Director of Racial Equity and Justice

Director of Racial Equity and Justice

The Minnesota Conference of The United Methodist Church is excited to announce a search for a Director of Racial Equity and Justice. This position serves as the goal champion and lead facilitator in advancing the commitment of the Minnesota Conference of The United Methodist Church towards racial equity, justice initiatives, and reconciliation. Working collaboratively with the Bishop, the Appointive Cabinet, and other mission-critical teams, this position stewards the work of ABIDE (Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) in a way that ensures clergy and congregations are growing in their anti-racist discipleship and cross-cultural competencies, that BIPOC clergy have a system of mutual support, and that conference staff and ministry teams are regularly evaluating their systems and practices for equity and justice. The Director of Racial Equity and Justice will be rooted in Jesus, grounded in Wesleyan theology, committed to inclusion of all persons, and engaged in the work of justice and reconciliation.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the Office of Racial Equity and Justice for the Minnesota Conference in a way that aims to REACH (Resource. Equip. Align. Connect. Herald.) in all related ministries. 
• Cultivate opportunities for BIPOC leaders and affinity spaces which foster trust-filled relationships for mutual encouragement and support.
• Build spaces and opportunities for all congregations, leaders, and conference staff to foster relationships that advance trust and a spirit of mutuality, embracing that all are created in the image of God, with a goal of all persons doing the hard and holy work of ABIDE.
• Equip new and existing congregations to identify and wrestle with their biases and practices from a biblically and theologically informed perspective.
• Develop and implement accountability structures for leaders and congregations to dismantle internalized, interpersonal, institutional and structural racism.
• Collaborate with conference leaders to develop discipleship strategies and assessment markers, understanding that discipleship includes antiracism.
• Resource and collaborate with conference superintendents in preparing congregations for and supporting clergy in cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments.
• Provide resourcing to the Annual Conference Sessions Team in the planning and design of the annual conference session so that it embodies our commitments towards diversity and full inclusion of all persons.
• Serve as conference staff representative to Minnesota Commission on Religion and Race (MNCORR), Commission on Native American Ministry (CONAM), and Church and Society Ministry team.
• 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.
• Support efforts to 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.
• Other duties as assigned

• A Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree in related field and some theological training preferred. 
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.).
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to think proactively and prioritize work.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively; and demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams.
• Administrative skills, including budgeting, research, project management, and basic technological competency.
• Experience in creating curriculum for adult learners and excellent presentation, facilitation, oral and written communication skills.  
• A self-starter, works independently and highly motivated to accomplish goals set.
• Strong 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: December 12, 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