<p>General Board of Higher Education & Ministry</p> <p>Nashville, Tennessee 37027</p> <p>Full Time , Remote</p> <p>Director - United Methodist Endorsing Agency</p> <p>Overview:</p> <p>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.</p> <p>About the Role:</p> <p>Serves as Director for the United Methodist Endorsing Agency and as the registered ecclesiastical endorsing agent for the United Methodist Church. Staff liaison to the Endorsing Committee. Nurtures and supports the relationships between all clergy in Extension Ministry and their annual conferences. UMEA operations include endorsement policy development and execution; informing and advising individuals discerning a call to endorsed ministries; managing applications and interviews for endorsement; recruiting and overseeing volunteers to support the endorsement program; advising conference and seminary leaders on matters related to endorsement and extension ministries; advising and supporting the endorsed community; managing endorsement records, documentation and reports; coordinating with government agencies and professional organizations which require endorsement.</p> <p>Key Responsibilities:</p> <ol> <li> <p>Individual Constituent Services. Advises applicants, current endorsees, and wider church leadership, on matters related to endorsement and extension ministries. Shepherds endorsement applications from beginning to end. Schedules and conducts endorsement interviews. Responds to calls, emails, and annual reports. Reviews scholarship applications as assigned by the Scholarship Office. 40%</p> </li><li> <p>Connectional Constituent Services. Develops programs and policies that strengthen the connection between endorsed and extension ministry clergy and their annual conferences. Consults with annual conferences to develop guidelines and standards to determine the appropriateness of extension ministry settings. Develops and nurtures networks and collaborative partnerships. 25%</p> </li><li> <p>Group Constituent Services. Plans and conducts initiatives and events in direct support of constituents. Regularly communicates important information to constituents. Works in collaboration with Communications Team to share information through social media, the GBHEM website and news stories. 20%</p> </li><li> <p>Defines information requirements for UMEA. Provides direction for endorsing program operations and records management. Continually improves processes in collaboration with the GBHEM staff. 5%</p> </li><li> <p>Liaison Functions. Represents GBHEM to federal agencies, chaplain employers, other endorsers, and relevant professional associations. Coordinates the Chaplain Supplemental Pension Grant Fund with Wespath. 5%</p> </li><li> <p>Staff Planning and Execution. Develops recommendations for the Board of Directors and the Endorsing Committee. Executes approved policy. Prepares and executes the UMEA portion of the annual budget. 5%</p> </li></ol> <p>Major Accountabilities:</p> <ol> <li> <p>Candidates receive ecclesiastical approval and endorsements. Endorsement interviews are scheduled timely, and applications are processed efficiently.</p> </li><li> <p>Endorsees receive requested documentation in time to meet their employment or certification requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Records are kept up-to-date and efficiently managed, so that UMEA's yearly reports to the federal government and the annual conferences are accurate and on time.</p> </li><li> <p>Constituents receive complete, accurate information that meets their needs. Applicants are kept informed of the progress of their applications. Phone calls and emails are answered as quickly as possible.</p> </li><li> <p>Criteria for endorsement and extension ministry are interpreted and revised as needed, in consultation with endorser networks, federal agencies, professional certifying organizations, and annual conferences.</p> </li><li> <p>Constructive, collaborative partnerships are developed with other GBHEM staff sections, general agencies of the church, annual conferences, endorsers, and partner organizations.</p> </li><li> <p>Operations take place within policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors, are in line with GBHEM's values, and contribute to the accomplishment of GBHEM's overall mission.</p> </li></ol> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>Education and Experience:</p> <ul> <li>Requires an advanced theological degree (Master of Divinity); Ordination or Licensed Local Pastor required </li><li>Intermediate to advanced computer experience required </li><li>Knowledge of the ministry of pastoral care, chaplaincy, pastoral counseling and the variety of settings it occurs required </li><li>Knowledge of the United Methodist Church required </li><li>Knowledge of the requirements for ordination and appointment of persons in extension ministry required </li><li>Strong oral and written communication skills </li><li>Previously endorsed civilian chaplain or pastoral counselor </li><li>5-7 years' experience working within complex institutional systems required </li><li>Minimum five years experience as an endorsed chaplain or pastoral counselor </li><li>Office administration experience, including 5 years' supervision of staff required </li></ul> <p>Working Conditions:</p> <ul> <li>Location: U.S. Remote </li><li>Hours: 37.5 hrs/week; Mon-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. </li><li>Travel as required, domestically and internationally, to attend events, meetings, training, etc. </li><li>Evening and weekend meetings as necessary </li><li>Full-time; Salaried/Exempt </li></ul> <p>What We Offer and How to Apply:</p> <ul> <li>A competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, HSA/FSA, and other health and welfare benefits. </li><li>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. </li></ul> <p>External Candidates: Please click on the following link</p> <p>https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=315410&clientkey=C5FCACC5DDDBD8914D10D50E999D380A</p> <p>Our goal is to fill the position as soon as possible, so do not wait to apply!</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Organization: General Board of Higher Education & Ministry</p> <p>Contact: Brenda Camire</p> <p>Phone: 6153407418</p> <p>Closing Date: 07/28/2025</p> <p>GET</p>