Director of Strategy and Innovation

Director of Strategy and Innovation

The Minnesota Conference of The United Methodist Church seeks a mission focused leader for the role of Director of Strategy and Innovation. This position is responsible for driving sustainable ministry models and fostering innovation throughout the Conference. The person in this role will collaborate with the Bishop, Appointive Cabinet, Bishop’s Leadership Team (BLT), and mission-critical teams to develop and support new ministries, including church planting, congregational development, and multicultural ministry expansion. The Director of Strategy and Innovation will lead a team of missional strategists across the Conference, focusing on congregational and community assets to inspire innovation, resource development, and implement best practices. Rooted in Jesus and guided by Wesleyan theology, the Director of Strategy and Innovation will also be committed to inclusion of all persons and engaged in the work of justice and reconciliation. This is a full-time hybrid position that involves occasional travel within the Conference area.

Essential Functions:

·       Guide Strategy and Innovation for the Minnesota Conference in a way that aims to REACH (Resource. Equip. Align. Connect. Herald.) in all related ministries.

·       Foster intentional collaboration with ministry partners to explore and develop new ministry opportunities, and provide new ministry starts resources during their critical early years.

·       Resource church leaders and ministry partners to share ideas and best practices in the development of new ministries that respond to community needs.

·       Equip new and existing congregations to do asset mapping and mobilize local strengths to meet needs, respond to opportunities and close gaps in their communities.

·       Facilitate connections by actively seeking resources from across the United Methodist Church connection and external networks to identify funding streams for innovative ministry.

·       Supervise missional strategists.

·       Create and maintain clear and transparent processes in all related ministries that are congruent with the current mission, vision, and values of the Minnesota Conference.

·       Integrate conference racial justice initiatives, promote the full inclusion of all people, and create a culture where all voices and ideas are welcomed in all related ministries.

·       Share stories that highlight the organic, spirit-led nature of innovative ministry.

·       Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

·       A Bachelor’s degree in Divinity or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.

·       Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience is required.

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.).

·       Excellent organizational skills with the ability to think proactively and prioritize work.

·       Strong attention to detail.

·       Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·       Demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit, eager to explore and implement new ministry ideas and approaches.

·       Skilled in understanding and developing strategy, with the ability to listen deeply to the needs and insights of diverse stakeholders.

·       Highly Collaborative.

·       Stronger leadership and interpersonal skills.

·       Knowledge of the structure and polity of The United Methodist Church is strongly desired.

Email resume and cover letter to: jobs@minnesotaumc.org

Closing Date: November 15, 2024

The Minnesota Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.

No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms