Director of Community Engagement and Discipleship

University United Methodist Church is a reconciling, intergenerational, and diverse congregation with deep and historic ties to the University of Maryland and its surrounding community. Our church focuses on building loving relationships, committed to bettering the world and life-long learning, in order to share the love of Christ and through it to transform our community.

The Director of Community Engagement and Discipleship position works with the Senior Pastor and UUMC leadership to build partnerships between the congregation and local organizations in order to address needs within the UMD and College Park community. This position’s focus will be to lead this work, while equipping and organizing UUMC lay leaders in ministries of community outreach, charity and social justice.

Community Partnerships

• Identify and build relationships with organizations and leaders from the UMD and College Park communities through on-going 1-1s and collaborative projects/efforts.
• Build connections and missional efforts between UUMC, the Terp HUB and the University of Maryland
• Establish building-use partnerships with organizations and individuals whose stated goals align with the ministry priorities of UUMC.
• Help provide support to UUMC lay leaders and their ministries that address community needs (ie Loaves and Fishes, CUCE, Shelter, etc.)

Fundraising and Development Work

• Research and identify potential funding sources
• Write grant applications and proposals
• Submit reports on grants already received
• Build and maintain relationships with donors and sponsors

Discipleship and Leadership Development

• Develop, lead and direct Social Justice programming and team by engaging UUMC leaders with Social Justice organizations in the surrounding area.
• Work with UUMC Lay leaders to develop ministries that address stated Visioning Team priorities in the surrounding community.
• Connect and oversee hospitality for UMD students
• Assist Senior Pastor in providing leadership and support to UUMC’s Visioning Team as they;
  • Discern the mission and vision of UUMC
  • Launch or redevelop ministries that align with their goals
  • And potentially establish a 501C3 organization to address housing and food insecurity, as well as loneliness and mental health needs in the UMD/College Park Community.

Pastoral Responsibilities

• Occasional pastoral duties as agreed upon by the pastor that could include congregational care, preaching, teaching, planning/leading events and programs

Requirements & Skills Needed:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Outreach and community organizing experience
• Strong interpersonal and relational skills (people-centered work)
• Evidence of creating a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity and antiracism
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Organized, punctual and proficient with technology
• Candidates with faith based organizing or discipleship experience preferred

Supervisor: Senior Pastor at UUMC

Part-time: Average of 20-25 hours per week. Salary depends upon experience.

To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to our Office Administrator Alice La Russo at office@uumcp.org