Overview
The national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation (“A Corp”) “PC(USA)”, based in Louisville Kentucky, serve with mid-councils, congregations, worshipping communities, and partner organizations to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ. Approximately 400 individuals, diverse in race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, skills, and more, come together as colleagues to work for a world where justice reigns, peace prevails, and God’s love extends to all people. This community comprises the staff of national entities: the Presbyterian Life & Witness, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Presbyterian Women, Investment and Loan Program, and the Administrative Services Group.
Basic Commitment: This position calls for a commitment to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as noted in its theological confessions, the Book of Order, and the actions of the General Assembly.
Position Purpose: The Ecumenical Liaison appropriately conveys, interprets, and embodies policies and tenets of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (PCUSA), and serves as an active and integral resource to PCUSA ecclesial partners, PCUSA constituents, as well as other strategic partners. The Ecumenical Liaison is to represent, support and ensure appropriate engagement of the PCUSA with ecumenical, global, community-based, civil society and international partnerships around the world as well as diaspora partner relationships in the United States. This is carried out through close collaboration with the Stated Clerk through the Ecumenical & Inter-religious Relations sub area.
The PCUSA US-facing Ecumenical Liaison based in the United States serves as a resource for connection and information between Mid Councils, diaspora communities, partners and PCUSA entities in conjunction with the PCUSA Stated Clerk and appropriate officers of partner denominations, organizations. This individual serves as a facilitator of denominational support for Asian Congregations partner programs, relationships, and activities, and as an implementer of local, regional and/or global strategies.
Ecumenical Liaisons based in the United States will be deployed and located throughout the country, they will also provide support and connection to the appropriate Ecumenical Liaisons in locations around the world. They will report to a manager who is accountable to the director of Global Ecumenical Partnerships.
Roles and Responsibilities:
1. Works with the PL&W Global Ecumenical Partnerships ministry area to develop and implement strategy for each active region of the world, including the United States, through broad, collaborative and ongoing processes involving global partners, associates for ecumenical partnerships, and PCUSA constituents. The strategy is guided by General Assembly directives and directional goals.
2. Creates common spaces for information sharing and decision-making where concerns, initiatives, needs of strategic global partners, and the PCUSA are communicated with clarity to each other (i.e. Presbytery and congregational partnerships, mission networks, partnership networks, mission support groups, global partners, mission committees or other structures) as they engage together. This includes being a resource at the PCUSA General Assembly, for commissioners and delegates.
3. Stays well-informed of events and developments in the area and interprets the life and witness of global partners to the PCUSA constituencies in order to strengthen solidarity among partners. Provides strong support to Communications team. Of particular focus for US based Ecumenical Liaisons is the ongoing relationship of diaspora communities throughout the US and in specific regions of the country.
4. Represent effectively PCUSA to international partners, ecumenical entities, as directed by the Stated Clerk and IUA leadership, at meetings and consultations. Connect with Mid Councils and interpret policies, terms of agreement for visiting/transferring ordained teaching elders/pastors, members, and other constituent relationships. Participate in meetings, as requested, and as appropriate.
5. Monitor financial disbursements to partners, according to PCUSA grants policy, providing accompaniment and assistance with systems and procedures, as appropriate and necessary.
6. Assist in developing security and other humanitarian assistance plans for the specific region, in case of need.
7. This position maintains a home base in the United States, while also providing connection and resourcing to (name of diaspora community), (name of Mid Council), and (name of stakeholder organization, applicable).
Additional Information/Benefits:
- Bachelor's degree, with relevant work experience; Master's degree preferred.
- At least 4 years of experience in cross-cultural or international ministry, preferably toward an understanding of the PCUSA
- Faith commitment to Jesus Christ and strong Christian witness in the Reformed tradition
- Sense of call to this position
- Understanding/comprehension of the PCUSA constitution
- Knowledge of and commitment to the ecumenical witness and ministry of the PCUSA as expressed through policies and practices of the General Assembly
- Language skills appropriate to the region
- Networking capabilities; cultivation of relationships
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; good listening skills
- Strong interpersonal skills, able to relate well with a wide and inclusive diversity of people
- Demonstrated skills in working in a team relationship by development, nurture, evaluation/assessment, reflection, analysis, and discernment
- Able to maintain emotional balance under stress and able to respond appropriately to emotions and emotionally-charged situations
- History of accountability and transparency
- Able to be a respectful presence
- Able and open to learning from others
Helpful Skills
- Leadership in contexts of church, faith communities, neighborhood/village communities, non-government organizations
- Training, meeting facilitation and/or public speaking
- Project and time management; record-keeping
- Social media savvy
Required Competencies
- Able to function effectively as a representative of the PCUSA; to be the embodiment of the denominational constitution, policies and practices.
- Self-motivated
- Organized
Physical Requirements:
- Travel required (domestic and international)
- Requires the ability to work evening/weekend hours on occasion to support events/programs/travel
- Requires the ability to see, hear, speak, type, write, and move from one location to another while performing tasks
We believe a balanced life, with time for work, leisure, and spiritual nurture, makes us healthier and more productive colleagues.
PC(USA) offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees including
- Defined Pension Plan
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Basic Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Flexible Spending accounts
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
- Vacation Days
- Sick Days
- Paid Holidays
PCUSA Commitment:
Our faith in God inspires our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and is grounded in scripture, the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and actions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the U.S. government, including gender identity and sexual orientation.
Candidates from Presbyterian communities in the global south and other historic Presbyterian Communities of Color, preferably with theological training and fluency in languages other than English, are encouraged to apply.
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