The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan is seeking an experienced, relationship-oriented leader to serve as our next Senior Director of Leadership and Learning.
This exciting opportunity is for someone who is passionate about the vitality of local churches, leadership development, and the spiritual practice of generosity. This person will work directly with clergy, congregational leaders, and lay leaders throughout Michigan. This person will help church leaders strengthen their financial stewardship, clarify their mission and vision, and develop the leadership capacity needed to navigate a changing church and world.
About the Position
The Senior Director of Leadership and Learning will play an important role in expanding the Foundation’s presence and services throughout the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing Leaders: Engage high-capacity leaders in developing adaptive leadership skills; mentor new pastors in leadership, administration, and financial oversight; and equip clergy to strengthen their personal financial acumen.
- Strengthening Congregations: Consult with clergy and lay leaders on strategic planning, mission and vision development, church financial stewardship, investment opportunities, capital campaign readiness, and Miracle Sundays.
- Promoting Generosity: Speak in local churches on faith and generosity, curate and share resources on stewardship and leadership development, and encourage a deeper understanding of generosity as a spiritual discipline.
- Building Relationships: Cultivate meaningful relationships with clergy and key lay leaders, connect prospective investment clients and charitable gift prospects with Foundation leadership, and strengthen the Foundation’s role as a trusted partner to local churches and districts.
- Growing Professionally: Participate in denominational and ecumenical networks that encourage professional learning, collaboration, and leadership development.
Who We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of relational leadership, financial stewardship experience, and understanding of congregational life in the Wesleyan tradition.
Qualifications and attributes include:
- Demonstrated financial stewardship and church leadership experience.
- Strong knowledge of United Methodist polity, doctrine, and practice.
- Knowledge of grant writing, grant application development, and grantmaking processes. Experience identifying funding opportunities, preparing compelling grant proposals, and evaluating grant applications is preferred.
- A natural ability to build relationships, develop networks, and earn the respect of clergy and church leaders.
- Experience or demonstrated ability in leadership development, congregational consulting, and strategic planning.
- A collaborative spirit, intellectual curiosity, and an eagerness to continue learning.
- Familiarity with administrative systems, including Salesforce and Microsoft 365, or the ability to learn them.
About the Foundation
Investing. Serving. Transforming.
The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan partners with churches, clergy, and individuals to strengthen ministries through financial stewardship, investment management, charitable giving, and leadership development. Together, we are investing in the people, resources, and leadership that will help congregations flourish and ministries thrive.
Position Details
- Position: Senior Director of Leadership and Learning
- Reports to: Vice President of Church Relations and Leadership Development
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
- Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2027
Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume – both in a pdf format – to jobs@UMFMichigan.org by no later than November 30, 2026.
Help us spread the word!
We encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues and others who may have the experience, gifts, and passion to contribute to the future of congregational leadership and financial stewardship in Michigan.