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).
There shall be in each annual conference, including the central conferences, a conference commission on the status and role of women or other structure to provide for these functions and maintain the connectional relationships.
1. The responsibility of this commission shall be in harmony with the responsibility of the general commission (see¶2103), with the following objectives established as guidelines for adaptation to the needs of the respective annual conferences:
a) To be informed about the status and role of all women in the total life of the conference. Data shall be gathered that relate to all structural levels of the conference, including the local church.
Such information will be regularly updated and disseminated:
b) To initiate cooperation with United Methodist Women at the annual conference level and other levels as appropriate in order to achieve full participation of women in the decision-making structures.
c) To develop ways to inform and sensitize the leadership within the conference at all levels on issues that affect women, which shall be projected into and through all districts within the conference by the commission.
d) To focus on major priorities of issues related to women, which may include sexual harassment policies and procedures, and to enlist the support of the bishop, cabinet, and conference staff in policies, plans, and practices related to those priorities.
e) To advise the general commission about the progress and effectiveness of efforts to achieve full participation of women in the life of the Church.
f) To participate in connectional programs and plans initiated or recommended by the general commission, and to utilize the resources available from the general commission as needed. (¶644.1 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.
Role of The Director of Leadership Development and Community Engagement
The Director of Leadership Development and Community Engagement initiates contact and engages with leaders and ministries throughout our United Methodist connection to support the development of healthy and inclusive Christian leaders who “challenge The UMC through 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 the policy-making at all levels of the Church’s life” (BOD 2102). The Director of Leadership Development and Community Engagement is a key staff position to help set vision, offer direction and clearly communicate the mission and ministry of the GCSRW in engaging ways. They actively build community with Annual Conference COSROWs across the connection and maintain a vital and vibrant presence through our website and social media so that collaboration, communication and connection facilitate engagement and advocates for the full inclusion of women.
Essential Job Functions
- Train, resource, support and strategize with annual conference COSROWs (or equivalent justice-based and accountability structure within the US and Central Conferences) to “achieve full participation of women in the life of the church.” (¶644.1 BOD)
- Identify annual conference and local church needs for the nurturing of clergy and lay women in leadership roles and create resources and curriculum, including those focused on emerging issues in our worldwide UMC regarding the full inclusion of women.
- Ideate and create engaging social media content to connect local AC COSROWS and tell the story of GCSRW’s work of advocacy within the worldwide UMC.
- Recommend legislative and structural changes for The UMC to allow additional accountability for all branches and structures of The UMC related to the full inclusion of women.
- Advocate for individuals and groups of people who face gender discrimination, including intersectionality of race, sexuality and/or ethnicity as factors.
- Other work as the General Secretary identifies.
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in related field.
- Knowledge of gender/women issues, leadership, conflict management, and United Methodist structure and polity.
- Great proficiency with PC computer with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel; cell phone (text-message proficient), Zoom, Canva, Articulate, etc.
- 3 years working with COSROW or other justice related organizations at some level within The UMC or the equivalent in the public or private sector or in another faith-based organization.
- Experience building grassroots relationships and community organizing.
- Ability to create social media content and knowledge of what trends create viral content to reach more people on social media platforms such as BlueSky, Meta, TikTok, etc.
Working Conditions:
- This is a full-time position that is done remotely.
- There is around 30% travel, including possible international travel. Must be able to manage up to 50lbs of luggage when traveling.
- Must be a “people person” who quickly builds trust, takes initiative and has confidence in building relationships among a diverse constituency.
- Valid driver’s license and eligible for passport is required.
Salary Range: Grade 14
Salary dependent upon experience within the range of $75,000 – $90,000
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
