Church Engagement Manager

Position Summary

Creation Justice Ministries (CJM) seeks a Church Engagement Manager to lead our church engagement initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Theological Education and Formation, this part-time role (20 hours/week) focuses on managing and executing programs that equip congregations to integrate ecological justice and climate action into their ministries. The role includes a strong administrative component, supporting logistics, communications, and coordination across multiple program areas.

The Church Engagement Manager will oversee recruitment, onboarding, implementation, and impact tracking. This role requires a skilled program manager with experience in church-based leadership development, faith-rooted organizing, and collaborative engagement with diverse stakeholders.

This grant-funded position is secured through the end of 2026, with the possibility of renewal.

Responsibilities and Tasks

Program Leadership & Management

• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of CJM’s church engagement programs.
• Coordinate program development, recruitment, onboarding, and support systems for participating congregations.
• Support denominational and network leaders as they mentor churches through CJM program pathways.
• Track participation, designation, renewal, and outcomes; share success stories and learnings.
• Expand digital learning tools and offerings, including online webinars, workshops, and course offerings.

Denominational and Church Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for churches involved in CJM programs.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with denominational leaders and ecumenical partners.
• Represent CJM at denominational meetings, conferences, and church events.
• Support local church leaders in implementing faith-rooted climate action.

Training, Events, and Community Building

• Plan and organize leadership trainings, workshops, and retreats to equip faith communities for climate action.
• Develop and facilitate peer-learning networks for clergy, lay leaders, and denominational staff.
• Manage all event logistics, including scheduling, registration, communications, materials preparation, and follow-up.
• Coordinate virtual and in-person gatherings, ensuring smooth execution of technical and logistical needs.

Grant & Program Administration

• Manage grant-funded programs, ensuring successful execution of deliverables.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and impact, reporting to funders and partners.
• Work with the Director of Theological Education and Formation to secure funding for continued program development.
• Maintain organized digital files and program documentation to support reporting and knowledge-sharing.

Advocacy & Policy Engagement

• In collaboration with Policy and Advocacy Manager, assist congregations in coordinating grassroots actions and campaigns

Flexibility and Adaptability:

The Church Engagement Manager should be prepared to adapt to evolving organizational needs, actively contributing to additional projects that align with Creation Justice Ministries’ mission.

Experience and Skills

• Required:
  • 5+ years of experience in program management, nonprofit leadership, or church-based engagement.
  • Strong organizational and process-management skills, with experience handling multiple complex programs simultaneously.
  • Ability to track program metrics, manage data, and translate findings into strategic improvements.
  • Strong administrative skills, including scheduling, file management, and coordination of events and communications.
  • Skilled at creating and executing scalable program workflows.
  • Familiarity with CRM systems, data management, and impact measurement tools.
  • Experience working in ecumenical and multi-racial faith contexts.
  • Program management experience, including program evaluation and reporting.
• Preferred:
  • Experience managing church certification or membership-based programs.
  • Background in community organizing, adult education, or leadership formation.
  • Knowledge of climate science, environmental justice, and policy advocacy.
  • Theological training or degree (Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, or equivalent theological education).

Work Environment & Travel

• Remote position, with periodic travel to conferences, denominational gatherings, and program sites.
• Flexible scheduling, including occasional evening and weekend events.

Creation Justice Ministries offers a values-driven, flexible work environment with benefits designed to support the wellbeing of our part-time staff. As a 20-hour/week employee, benefits for this role are prorated and include:

Paid Time Off:

• Up to 10 vacation days annually, prorated based on hours worked
• Up to 5 personal leave days, prorated
• 12 days of sick leave accrued annually, prorated
• Bereavement leave and paid time off for voting and jury duty

Holidays:

• Up to 16 paid holidays annually, including a two-week winter holiday closure and a paid day off for your birthday (when possible)

Parental Leave:

• Up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees

Health Insurance:

• Health insurance coverage for employee and dependents, prorated for part-time status

Wellness Benefit:

• Annual $450 wellness stipend for fitness, recreation, and health-related expenses

Retirement:

• Eligibility for 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer contribution, contingent on at least a 3% employee contribution

Professional Development & Travel:

• Support for professional development and full reimbursement of approved travel costs related to the role

Remote and Flexible Work:

• Fully remote work with flexible scheduling in alignment with program needs and supervisor approval