Director of Congregational Health & Leadership Development

Supervisor: Director of Connectional Ministries Purpose The Director of Congregational Health and Leadership Development is a member of the Connectional Ministries team, leading efforts that cultivate missional excellence in local churches and foster dynamic leadership development. This role advances our shared vision of forming passionate disciples who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously – so that lives, communities, and the world may be transformed by the healing and liberating love of Jesus Christ.

Essential Functions: Local Congregational Health Assess their ministry's health, sustainability, and viability with honesty and hope Develop a comprehensive ministry action plan rooted in vision, values, an intentional discipleship system, and clear goals to strengthen missional impact Deepen their practice of cultural competence, radical hospitality, and faith sharing, introducing new people to Christ with authenticity and grace Experiment with collaborative ministry models that expand reach and enhance mission effectiveness. Apply proven best practices that foster congregational vitality and transformative witness Leadership Development Develop and nurture a network of leaders skilled in the coach approach, cultivating their capacity to accompany others with wisdom, curiosity, and empowerment. In consultation with the Director of Connectional Ministries, deploy these leaders to offer coaching support to churches, ministry team, clergy, and laity as they engage in ministry initiatives and strategic discernment. Shepherd the creation of courses for the Portico Online Learning Platform in collaboration with the Director of Connectional Ministries. Design a strategy for meaningful engagement across the Annual Conference that ensures accessibility, relevance, and spiritual depth – equipping leaders wand congregations for faithful innovation and growth. Resource congregations and clergy for fruitful pastoral transitions, in consultation with the Director of Connectional Ministries. This includes preparing congregations for Cross-Cultural/Cross-Racial appointments, onboarding clergy with clarity and care, and cultivating clergy cohorts that foster connection, resilience, and shared learning. Design and facilitate resourcing and equipping events – including workshops, cohort sessions, and experiential learning opportunities – that strengthen leadership development for clergy and laity. Other Organizational Responsibilities Participate in national and jurisdictional networks to develop working relationships with other Congregational Development offices. Serve as a non-voting member of the Grow-Equip team of the Annual Conference for the planning, executing, and evaluating of grant requests. And, for the planning, executing, and evaluating of clergy and laity learning opportunities. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Connectional Ministries. Core Competencies Christ-centered and Christ-like Committed to gracefully ministering and journeying alongside people from different walks of life and theological perspectives Committed to continuously growing in intercultural competence Build and maintain relationships rooted in honesty, integrity, and honor confidentiality Work collaboratively to produce innovative solutions Communicate clearly and accurately, in writing and orally, with unifying messages that motivate action Inspire and influence people to achieve challenging goals and positive results Manage the performance of team members, setting clear and measurable goals. Understand complex systems and organizations and lead people through change, disruption, and difference Attend to details and due dates Willingness and ability to support the mission, vision, and core values of The United Methodist Church and the Susquehanna Conference

Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of the structure and polity of The United Methodist Church Ten years ministry experience and active participation in The United Methodist Church preferred Bachelor's degree in related field, Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or similar graduate degree in theology, ministry, or a related field preferred Management experience in supervising a diverse staff team Experience in creating and managing complex budgets Experience in leading and managing change Experience in leading and managing complex projects Excellent verbal and written communication skills Moderate/advanced knowledge of MS Office 365 Suite and Google Workspace Travel The position requires evening and weekend responsibilities, extensive travel within SUS, and some travel outside the region. It works from the Conference Center in Mechanicsburg, PA.