Job Description

Job Location: Nashville - Nashville, TN 37212
Position Type: Full TimeThe Chief Officer of Human Resources and Professional Development serves as the senior executive responsible for leading and stewarding the human capital strategy for the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) and its affiliated organizations. This role supports GCFA and oversees a centralized HR ministry services function that provides professional HR support, compliance, workforce strategy, and organizational development services to annual conferences, local churches, general agencies, and partner ministries.
The Chief Officer ensures that people systems, leadership practices, and workplace culture reflect both best-in-class HR standards and GCFA’s financial, ethical, and missional commitments.
Essential Functions
- Develop and implement a connection-wide HR strategy aligned with GCFA’s mission.
- Serve as the principal advisor to the General Secretary and governing bodies on workforce, leadership, compensation, benefits, risk, and organizational health.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Department, including but not limited to implementing personnel policies, overseeing staff training, overseeing the recruitment process, providing compensation expertise, and coordinating the employee performance management system.
- Provide strategic HR support in employee relations, communication, compliance, and payroll operations.
- Foster a culture of dignity, accountability, inclusion, and integrity.
- Lead GCFA’s centralized HR ministry services, providing employee relations and conflict resolution, compensation and benefits guidance, performance management and coaching, policy development and compliance, talent acquisition and succession planning.
- Implement and manage the health and welfare benefits program as designed by the Committee on Personnel Policies and Practices (CPPP) and approved by the GCFA Board of Directors to provide the best, most cost effective medical, dental, life and disability insurance benefits for active and retired employees.
- Resource CPPP, including providing general staff support as well as expertise on updated/new personnel policies and practices.
- Oversee HRIS administration for compensation, benefits, and employee records for employees, bishops, and retirees.
- Oversee professional development activities for GCFA staff and assist with the professional development components of other UMC agencies, as needed.

Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field required. Master’s degree in HR Management, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or related field is strongly preferred.
- SPHR certification (or equivalent) required.
- 12+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including senior executive responsibility.
- 6 to 7 years of benefits and HR management experience.
- Demonstrated experience in complex, multi entity organizations, shared services, or professional services models.
- Prior experience in faith based, nonprofit, or mission driven environments.
- Familiarity with clergy employment, ecclesial governance, or denominational structures is preferred.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, compensation design, and organizational development.
- High emotional intelligence as well as executive presence and board level communication.
- Sound judgment, ethical decision making, and conflict resolution capability.
- Strategic leadership and systems thinking.
- Proficiency with Microsoft applications.

Work Environment & Requirements
- Hybrid work environment based in Nashville, TN
- In office work required on occasion
- Travel up to 25%, international travel may be required
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods; occasional light lifting
Closing Date: February 13, 2026
No Staffing Agencies and Recruitment