Job Description

Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church

Carmel, Indiana 46280

Full Time , On-Site

Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title of position - Director of Connectional Ministries (DCM)

FLSA Classification – Exempt/Salary

ACA Classification – Regular Full-Time

Supervisor – Bishop/Executive Assistant to the Bishop

Organizational Overview:

The Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by equipping local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church, all to the glory of God.

Overall Position Purpose:

The Director of Connectional Ministries (DCM), has executive functions, and in accordance with ¶608 of The 2020/2024 Book of Discipline, serves as a primary staff leader in aligning and coordinating ministries, programs, resources and leadership systems with the Conference’s mission, vision and strategic priorities, while strengthening connectional relationships among districts, agencies, and local churches.

Strategic Leadership & Conference Alignment:

The DCM shepherds the missional alignment around key priorities:

• Leadership Development- Clergy and Lay

• Ministerial Services in support of The Board of Ordained Ministry

• Discipleship

• Belonging and Inclusion, Mission, Justice, and Community Engagement

• Camping and Outdoor Ministries

• Emerging Leaders (Children and Youth) and Young Adults

• Connectional Engagement

• Innovation and Adaptive Program and Resources

Core Responsibilities:

• Vision and Strategic Leadership: Big Picture Thinker who can strategically connect Conference’s values, ministries, and priorities with mission across the annual conference and provide guidance for prioritizing competing priorities (¶608, ¶610).

• Connectional Coordination: Facilitate collaboration among ministries to ensure resources and efforts are aligned with the Conference’s mission, vision, and values.

• Cabinet Collaboration: Work with the Bishop and Cabinet (¶424.6) to align resources in support of clergy effectiveness.

• Leadership Development: Oversee systems for clergy and lay leadership development (¶631, ¶635–637), and discipleship.

• Supervision: Provide oversight and work in collaboration with key ministry staff and ministry areas.

• Financial Stewardship: Serve with CF&A (¶612.2c) and manage budgets (including Departmental, Board of Ordained Ministry, Ministerial Education Fund, and Grants).

• External Partnerships: Collaborate with general agencies and other organizations to partner with entities and institutions beyond the local church (¶720).

• Culture Building: Foster innovation, accountability, and cultural competency.

• Presence and Participation: Convene and attend meetings with boards, agencies, committees, and team members.

Supervision of staff/volunteers:

• Associate Director of Leadership Development- Ministerial Services

• Administrator of Leadership Development- Ministerial Services

• Associate Director of Leadership Development- Young Leaders and Project Management

• Associate Director of Leadership Development- Laity & Discipleship

• Director of Local Pastor Education

• Director of License to Preach

• Director of Outdoor Ministries

• Associate Director of Belonging and Inclusion

• Associate Director of Community Engagement, Mission and Justice

Organizational Leadership:

Serves on the Conference Strategic Administrative Team, Extended Cabinet, Camping and Outdoor Ministry Board, Heartland Foundation (Education, Grant, and Scholarship Committees).

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, Gifts, and Abilities

• Spiritual: A lay or clergyperson who has a mature faith in Jesus Christ. One who exemplifies their faith through their leadership, with a heart for service and people, and strong commitment to 

the mission of The United Methodist Church.

• Education: Bachelor’s required from an accredited institution of higher education; Master’s or equivalent theological education is highly preferred.

• Experience: Proven and demonstrated executive leadership with the ability to manage people, systems, and processes. Additionally, possess a substantial familiarity with the structure and polity of The United Methodist Church and the Indiana Conference.

• Competencies: Strategic thinking, active listening, team building, collaboration, leadership development, effective written and verbal communication, organizational and administrative management, cultural

intelligence demonstrating both commitment and competency.

Workplace requirements:

• In office position (Carmel, Indiana)

• Ability to travel as needed

• Proficiency with computer technology and application programs, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Database Management

• Access to an internet-enabled mobile phone

• Use of a conference-issued laptop computer with voice and video capabilities

• Administrative support provided for correspondence, financial management, meeting coordination, information management, and supervisory support

Summary

The Director of Connectional Ministries (DCM) serves in collaboration with the Bishop, Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Cabinet, Conference staff, and lay and clergy leadership to ensure the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church is connectional and ALL IN, moving in a strategic and spiritual direction around our core pillars of discipleship, covenant, connection and leadership for missional and transformational impact.

Position Submission Process

In one compiled file, preferably a .pdf, please include the following:

1. A Letter of Interest

2. An updated Resume

3. Completed answers to the following questions:

a. Describe your sense of call to connectional ministry and how your faith shapes your leadership in complex organizational settings.

b. What experience do you have working within the structure and polity of The United Methodist Church, and how have you applied that in leadership?

c. Tell us about a time you led a large or complex organization or ministry through strategic alignment or change. What was your approach and outcome?

d. How do you bring diverse leaders, ministries, or stakeholders into alignment around a shared mission, especially when there is disagreement or siloed work?

e. Given multiple priorities like clergy effectiveness, discipleship, and emerging leaders, how would you decide where to focus energy and resources, and how do you measure success?

Please compile the Letter of Interest, updated Resume, and Answers to: [email protected] no later than Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Initial screening interviews will be conducted April 20 through 24, with in-person interviews with selected finalists on May 4, 2026.

Organization: Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church

Contact: Robin Brown

Phone: 3179241321

Closing Date: 04/22/2026

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