The Kresge Foundation is hiring: General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer in Na

General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer

• Company: General Council on Finance & Administration of The United Methodist Church

The Board of Directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of the United Methodist Church (UMC) seeks a faithful, authentic, and forward-thinking leader to serve as the next General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (GS/CEO). A non-profit agency serving the Church since the 1940’s, GCFA is a servant ministry of the Church, accountable for its financial plan and budgets, for its collection and distribution of revenues, and for protecting the legal rights and interests of the denomination. Within the highly decentralized structure of the UMC, GCFA serves as a linchpin, promoting fiscal integrity, strategic alliance building, and steadfast leadership, and thereby enabling the fulfillment of the mission and ministry of the UMC. In a time of continuing challenge for the UMC and other mainline Protestant denominations, the GS/CEO plays a critically important role in helping the denomination work through necessary change to achieve a sustainable future.

Reporting to the GCFA Board of Directors, the GS/CEO leads the organization and its staff in defining GCFA’s goals and in facilitating its effort to meet its Disciplinary and other responsibilities in a manner consistent with the mission and ministry of the UMC. The GS/CEO serves as Treasurer of the GCFA and as General Treasurer of the General Conference of the UMC. The GS/CEO also serves as an ex officio member of the Board of the United Methodist Insurance Program and the United Methodist Church Foundation Board (now InvestUMC). The GS/CEO works collaboratively with a wide range of connectional partners, including the Council of Bishops, General Secretaries and Board members of UMC agencies, and Treasurers of Annual Conferences, among many others. The GS/CEO oversees the executive leadership team and a total GCFA staff of 57.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, a deep commitment to GCFA’s mission as both a ministry of the Church and a provider of financial, managerial, and investment services. The GS/CEO will bring a vision for GCFA as a trusted partner to its stakeholders, proven sound judgment, fiscal acumen in interpreting financial information and aligning budgets with strategic priorities, strong strategic skills in attaining challenging objectives, proven collaborative and relational skills, excellent communication skills, the ability to interact with constituents at all levels, and political astuteness and understanding of the intricacies of leadership in a denominational setting. Requirements include an advanced degree, and substantial experience in executive-level financial or administrative leadership within a multi-layered organization, preferably with some experience as the chief executive.

Given GCFA’s identity as a ministry of the UMC, it is required that the GS/CEO be an active member of a UMC congregation. For more information on the role, please see the full leadership profile by clicking above.

Screening will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Completed applications should be submitted using DSG’s Talent Profile and should include a CV and a cover letter addressing (1) interest in position and (2) how the candidate’s experience will help GCFA achieve a sustainable future. Nominations and inquiries should be directed electronically to GCFAGeneralSecretary@divsearch.com .

Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D, and Euris E. Belle, Senior Advisors

Christine Falcone, Senior Associate

DSG|Global

One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 3300, Philadelphia PA 19103

This is a full-time position that will be performed with expectation of a regular presence (approximately 25% of time) in Nashville, Tennessee. The salary range is $157,877-$252,604, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The expected start date for this position is February 2026, or thereafter.

At GCFA, we are committed to fair and inclusive employment practices. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law—except where such provisions conflict with the religious principles of The United Methodist Church.

In accordance with ¶715.5 of the 2016 Book of Discipline, “all General Secretaries, Deputy General Secretaries, Associate General Secretaries, Assistant General Secretaries, and Treasurers serving our General Agencies are required to be professing members of The United Methodist Church.” This requirement does not apply to individuals employed before the 2004 General Conference.

As a religious organization of The United Methodist Church, GCFA reserves the right to make employment decisions and establish policies—including benefits—that uphold our faith-based mission and values, consistent with our constitutional right to the free exercise of its religion guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. Where a position qualifies as a bona fide occupational requirement, preference may be given to professing members of The United Methodist Church.

By accepting employment with GCFA, all employees acknowledge our identity as a religious organization and agree not to undermine GCFA’s or The United Methodist Church’s religious missions, purposes, or programs.

Thank you for your attention to and support of these important principles.