Director of Missional Innovation

Susquehanna Conference

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17050

Full Time , On-Site

Purpose

The Director of Missional Innovation is a member of the Connectional Ministries team, leading efforts that cultivate a culture of innovation and experimentation, develop pathways of new places for new people, launch new faith communities, and nurture fresh expressions of faith communities. This role advances our shared vision of forming passionate disciples who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously – so that lives, communities, and the world may be transformed by the healing and liberating love of Jesus Christ.

Essential Functions

• In consultation with the Director of Connectional Ministries, develop, implement, oversee, and evaluate strategies, programs, and initiatives that support new and emerging ministries – so that the Susquehanna Conference can:
• Initiate new faith communities rooted in contextual relevance and spiritual vitality
• Cultivate fresh expression of church that engage diverse populations and emerging generations
• Experiment with innovative, regenerative ministry models that are forward-looking, adaptable, and missionally grounded
• Train, develop and deploy teams of practitioners who accompany local churches, ministry teams, clergy, and laity in their strategic work – offering guidance, tools, and encouragement as they discern and develop new faith communities.
• Collaborate with the District Superintendents to strategically assess population areas with high potential for new faith communities
• Take responsibility for ongoing assessments of the fruitfulness of new worshipping communities across the Annual Conference, offering coaching guidance, and training where necessary
• Curate and cultivate resources equipping leaders and churches to increase capacity for entrepreneurialism, experimentation, and innovation
• Guide new faith communities through the process of mergers, adoptions, or becoming chartered, including managing the financial development to establish apportionment (Shares of Ministry) payments
• Design and facilitate resourcing and equipping events – including workshops, cohort sessions, and experiential learning opportunities – that strengthen leadership development for clergy and laity. Other Organizational Responsibilities
• Participate in national and jurisdictional networks to develop working relationships with other Congregational Development offices.
• Serve as a non-voting member of the Grow-Equip team of the Annual Conference for the planning, executing, and evaluating of grant requests. And, for the planning, executing, and evaluating of clergy and laity learning opportunities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Connectional Ministries.

Core Competencies

• Christ-centered and Christ-like
• Committed to gracefully ministering and journeying alongside people from different walks of life and theological perspectives
• Committed to continuously growing in intercultural competence
• Build and maintain relationships rooted in honesty, integrity, and honor confidentiality
• Work collaboratively to produce innovative solutions
• Communicate clearly and accurately, in writing and orally, with unifying messages that motivate action
• Inspire and influence people to achieve challenging goals and positive results
• Manage the performance of team members, setting clear and measurable goals.
• Understand complex systems and organizations and lead people through change, disruption, and difference
• Attend to details and due dates
• Willingness and ability to support the mission, vision, and core values of The United Methodist Church and the Susquehanna Conference
• Extensive knowledge of the structure and polity of The United Methodist Church

Qualifications

• Ten years ministry experience and active participation in The United Methodist Church preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in related field, Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or similar graduate degree in theology, ministry, or a related field preferred
• Management experience in supervising a diverse staff team
• Experience in creating and managing complex budgets
• Experience in leading and managing change
• Experience in leading and managing complex projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Moderate/advanced knowledge of MS Office 365 Suite and Google Workspace

Travel

The position requires evening and weekend responsibilities, extensive travel within SUS, and some travel outside the region. This position works from the Conference Center in Mechanicsburg, PA.

Organization: Susquehanna Conference

Contact: Christine Sims

Phone: 7177667441

Closing Date: 02/13/2026