Circle Urban Ministries

Organizational Overview:

Circle Urban Ministries ( CUM ), a Christian Community Development organization (see CCDA.org), provides holistic ministry through its affiliates and strategic partnerships to serve the needs of the community.  Founded in 1974 and based in the Austin community on Chicago ’s West side, Circle Urban Ministries exists to transform lives and community through the applied power of the whole gospel of Jesus Christ. 

We currently have an opening for a Director of Operations, a key member of our executive leadership team. We seek an individual of Christian faith with a broad general management skill set, and sensitivity to managing and working across cultural, socioeconomic and racial lines, to join us in achieving our mission.

Position Focus:

The person in this position works closely with the CUM Executive Director and leadership team to drive organizational priorities. Key areas of focus include financial oversight, risk management, human resources processes, operational relationships with affiliates and partners, and technology management.

The Director of Operations oversees and directs all administrative matters relating to the daily operations of Circle Urban Ministries, including the development and deployment of systems and processes, and risk management.  The Director also collaborates with CUM affiliates and strategic partners on operational issues, provides support to the Board of Directors, and consults with outside counsel on legal issues as required.

The role influences and interacts with the executive leadership team, affiliates and strategic partners, CUM staff and the Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Works with the Finance Committee to develop, review and gain approval for the annual budget
• Provide general financial oversight through the preparation of monthly financial statements, manage the annual audit process, and provide oversight for facilities contacts and leases
• Review and establish controls across all areas of potential exposure to mitigate the risk of financial loss and to protect the reputation of Circle Urban Ministries
• Ensure the effective development and execution of all HR processes – recruiting, hiring, position profiles, orientation, policies, benefits and compensation
• Identify and grow high performing talent, conducting effective performance reviews and providing opportunities for development
• Set clear performance standards and hold people accountable for delivering results and demonstrating behaviors consistent with Circle Urban Ministries’ values and mission
• Support the work of the Board of Directors through attendance at monthly meetings and working with the Financial and Human Resources committees
• Manage relationship with outsource vendors and service providers, including developing Service Level Agreements to evaluate quality of services relative to needs.

Required Experience & Skills

Minimum of 15 years of Operational, Financial, or General Management experience; non-profit experience is a plus.  Strong strategic, communication and listening skills are required for this position, as is the ability to influence both internal and external audiences.  

Must have proven results in building credible, effective working relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders, and be able to balance the strategic and tactical aspects of the job.  Other requirements include the ability to identify, select, develop and grow talent, and to integrate faith in an inclusive manner that drives achievement of the mission.  A high degree of personal integrity is critical. 

Critical Skills & Competencies:

• Demonstrated personal commitment to disadvantaged people
• Strong alignment with Circle’s mission
• Effective and Candid Communication
• Learning Orientation
• Relationship Management
• Leading and Managing Change
• Leveraging Diversity & Inclusion
• Decision Making
• Consulting & Coaching

Education:

Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred. 

At Circle Urban Ministries, we work together to transform lives and community through the applied power of the whole gospel of Jesus Christ.  If you are an exceptional Christian leader who is passionate about people, urban ministry and impacting lives, we want to hear from you.  We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. For consideration please submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history, no later than June 30, 2008 via e-mail to:

 Shirley Jackson at shirleyj@circleurban.org