Job Description

Job Location: Nashville - Nashville, TN 37212
Position Type: Full TimeDirector of Data Services
The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is seeking a Director of Data Services to transform how The United Methodist Church collects, governs, and leverages data to support discipleship, stewardship, and connectional effectiveness. The Director of Data Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the agency’s data services function. This role is responsible for building and sustaining a secure, automated, and analytics-driven data ecosystem that supports data-informed decision making across the United Methodist Church connection. The Director leads initiatives in data governance, automation, and analytical capabilities, ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and strategic value. This position oversees the collection, auditing, and dissemination of official denominational statistics and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to advance data maturity across the connection.
Essential Functions:
- Provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction for the Data Services department, aligning its goals with the broader mission of the General Council on Finance and Administration.
- Lead the development and implementation of data governance frameworks to ensure data privacy, security, accuracy, and compliance by assigning data stewards, defining data standards, and establishing policies for data access and retention.
- Oversee the implementation of automated data pipelines, validation processes, and scalable infrastructure to improve data quality, reduce manual effort, and support real time data availability.
- Expand the organization’s analytic capabilities by deploying self-service tools, predictive modeling, and training programs that empower staff to derive insights and make data-driven decisions.
- Manage the collection, processing, and dissemination of official Church statistics, ensuring timely and accurate reporting through effective team leadership and project management.
- Build and maintain relationships with key partners across the connection and oversee departmental budgeting, project prioritization, and vendor relationships.

Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in data management, social sciences, economics, or business required. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years in data analytics or data management.
- Proven experience leading data governance, automation, or analytics initiatives.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex data projects.
- Strong SQL skills required, familiarity with modern data platforms and tools preferred.
- Certifications in data governance, analytics, or project management are a plus.
Additional Considerations:
- Remote position with occasional travel to Nashville, TN for required attendance at in-person board meetings.
- Must be willing to travel occasionally.
- Generous paid vacation and sick / personal leave!
- Excellent health, welfare, and retirement benefits package!
- Twelve paid holidays!
Closing Date: February 28, 2026
GCFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.
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