Job Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Minister of Justice and Development
Status: Full-Time 40 hours, Exempt
Location: United Church of Gainesville, United Church of Christ (UCC)

ABOUT US

The United Church of Gainesville is a progressive, justice-oriented congregation of approximately 600 members served by two ministers in a co-minister model. We are located in Gainesville, Florida and are rooted in inclusive, courageous, faith-filled community, and we aim to embody God’s love through worship, formation, community care, and sustained engagement in justice and compassion. We seek an Executive Director to advance our mission by strengthening operations, programs, people, and partnerships.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director is the chief administrative leader responsible for organizational excellence across operations and programs.

 The Executive Director coordinates volunteers, leads personnel management, and oversees financial activity (including oversight of outsourced bookkeeping). The position collaborates closely with the Co-Ministers, lay leaders, Boards and Committees and reports to the Minister of Justice and Development.

The Executive Director provides administrative support for development and fundraising and leads development efforts as directed by the Minister of Justice and Development. 

The Executive Director provides and/or delegates administrative and staffing support for programming as directed by the Minister for Programs and Spiritual Development. They will partner with the Director of Programs to plan, evaluate, and improve ministries using data and feedback to assess program outcomes, equity, and community impact.

The Executive Director will relieve the Co-Ministers from the daily administrative operations so they can focus on preaching, teaching, and specific ministries.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Administration

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of church operations, and ministry support.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate the Director of Operations and the Director of Programs as well as part-time administrative staff
• Build high-performing, values-aligned culture while promoting collaboration and accountability.
• Translate mission and vision into clear goals, plans, metrics, and outcomes across church systems and ministries.
• Lead weekly staff meetings as well as other leadership meetings and trainings as needed. 
• Meet on a regular basis with the Co-Ministers to ensure and clarify that the church’s mission, vision, core values, goals, and strategies are being met and achieved.
• Other duties as assigned by the Co-Ministers.

Interpersonal Communication & Community Engagement

• Model inclusive communication; ensure timely, clear messaging to staff, volunteers, and congregants.
• Interact compassionately with all UCG members, visitors, and staff as well as diverse community members including all ages, races, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, abilities and socioeconomic statuses.

Volunteer Coordination

• Design systems for volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and recognition.
• Partner with lay leaders and ministry teams to match volunteer talents to congregational needs.

Personnel & Culture

• Lead Human Resource functions: support Co-Ministers with hiring needs, perform onboarding tasks, oversee the process for performance evaluation, professional development, and employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with employment law, Safe Church policies, and UCC and UCG values of equity and inclusion.

Financial Oversight (Non-Bookkeeping)

• Oversee financial activity, stewardship practices, internal controls, and budget discipline.
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations, Board of Business, and bookkeeper/accountant on budgeting, reporting, and audits.
• Provide monthly dashboards and transparent financial updates to leadership.
• Function in the role of accounts receivable, honoring the confidentiality of our donors and being available for questions regarding their donations.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Coordinate with Church Council, Boards and Committees; steward policies, risk management, and facilities oversight.
• Ensure legal, ethical, and safety compliance across ministries and activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred. (M.Div./M.T.S. welcome; ordination not required.)
• 5–7+ years of progressively responsible leadership in nonprofit, faith-based, or mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated success in staff supervision, volunteer systems, Human Resources, financial oversight, and fundraising.
• Experience with strategic planning, project management, and change leadership.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Commitment to the compact of the United Church of Gainesville, social justice, and the mission of the UCC.
• Experience leading in a congregational setting and training in congregational/United Church of Christ polity is preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Leadership & Execution
• People & Culture / Human Resource Acumen

• Interpersonal Communication & Emotional Intelligence

• Volunteer Systems & Community Building
• Financial Stewardship (Oversight)
• Development & Fundraising 
• Program Design, Evaluation & Equity
• Governance, Risk & Compliance
• Collaboration (Co-Minister Model)
• Supportive of the Justice and Outreach efforts of the congregation
• Change Management & Continuous Improvement
• Personal Effectiveness (Integrity, Judgment, Resilience)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Benefits may include: health/dental/vision insurance, retirement contribution, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, parental leave, professional development funds, and flexible scheduling. Position is subject to the Employee Handbook.

SCHEDULE & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Full-time on location in Gainesville, Florida typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; some evenings/weekends for worship, programs, events, and meetings.
• Working remotely for a limited number of hours on occasion y may be available depending on ministry needs.

SAFEGUARDING & BACKGROUND CHECK

• Finalists will complete reference checks and a background check in alignment with Safe Church practices.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The United Church of Gainesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and congregants. We welcome applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic background, faith journey, or family status.

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter, résumé/CV, and names and contact information for three professional references by Sunday, April 5, 2026 to Shanna Swiers at shannas@ucgainesville.org with the subject line: Executive Director – [Your Name]. 

Optional: include a short statement (300–500 words) describing how you have led teams toward justice-centered impact in a nonprofit or congregational setting.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.