What are the responsibilities and job description for the Canon to Bishop Suffr., Armed Forces/Fed. Min. position at Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society?
Area Function
On behalf of the Presiding Bishop, the Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries (Bishop for the Armed Forces/BFAFFM) is responsible for the administrative and pastoral support of Episcopal Chaplains and lay religious leaders in the Military, VA Hospitals and other Federal entities (Bureau of Prisons, Civil Air Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Department of Defense (DoD) Ecclesiastical Endorser for the Episcopal Church). This episcopacy is responsible for recruitment and endorsement of Episcopal priests seeking employment as Federal/DoD chaplains. It is also responsible for continued training, guidance, support, and spiritual growth of chaplains in its care.
Job Summary
The Canon to the Bishop of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries supports the mission of the episcopacy ensuring the recruitment, administration and application process for Federal Ministry Chaplains is seamless and in accordance with all federal directives and regulations. Additionally, the Canon serves as a liaison between all Federal Governmental agencies, external constituencies, international partners, Dioceses of the Episcopal Church, Transition Ministry, The Anglican Communion, National Cathedral Staff and the Bishop of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries of the Episcopal Church. The Canon also supervises the Executive Assistant to the Bishop regarding administrative support required for the administration and application process for Federal Ministry Chaplaincy and Annual Training Symposium.
Reporting Relationships
The Canon to the Bishop for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries (AFFM) reports directly to the Bishop for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries for the Episcopal Church. When the Bishop for the Armed Forces is on travel or unavailable, the Canon to the Bishop assumes responsibility for the operations and official communications from the office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries.
Duties & Essential Job Functions
Principal Responsibilities
Recruiting: Identify, screen and support potential and future chaplain candidates as they discern a call to Federal Ministry Chaplaincy within the Episcopal Church.
Administration and Training: Administer all aspects of the application, accession, and endorsement process for Federal Ministry Chaplaincy in the Episcopal Church. Chair Chaplain Selection Committee and schedule and administer selection boards. Develop, implement and supervise Annual Training Symposia to include identifying venue site and faculty.
Communication: Regular and responsive communications with chaplain candidates, chaplains, Military and Federal Chaplain Chiefs and endorsers. Identify and create content for monthly newsletter and training materials.
Chaplain Care: Communicate Chaplain Cares and concerns to BAFFM. Review Semi-annual Reports in conjunction with Bishop and identify trends and address pastoral concerns.
Other Functions And Responsibilities
The Canon to the Bishop is responsible for the overall tone of AFFM, is the right hand of the bishop and must be a self-starter, able to respond with flexibility, and sound judgement in support of the bishop, who is often supporting chaplains away from the office. Extensive knowledge of the Episcopal Church, high emotional intelligence, and superior communication and organizational skills are essential to this position. Must be comfortable speaking with senior military officers and federal executives.
Qualifications
This position requires someone who is self-motivated, requires minimal supervision, highly organized, can maintain confidentiality and is familiar with both the Episcopal church and the Military.
Required
- A minimum of a master’s degree in Divinity, Theology, Leadership or Communications
- 10 or more years’ experience in recruiting, development and or Federal Chaplaincy
- Working knowledge of current Microsoft office management programs (Word, Excel, Teams, Publisher)
- Attention to detail
- Good communications skills both writing and speaking
- Ability to speak and communicate across diverse constituencies.
- Knowledge and competence in social media platforms
- Travel is required
Preferred
- Familiarity with the Episcopal Church, its polity, and protocol
- Professional level experience
- Ability to work as a member of a collaborative team
- Military experience, either as a service member or as a DoD employee; knowledge of military protocol
Work Environment
We are a small staff with three employees. We have a collaborative working environment that requires confidentiality as pastoral concerns often are in regard to sensitive issues. The work environment demands all employees demonstrate a high level of respect, dignity, attention to protocol as well as a sense of humor.
The Episcopal Church Center is an equal opportunity employer and we actively seek qualified candidates from protected groups as defined under Federal and New York State laws as well as General Convention resolutions. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or military veteran status.