Scope of the Position

The Chief Administrative Officer, in partnership with the General Secretary, will communicate a clear and compelling vision that inspires administrative and ministry leaders and ministry partners to advance the binational mission of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). The Chief Administrative Officer will support and participate in the work of synod, the Council of Delegates, and other ministry boards, councils, and task committees. The Chief Administrative Officer will ensure that the CRCNA ministry agencies and partners work in partnership to support and advance the CRCNA Ministry Plan.

The Chief Administrative Officer, as a member of the Office of General Secretary, has the administrative authority and accountability to guide and oversee the leadership, strategy, and performance of the CRCNA administration, ministry agencies, and ministry partners. The Chief Administrative Officer will oversee administrative and support services needed to advance the ministry plan in such areas as governance and compliance, joint ministry plans, finance and budgets, human resources, facilities, and transportation.

Reports to

The Chief Administrative Officer is accountable to and serves at the pleasure of the General Secretary.

Supervises and Oversees

The Chief Administrative Officer supervises members of the ministry leadership team.

Partnerships and Critical Relationships
The Chief Administrative Officer, as a member of the Office of General Secretary, works in partnership with the General Secretary and manages the Joint Ministry Agreement process. Joint Ministry Agreements clarify working relationships and accountabilities. Only when they are approved by the relevant Boards and Councils as outlined in the CRCNA Governance Framework are they considered operational and binding.
    a.    General Secretary of the CRCNA: governance agreements, synodical activities, and ecumenical affairs.
    b.    Chief Administrative Officer: administrative affairs.
    c.    Ministry agency leaders and partners: ministry affairs.

Direct Reports

Members that directly report to the Chief Administrative Officer include the ministry directors and leaders as well as administrative directors and leaders as identified in the table of organization.

Roles and Responsibilities

1.    Mission
    a.    Serves as an effective partner with the General Secretary in nurturing a culture that advances the mission and values of the CRCNA.
    b.    Ensures that each ministry agency and ministry partner is strategically and operationally aligned with the mission.
    c.    Ensures that the mission and values shape the organizational culture.

2.    Governance
    a.    Serves as an effective partner in the governance and oversight of the CRCNA.
    b.    Promotes a governance partnership between synod, the Council of Delegates, the Canada and U.S. boards, and ministry boards.
    c.    Expands board capacity, builds board leadership, and promotes best governance practices and continuous improvement.
    d.    Carries out board directives and communicates appropriate information to ministry leaders and partners.

3.    Strategy
    a.    Serves as an effective leader and partner in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the CRCNA Ministry Plan and ensures that it is aligned with the decisions of synod.
    b.    Ensures that the joint ministry planning system advances the priorities in the CRCNA Ministry Plan through the relevant ministry agencies and partners in Canada and the United States.
    c.    Ensures that the culture of the Ministries Leadership Council is based on a cycle of strategic thinking, planning, innovation, and evaluation in the development and implementation of joint ministry plans.

4.    Operations
    a.    Builds an organizational culture that promotes innovation and accountability.
    b.    Brings administrative and ministry leaders and partners together to ensure consistent implementation of synodical and COD policy decisions in Canada and the United States.
    c.    Operates an administrative and ministry leadership system that builds staff capacity, engagement, satisfaction, and succession.
    d.    Oversees capital and operating budgets, ensuring they achieve budget metrics and outcomes.
    e.    Oversees an integrated system of organizational policies and practices that ensures compliance with decisions made by synod, the Council of Delegates, ministry boards, and governmental regulatory bodies.
    f.    Oversees the Joint Ministry Agreement process, including governance, ecumenical, administrative, and ministry agreements.

5.    Communications and Denominational Affairs
    a.    At the request of the General Secretary, participates in ecumenical, classical, and regional church meetings.
    b.    At the request of the Executive Director-Canada, participates in the CRCNA-Canada Board meetings.

6.    Other Duties
        Performs other duties as assigned by the General Secretary.

Qualifications

1.    Characteristics and Commitments
    a.    Exemplifies a strong, vibrant Christian faith marked by spiritual humility and moral integrity.
    b.    Is a member of the CRCNA, or is willing to become a member.
    c.    Understands the life and polity of the CRCNA.
    d.    Possesses the ability to provide exceptional leadership within a multiagency and binational organization.
    e.    Has the capacity to listen and learn.
    f.    Exhibits the ability to bridge diverse perspectives and inspires trust.
    g.    Has executive presence.
    h.    Effectively stewards the authority of the position.
    i.    Demonstrates sound judgment and wisdom in decision-making.
    j.    Has compassion for people who are poor, lost, or disenfranchised.

2.    Education and Experience
    a.    Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as administration, leadership, and organizational development.
    b.    Minimum of ten years of professional experience and a career progression marked by accomplishment through leadership roles in complex environments with a proven record of accomplishment.
    c.    Minimum of five years of senior-level experience in complex organizations that include oversight of administration and finance operations.

3.    Leadership Skills and Experiences
    a.    Working with and/or service on a board of directors, preferably in a leadership role.
    b.    Developing and implementing organizational strategy and ministry plans.
    c.    Overseeing complex operations in public, nonprofit, and/or private companies.
    d.    Leading significant organizational change in complex organizations.
    e.    Bringing people of diverse backgrounds and experiences together to achieve shared strategies, priorities, plans, and/or goals.
    f.    Developing people through coaching, mentoring, and learning and development programs.
    g.    Making complex decisions in an environment of shifting demographics and significant cultural change.