Denomination: Non-Denominational

Weekly Attendance: 5,750

Location: Chicago, IL

The Role: Executive Director

Meet New Life Community Church:

What started as a gathering of 13 people in 1986 has turned into a 27-site (and 10 more overseas) church with a total of 53 worship services. New Life Community Church is a Spirit-led congregation passionate about reaching people for Jesus. The people at New Life are committed to serving those in need through their ministry programs both locally and globally. This rapidly growing and highly diverse church welcomes people to come as they are to grow in their relationships with Christ and in community with each other.

About the Executive Director:

The Executive Director assists the Lead Pastor in providing leadership and overall direction of the church to implement the vision.

The Executive Director’s Responsibilities Include: 

• Support the Lead Pastor in the accomplishment of the church’s mission through ministry effectiveness evaluation, discernment, decision-making, planning, and overall direction of the centralized church staff.
• Provide organizational leadership of day-to-day operations, strategy, and implementation of the church vision.
• Lead the ministry staff in the establishment and ongoing direction of ministries that effectively reach the church’s demographic, ensuring the accomplishment of the overall mission.
• Ensure the operational readiness of the church through leadership and oversight of the support staff performing duties in administration, finance, human resources, and facilities management.
• Facilitate the annual strategic planning process including evaluation of ministry performance; review of mission & vision, development of key objectives and tactics; and establishment of three-year goals.
• Establish and maintain a set of key performance measures (KPMs) that provide the Lead Pastor and church staff with ongoing visibility of the effectiveness of all functional areas of the church.
• Develop annual financial plans that fund the accomplishment of the strategic plan and meet critical financial objectives.
• Lead church planting efforts including development and strategy.
• Champion the development of infrastructure by all ministries and support areas that strengthen the healthy, long-term growth of the church.
• Oversight and delegation of special projects.
• Start-up or development of some ministries and general support for all ministries.
• Assess the current needs of the congregations and opportunities for growing the church and work with the pastors and other leaders to develop appropriate ministry initiatives.
• Perform other ministry duties as assigned by the Lead Pastor.

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Executive Director:

Education & Experience

• Business degree, preferred.
• 7+ years of management, administration, and financial experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent organizational, analytical, financial, and communication skills.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding goals.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines, develop and implement program policies and procedures, and manage changing and competing priorities.
• Able to manage people with different personalities, skill sets, and backgrounds.
• Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of casting and implementing vision (with various generations).
• A strong collaborator, coordinator, and an implementer.
• Demonstrates tact, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters.

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• A spiritually mature Christian in full agreement with New Life’s statement of faith.
• Strong desire to serve Christ and His church.
• Business mind and pastor’s heart.
• Highly relational.
• Strategic thinker.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

What it’s Like to Live in Chicago, IL: 

Chicago, the “city of broad shoulders,” is more than just the third-largest city in the United States. It’s a place where history meets innovation and where global meets local. Nestled right on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago provides a near-perfect balance of big-city living and natural wonders. With 26 miles of public beachfront, 600 parks, and 18.5 miles of trails, residents have many opportunities to explore the beauty of God’s creation—all within a short distance from a vibrant and economically driven downtown. Whether you enjoy museums or sprawling parks, fine dining or coffee shops, physical fitness or quiet contemplation, there’s something for everyone to love.

The cultural environment in the city is world-class. The 35-acre Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in North America, hosts a wide variety of exhibits and fun holiday activities for the whole family. Not only is it located next to our church, but best of all, admission is free! The city’s museum campus—housing the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History—is located in the South Loop, right on Lake Michigan. The renowned Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, is the city’s #1 attraction. And for music lovers, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Music Festival, and Ravinia Festival provide ample opportunity for audiophiles.

Chicago’s 77 vibrant and diverse neighborhoods also provide an amazing variety of experiences, both cultural and culinary. The city is undergoing a public-space renaissance, with new outdoor trails opening up opportunities for recreation and exploration. Public transportation options include the elevated train (commonly known as the L), bike sharing, and even river taxis. Chicago’s culture exudes midwestern friendliness (yes, it’s real!) and more conservative values than other major cities in the United States. And our public and private schools are improving every year—a major reason why so many young professionals are moving to Chicago.