Executive Director-Multi-Ethnic Ministries

Executive Director - Multi-Ethnic Ministries

GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION & MINISTRY &

GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES

OVERVIEW:

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) equips leaders within The United Methodist Church through a strong connection between the Church and academic institutions. GBHEM prepares individuals for faithful and effective service by offering theological education, financial support, and leadership development programs that nurture spiritual growth and vocational calling. Under the leadership of Roland Fernandes, GBHEM and GBGM share aligned missions, working collaboratively on initiatives and shared resources to enhance efficiency, broaden impact, and maximize support for the Church’s ministries.

The General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), the global mission agency of The United Methodist Church, connects congregations and communities worldwide in shared mission and service. Through initiatives in health, migration, education, and disaster response, Global Ministries works to alleviate suffering and promote human dignity. Key to this mission is The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the Church’s humanitarian relief arm, providing rapid response to natural disasters and long-term development assistance worldwide. UMCOR is dedicated to advancing health access and resilience in underserved communities, empowering people in the face of urgent needs.

POSITION SUMMARY:

GBHEM and GBGM are seeking an Executive Director of Multi-Ethnic Ministries, which is a senior executive leader who works under the supervision of the General Secretary to devise strategic direction, program development and implementation, administrative oversight, and support of all multi-ethnic and multi-cultural ministry programs within GBHEM and GBGM,  including our commitment  for world-wide inclusivity, diversity, equity and acceptance, ensuring that these  values are upheld while engaging diverse populations effectively both domestically and internationally.  The Executive Director guides a diverse ministry, fostering cross-cultural understanding and building relationships across various ethnic groups, within and beyond the organizations. The Executive Director leads the Multiethnic Ministries unit in collaborating with the Mission Engagement unit in the global engagement work of both organizations as they support the ministry of the church.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Strategic Leadership (30% of the time)

• Under the leadership of the General Secretary and the Board, reimagine and support necessary forms and expressions of diversity, equity, and inclusion relevant to current and emerging realities within the organizations, the church, and the world. This includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for multi-ethnic ministries across both organizations, aligning it with the current vision, strategic priorities, initiatives, and programs of both organizations.
• Design, implement, and lead action-oriented strategic planning and implementation of programs and initiatives that will    engage our staff and constituencies to advance policies, promote mindsets, and influence behavior/practices that value and support diversity, equity, and inclusion that respond to current and emerging realities; in particular, creating an antiracist and fully inclusive organization.
• Effectively communicate the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion aligning with a Wesleyan United Methodist identity. Communicating the vision and mission of the multi-ethnic ministry strategy of both organizations, internally and externally, will be essential.

Relationship Management and Partnerships (25%)

• Oversee and maintain collaborative relationships with related ministries and organizations within The United Methodist     Church and its organizations, in particular with the multi-ethnic plans of The United Methodist Church and the Community Developers program, among others.
• Work closely with the Mission Engagement unit to maximize the ability of both organizations to listen to and respond to partners’ strategic directions and plans.
• Oversee the work of the Black College Fund and work closely with the staff liaison for the Black College Fund. Through this work, engage deeply with our UM-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Team Development (20%)

• Provide strong leadership and team management to the staff in the Multiethnic Ministries area, including fostering a positive work culture while managing and motivating team members in their work.
• Serve as part of the leadership team for both organizations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (15%)

•  In partnership with the General Secretary and other senior leaders, contribute to developing an organizational culture of    belonging that fosters brave conversations, trust, respect, and mutual accountability across differences within staff.

External Engagement (5%)

• Serve as one of the public faces of GBHEM and GBGM at ministry events, conferences, and engagements in consultation with and on behalf of the General Secretary.

Perform Other duties as assigned (5%)

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead the design, development and implementation of DEI strategies, for GBHEM and GBGM, the staff, board of directors, and our UM-related constituencies throughout our world-wide connection; work collaboratively  with the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) to build relationships that affirm the dignity and respect of the human person; in particular, assess, develop, lead, and implement DEI initiatives for both agencies and establish metrics to evaluate program success to ensure effective and efficient engagement and outcomes.
• Provide executive leadership for the design, development and implementation of multi-ethnic strategies and relationships that support our historic and evolving ministry for GBHEM and GBGM through our staff, board of directors and partners.
• Along with the Mission Engagement unit, create a global engagement strategy for both agencies that works with our partners’ strategic directions and plans.
• Work closely with and advocate for the United Methodist-related HBCU’s through the Black College Fund (BCF) and proactively support the United Methodist-related HBCUs in relationship with other United Methodist-affiliated schools, colleges, and universities; assist in developing and implementing the strategic plan of the BCF.
• Engage with the multiethnic plans of the denomination including the Asian American Language Ministry (AALM), Pacific Islanders Ministry (PIM) and Korean Ministry Plan (KMP) that reside within GBGM and relate closely with the other Plans not part of the two agencies.
• Partner closely with the Community Developers Program and multiethnic ministries work of GBGM and look at new ways of collaborating together with constituencies within the global church.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated understanding of DEI in the current context of the church and world.
• Seasoned executive with a strong track record in leading director-level personnel, providing strategic oversight to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission, core values, and long-term objectives.
• Proven intercultural leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and teams across diverse geographical regions.
• Understanding of higher education especially as it relates to the BCF and United Methodist-related HBCUs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms (i.e., Teams, Zoom), able to adapt to using other business systems/platforms (i.e., travel expense systems, CRM systems, etc.
• The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator with a passion for each organization’s mission and a strong ability to engage and inspire others. They must be prepared to address a wide range of inquiries and represent each agency with integrity and clarity.
• Five years of related experience in service to the church, the academy or leading work related to DEI in non-profit organizations.
• A commitment to and experience in the global nature of the church and society, including the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, demonstrating sensitivity interculturally, racially, and theologically.
• An understanding of the ethos of Christian mission and education; experience coordinating initiatives with internal and external stakeholders; proven social listening skills and excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills; excellent organizational and time-management skills; critical thinker and problem-solver.
• An understanding of the global contexts the agencies work in, and the challenges faced therein.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills to convey ideas, build relationships, provide constructive feedback, and act as a spokesperson for the organization
• Active membership in the United Methodist Church (UMC) is preferred, or a strong understanding of and alignment with the UMC values and traditions is required.

Working Conditions:

• Location: U.S. Remote environment, primarily sedentary work (sitting at a desk, using a computer)
• Hours: 37.5 hrs/week between 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday); flexible start and stop time.
• Travel as required to attend meetings, training, or other events; outside the U.S. may be necessary on occasion.
• Evening and weekend meetings as necessary; may include long hours, especially during critical periods (board meetings etc.)
• Full-Time Exempt, often exceeding 40 hours per week.

What We Offer and How to Apply:

• A competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, HSA/FSA, and other health and welfare benefits.
• 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 (3) references (2 supervisory references and 1 professional reference).
• Remember to sign your application to complete your application submission.

The deadline for applications is September 5, 2025

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) and Global Ministries are Equal Opportunity Employers and actively encourage 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.

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.