Executive Director of Unity Communities and Leaders

Position Summary: The executive director of Unity Communities and Leaders (UC&L) provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for Unity churches and ministries globally. This role is responsible for establishing and sustaining a national ministry network, supporting churches and leaders through training programs and resources, assisting with ministerial placement, providing a comprehensive suite of support services, and supervising a dedicated team to ensure the mission and values of Unity are upheld across all communities. The executive director fosters collaboration, leads national and global initiatives, and ensures operational excellence in support of the evolving spiritual movement called Unity.

Essential Job Functions:

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Develop and implement a national and global strategic framework to unify and support Unity ministries and leaders.
• Provide visionary leadership in the development of programs, services, and resources, ensuring alignment with Unity's mission, values, and evolving movement model.
• Drive innovation and sustainability across the Unity network.
• Cultivate and lead a dynamic strategy that expands the reach and impact of Unity's spiritual message—locally, nationally, and globally.

Church and Ministerial Support

• Serve as the primary connection point between Unity World Headquarters and Unity ministries.
• Provide training, tools, resources, and governance consultation to help churches and leaders operate effectively and ethically.
• Assess community needs and implement scalable programs that strengthen congregational health and vitality.
• Oversee the ministerial hiring process in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Partner with the leader overseeing educational programs and development to cultivate a strong, diverse ministerial pipeline.
• Develop systems for ongoing mentoring, professional development, and pastoral care for Unity ministers.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Represent Unity ministries in national, regional, and ecumenical gatherings.
• Advocate internally for the needs of churches and ministers to inform policy, programming, and resource allocation.
• Foster partnerships with New Thought and interfaith organizations to expand Unity's reach and relevance.

Grassroots Movement-Building and Organizing Expertise

• Leads the design and execution of strategies that build and sustain a thriving grassroots movement aligned with Unity's mission, fostering inclusive participation and decentralized leadership models across communities.
• Develops frameworks and initiatives that empower local leaders, strengthen community engagement, and cultivate shared ownership in advancing Unity's message and presence.
• Oversees the implementation of systems and practices that support volunteer mobilization, community organizing, and leadership development rooted in spiritual principles and servant leadership.
• Collaborates with internal teams, Unity ministries, and partner organizations to align grassroots strategies with organizational goals, ensuring a unified yet locally adaptable approach.
• Guides the integration of values-based organizing principles into communications, programming, and outreach, ensuring authenticity, inclusiveness, and sustainability.
• Evaluates emerging opportunities and best practices in grassroots movement-building to strengthen the reach, impact, and growth of the Unity movement globally.

Operational and Administrative Leadership

• Develop and manage departmental goals, policies, and budget in alignment with organizational strategy.
• Maintain up-to-date records and tracking systems for ministerial support, hiring, and ministry engagement.
• Ensure transparent, effective communication across Unity's ministry network.
• Lead, mentor, and manage staff and/or contractors supporting global community initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with Unity's values and strategic goals.
• Oversee team development, goal setting, performance management, and professional growth.
• Assess and evolve Unity's operational practices to support standardized governance and ministry excellence.

Qualifications:

• Must be a credentialed Unity minister (or in the process of credentialing with strong supporting experience).
• Minimum of five years of ministerial leadership, including experience as a senior or lead minister within a Unity or New Thought ministry.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff or leading cross-functional teams.
• Ability to coach, develop, and manage a high-performing team in a mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex initiatives, building community networks, or guiding organizations through change.
• Experience supporting or collaborating with boards, regional chapters, or national bodies within a faith-based or nonprofit setting.
• Strong understanding of Unity principles, mission, and values.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel as needed to support Unity ministries globally.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to implement and manage complex programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ten or more years of progressive leadership in Unity or related organizations.
• Experience developing, working in or managing regional/national ministry models or association networks.
• Training in nonprofit governance, organizational development, or ministerial coaching/mentoring.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate conflict resolution and facilitate organizational alignment.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Vision and Systems Thinking: Ability to see the "big picture," anticipate long-term needs, and align national and global Unity efforts with organizational mission and vision. Demonstrates capacity to design and implement sustainable ministry frameworks and structures.
• Faith-Based Leadership and Spiritual Presence: Models Unity principles and serves as a spiritual leader who inspires trust, hope, and engagement across diverse ministries. Demonstrates ministerial presence and discernment in times of change or conflict.
• Relationship Building and Collaboration: Skilled in building strong, trusting relationships with ministers, boards, regional leaders, and partner organizations. Fosters connection and shared purpose across geographically dispersed communities.
• Change Leadership and Innovation: Leads through organizational evolution with clarity and compassion. Introduces creative approaches to ministry models, minister placement, and church revitalization. Leads with empathy and accountability, builds cohesive teams, and supports staff growth and engagement.
• Ministerial Development and Support: Provides guidance, coaching, and care for ministers at various stages of their journey. Collaborates effectively with education/training teams to support the ministerial pipeline.
• Governance and Nonprofit Acumen: Understands and supports strong board governance, nonprofit structures, and operational compliance. Helps church boards function effectively and in alignment with Unity's values.
• Conflict Resolution and Emotional Intelligence: Skilled in navigating sensitive situations with grace, empathy, and professional maturity. Brings a calming, balanced presence to interpersonal and organizational tensions.
• Communication and Advocacy: Serves as a compelling spokesperson for the Unity movement—both internally and externally. Advocates for the needs of Unity communities and clearly communicates initiatives and expectations.
• Cultural and Interfaith Awareness: Demonstrates respect for diverse spiritual expressions and cultural identities. Engages effectively across varied communities with inclusiveness and open-mindedness.
• Grassroots Leadership and Movement Building: Demonstrates deep understanding of grassroots organizing and decentralized leadership principles. Skilled at mobilizing local leaders, volunteers, and communities to cocreate and sustain inclusive, values-based initiatives. Fosters empowerment, shared ownership, and scalable growth within the broader Unity movement.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

N/A Not Applicable Activity - Not applicable to this occupation

O Occasionally Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time hrs/day)

F Frequently Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time hrs/day)

C Constantly Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

C Indoor Work

N/A Outdoor Work

O Excessive Noise/Decibels

C Sitting/Workstation

C Use of Hands/Fingers

O Climb - Stairs/Ladders

O Lifting 10 Max lbs.

N/A Traveling outside campus

O Carry 10 Max lbs.

O Reach (circle): Overhead

N/A Exposure to Hazards

N/A Push/Pull Equipment

N/A Exposure to Temperatures

C Read/See

O Standing/Walking

C Talk/Communicate

O Stoop/Kneel/Crouch/Crawl

N/A Taste/Smell

C Operate Computer

N/A Operate Company Vehicles

N/A Personal Protection Equipment

O Operate Company Equipment: Electronic devices, fax, telephone, scanner, copier

Work Environment: Office Environment

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.