personality and management styles and practices.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.


• Excellent computer skills, in MS-Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience using project management software is a plus.


• Strong interpersonal skills – proven ability to lead high performing teams and work as a team with a senior leadership team.


• Excellent organizational and project management skills.


• Proven ability to work collaboratively with senior management, board of directors and other key stakeholders.


• Deliver work with a sense of urgency while maintaining positive working relationships.

Work Hours and Conditions:

• Work outside of standard business hours (to include weekends).


• Travel 30- 40% including to very low-resource settings for interaction with primary and other stakeholders.

What We Offer and How to Apply:

• Global Ministries offers a competitive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, HSA/FSA and other health and welfare benefits.


• Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, along with a digitally signed employment application through the applicant portal.


• Applications must highlight competencies against requirements, potential start date and provide at least three references (2 supervisory references and 1 professional reference).


• We are looking to fill the position as soon as possible, so don’t wait to apply!


• Salary range: $136,691 - $218,706


• Application Deadline: May 17, 2024