General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Chicago, Illinois 60025
Full Time , Remote
Mandate from the Book of Discipline
The primary purpose of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women shall be to challenge The United Methodist Church, including its general agencies, institutions, and connectional structures, to a continuing commitment to the full and equal responsibility and participation of women in the total life and mission of the Church, sharing fully in the power and in the policy-making at all levels of the Church's life.
Such commitment will confirm anew recognition of the fact that The United Methodist Church is part of the universal church, rooted in the liberating message of Jesus Christ, that recognizes every person, woman or man, as a full and equal part of God's human family.
The general commission shall function as an advocate with and on behalf of women individually and collectively within The United Methodist Church; as a catalyst for the initiation of creative methods to redress inequities of the past and to prevent further inequities against women within The United Methodist Church; and as a monitor to ensure inclusiveness in the programmatic and administrative functioning of The United Methodist Church. (¶2102 BOD).
The commission shall assist in addressing the problem of sexual misconduct in the church. The commission shall provide leadership in providing resources for the prevention of and education about misconduct of a sexual nature, training opportunities for clergy and laity, policy and procedural recommendations for transformative and administrative fair processes, victim/survivor support, and congregational healing. The commission shall promote interagency coordination through its leadership of the Interagency Sexual Ethics Task Force and by assisting annual conferences, local churches, councils, boards, commissions, schools of theology, and other related institutions in witnessing to healthy boundaries within ministerial relationships. (¶ 2103.11 BOD).
Who is The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women?
GCSRW is a prophetic agency that advocates for women and challenges the worldwide United Methodist Church to empower women in every aspect of life within our beloved church. We work collaboratively as a diverse staff from varying regions, experiences and demographics. This work requires high levels of self-motivation and energy, the ability to stay on task, excellent communication skills and strong work ethic. We prioritize team work, integrity and courage as paramount for being a member of this staff. Though our work is hard and circumstances can at times be very challenging, we seek freedom, healing and redemption for all as we combat injustice and seek to bring about the transformation of our church and world. We believe we do this best when we are kind, honest and persistent in our work, which helps to create the Beloved Community of God where all are included and belong. We also recognize we must have the balance of life and work so that we too experience abundant life while we strive for equality and justice for all.
The Role of the Director of Sexual Ethics
The Director Sexual Ethics oversees sexual misconduct/harassment prevention and intervention in the United Methodist Church. Their work seeks to provide “resources for the prevention of and education about misconduct of a sexual nature, training opportunities for clergy and laity, policy and procedural recommendations for transformative and administrative fair processes, victim/survivor support, and congregational healing” (¶2103.11 BOD). The Director of Sexual Ethics is a key staff member who responds to complainants with grace and wisdom while offering consistent non-anxious support. They challenge the institution at all levels to hold accountable those who have broken sacred trust and caused harm, while seeking healing for all.
Essential Job Functions
- Establish healthy relationships with bishops, cabinets, Reponses Teams, agencies, etc. so as to be a resource for consultation, and help set comprehensive policies that address sexual misconduct.
- Develop and create resources for all levels of leadership within the UMC. Currently trainings and online resources include:
1. Ethics/boundaries for clergy
2. Response to sexual misconduct complaints for Cabinets
3. Response to sexual misconduct complaints for District Superintendents
4. Training to establish a Bishop’s Response Team for healing
5. Do No More Harm online comprehensive guide for the complaint process
- Coordinate and convene the Intra-Agency Sexual Ethics Task Force and guide in creating and facilitating the Do No Harm quadrennial training along with other necessary resources.
- Provide support and advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct and harassment by informing complainants on the process available to them under the Book of Discipline and their annual conferences.
- Recommend legislative and structural changes to the Book of Discipline to help our worldwide church live fully into our call to be the Beloved Community that seeks to model Jesus’ integrity.
- Maintain up to date resources and reference materials for those seeking information on Just Resolutions and the Complaint Process.
- Other work as the General Secretary identifies.
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in related field i.e. psychology, social work, theology, law, etc.
- Knowledge of UMC polity, organization, and structures.
- 4 or more years working with victims of sexual misconduct, mediation, conflict resolution, victims’ rights advocacy, and/or gender issues.
- 3 or more years of experience with UMC legislative work.
- Intercultural knowledge and competency are preferred.
- Experience with creation and development of training materials and leading trainings; proficient with Articulate Storyline Training tool or similar technology.
- Great proficiency with PC computer with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel; cell phone (text-message proficient), Zoom, Canva, Articulate, etc.
Working Conditions:
- This is a full-time position that is done remotely.
- There is around 35% travel, including possible international travel. Must be able to manage up to 50lbs of luggage when traveling.
- Requires a commitment to confidentiality and sensitivity.
- Requires intentional plan for self-care and boundaries.
- Valid driver’s license and eligible for passport is required.
Salary Range: Grade 17
Salary dependent upon experience within the range of $90,000 – $105,000
Applications are being accepted until May 15, 2025.
To apply please send your resume, cover letter and 2 professional references to GCSRW General Secretary, Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, at [email protected].
GCSRW is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, all genders, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks. No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms.
Organization: General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Contact: Rev. Stephanie York Arnold
Phone: 8004564900
Closing Date: 05/15/2025
