Executive Director-Education

Executive Director – Education

Remote

Overview:

As stewards of the educational mission and intellectual life of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) connects the mission of the church and the academy and develops transformational leaders for the ministry of the church. Elders, deacons, and licensed local pastors benefit from our training and candidacy programs. Young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call on their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. GBHEM also supports and connects networks of more than 1,000 United Methodist and Methodist-related schools, colleges, and universities around the world.

About the Role:

The Executive Director of Education is a senior executive leader who works with, under the supervision of, and on behalf of the General Secretary to devise strategic directions, development, and support of all educational programs within GBHEM, both domestically and internationally, including Higher Education and Collegiate Ministries in North America; worldwide Global Education Ministries/Initiatives; Pan-Methodist and Ecumenical Relationships; Global Regional Directors/ Collaborative Partnerships; Contextual  Education & Resourcing, among other relevant programs. This includes ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and values by overseeing day-to-day operations and performance; decision-making; and leading and guiding management within all educational programs. The executive director supports the board of directors and other stakeholders and ensures missional effectiveness and financial and operational success of this program area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the strategic direction of the educational mission of the UMC and the related educational programs of the agency, including the development and implementation of comprehensive and long-term strategies as well as the daily operations and performance.
• Under the leadership of the Board and the General Secretary work with global and regional partners to fulfill the educational mission and ministry of the UMC. On behalf of GBHEM, the ED is the primary advocate for reimagining and maintaining the relationship between the church and higher education throughout the world and is the chief evangelist of the educational mission of the church to all constituents and stakeholders.
• Providing strong leadership and team management, fostering a positive work culture while managing and motivating team members for strategic, missional, and program excellence, including the management of the budget and financial systems in their area of responsibility, in particular, and the agency in general.
• Engaging and supporting educational stakeholders and constituents in shared missional and strategic initiatives, such as UM-related educational institutions, global and regional associations, significant donors, collaborative partners, and other related teams to ensure missional and program effectiveness and collaboration.
• Overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs and initiatives throughout the world-wide connection ensuring that they align with the organization’s mission and objectives.
• Serving as one of the public faces of GBHEM and acting as an external representative at U.S. and Global UMC Educational events, conferences, and engagements in consultation with and on behalf of the General Secretary.

Major Accountabilities:

• Provide executive leadership for the design, development and implementation of educational missional strategies, for GBHEM, the staff, board of directors, and our UM-related constituencies throughout the UMC world-wide connection; provide significant and dynamic support to and advocacy for GBHEM, the UMC, and UM-related constituencies throughout the world-wide Methodist/Wesleyan connection and with our ecumenical partners.
• In alignment with GBHEM’s historic commitment to education and higher education, and in relationship with our collaborative partners, successfully promote the related UMC, Pan-Methodist, and ecumenical educational associations through the world; developing and implementing the strategic plan of the agency; developing budgets, allocation of resources, and stewardship of related denominational educational funds.
• Promote an organizational culture and team management style that fosters intercultural awareness and mindfulness throughout GBHEM and with our constituencies, including a system of mutual accountability, collaborative innovation, and missional effectiveness. 

Education and Experience

Qualifications:

• Requires an advanced degree (master’s degree; preferably an EdD, PhD or other terminal degree) with significant experience in higher education. Experience in Theological Education within the UMC is highly preferred.
• At least five years of management experience in a senior executive management role within a relevant field or industry, such as [nonprofit organization, higher education, etc.], demonstrating a track record of successful organizational management. Experience in nonprofit program management, fundraising, or operations would be an added benefit. 
• Knowledge of UMC history, doctrine and polity and the historic relationship between the UMC and UM-related Schools, Colleges, Universities and Seminaries.
• Proven intercultural leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and teams across diverse geographical regions.
• The ability to inspire and guide a team is critical, demonstrating how to make informed decisions while effectively delegating tasks.
• Communication - strong verbal and written communication skills and contextually appropriate interpersonal skills are important to conveying ideas, building relationships, providing constructive feedback, and being a spokesperson for the organization.
• Deep understanding of global cultural contexts and the challenges faced by educators in various settings.
• Commitment to ethical conduct and adherence to organizational values.
• Adaptability – willingness to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments and embrace new ideas.
• Strategic thinking - critical thinking is essential to analyze complex situations and develop long-term strategies to meet organizational goals.
• Problem-solving - a creative and analytical mindset is key to identifying challenges, developing solutions, and making informed decisions.
• Collaboration - when working in a diverse team, it is important to collaborate with various stakeholders, foster teamwork, and build strong partnerships.
• Integrity - as a leading representative of the Company, the role demands a strong ethical foundation whereby you demonstrate honesty, transparency, and a commitment to ethical practices.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant computer tools and technologies.

Working Conditions:

• Location:  U.S. Remote
• Hours: 37.5 hrs/week; Mon-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Travel as required, domestically and internationally, to attend events, meetings, training, etc.
• Evening and weekend meetings as necessary
• Full-time, Salaried/Exempt

What We Offer and How to Apply:

What We Offer and How to Apply:

• A competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, HSA/FSA, and other health and welfare benefits.
• How to Apply: 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 professional references.

Our goal is to fill the position as soon as possible, so do not wait to apply!

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements in terms of qualifications. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable screenings.

Applicants for employment will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender), sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance or regulation, except where inconsistent with the religious principles of The United Methodist Church.