Job Opening: Latin America and Caribbean Global Relations Minister

Job Opening: Latin America and Caribbean Global Relations Minister

by | published on Nov 6, 2023

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position: Global Relations Minister, Latin America and Caribbean
Ministry Team: Partner Relations
Reports to: President, Disciples Overseas Ministries (On-site supervisor)
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Administer the Latin America and Caribbean Office of Global Ministries, serve as the major link to churches, ecumenical organizations, communities, and other partners in the region, and provide pastoral care to and supervision of mission co-workers assigned to the region. Direct the education and advocacy efforts on issues related to the region. As a member of the Global Ministries staff team, the Global Relations Minister also reports programmatically to the Co-Executive and President of the Disciples Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Understand the needs and priorities of the region, especially as they relate to partners, and explore/develop opportunities for mutual ministries, including the assignment of mission co-workers, grant allocations, interpretation resources, and other programs and projects.
  • Provide specialized knowledge on the nature of the Latin American and Caribbean Office’s work and the religious, social, economic, political, and cultural life of the region.
  • Interpret partner programs and public issues related to the regions to Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (DOC) and United Church of Christ (UCC) constituencies and other interested persons through speaking engagements, correspondence, and preparation of printed resources.
  • Network with primary stakeholders and constituents in the UCC and DOC to ensure issues in the region and the office’s work are known.
  • Participate in budget development and recommend financial support and staffing for global ministry in coordination with global partners and other ministry and area offices as appropriate.
  • Participate in the interview, selection, and orientation process for all mission co-workers as a part of the Mission Personnel Committee.
  • Administer the appointment of missionary personnel in the region and supervise performance.
  • Provide pastoral care and recommendations for professional development for mission personnel in the region.
  • Administer the budget for the Latin American and Caribbean Office and Special Funds.
  • Represent the Disciples Overseas Ministries and Wider Church Ministries (UCC) at relevant ecumenical and interfaith organizations and on boards and foundations in relation to work in the region. Hire, train, supervise, and assess the performance of a shared Program Assistant.
  • Work with partners, staff, and constituencies to advance regional advocacy priorities. Identify advocacy priorities by working with the Global Advocacy Team and with Resource Development in identifying and raising funds for missional priorities.
  • Maintain effective contacts with other ministries within the UCC and DOC on concerns related to the region.
  • Engage in financial development initiatives, especially as they relate to the region.
  • Attend and participate in staff and other UCC and DOC-related meetings, including DOC Regional meetings, conference annual meetings, General Synod, and General Assembly.
  • To maintain effective contacts with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ constituents on concerns related to the region.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform successfully in this position.

  • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, such as a theological degree or equivalent experience; an advanced degree in international studies or related field preferred.
  • A commitment to and understanding the global Christian mission in its broad range of concerns.
  • Commitment to and experience within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, as well as an understanding of the churches’ polities and structures.
  • Experience or knowledge of living and working in Latin America and the Caribbean, especially in the life and work of the church.
  • An understanding of the religious landscape of the region.
  • Fluency in Spanish, as well as English.
  • A commitment to the ecumenical movement and working within specific ecumenical programs and structures such as the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and the World Council of Churches.
  • Evidence of disciplined Biblical and theological study and ability to articulate and witness to one’s faith perspective.
  • Competence to deal with complex intercultural, international, and theological issues as they bear upon implementing Christian mission.
  • Ability to function effectively and creatively on a staff team and to communicate well with a wide range of constituencies and partners in this country and overseas.
  • Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience in program planning, implementation and evaluation, budget development and administration, and staff supervision.
  • Extensive travel is required, with the ability and flexibility to travel within the U.S. and region as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Membership in the UCC or Christian Church (DOC)
  • Fluent in French, Portuguese, and/or other languages spoken in the region.

COVID-19 Update

Protecting the health and safety of our employees is a top priority. Complete COVID-19 vaccination is required for employment (proof of record will be requested during the onboarding process). This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the ministry’s needs. Since no job description can detail all duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a position, duties, and responsibilities that may be inherent in a position shall also be considered part of the position holder’s responsibility.

Applicants who receive a conditional offer for employment will be required to provide documentation or proof of vaccination status before the first day of employment.

Global Ministries’ staff observe a hybrid schedule that requires staff to work from the Indianapolis office at least two days a week. Staff will also be expected to live within driving distance of the Disciples Center (10th and Meridian, Indianapolis).

Interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Viktoria Varnado-Wooten, Executive Assistant to the President, at vvwooten@dom.disciples.org by December 31, 2023.

Global Ministries is an equal-opportunity employer.

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