A position announcement from the future Living Waters Region, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The future Living Waters Region is seeking a Chief of Staff / Chief Communications Officer, a full-time position reporting to Rev. Dr. William E. Crowder Jr., Regional Minister and President. The person in this role will be Dr. Crowder’s principal strategic and operational partner, helping turn the vision and priorities of the region into faithful action across Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
| Position at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Reports to | Regional Minister and President |
| Status | Full-time |
| Location | Hybrid, within the Living Waters Region (Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin) |
| Ministerial standing | Not required; candidates may or may not be licensed, commissioned, or ordained |
About the role
Congregations in three states become one region on January 1, 2027, and this position sits at the center of that work. The Chief of Staff provides executive leadership, coordinates the work of regional staff, oversees strategic initiatives, strengthens the region’s organizational systems, and leads its communications and public engagement. The role brings together executive administration, organizational development, communications, project management, and, where the candidate’s credentials allow, pastoral leadership.
Ordination is not a requirement for this position. The region welcomes candidates from ministry, nonprofit leadership, organizational management, communications, and related professional fields. A background in Christian ministry, theological education, or the life and polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is beneficial but not required.
What the Chief of Staff will do
Executive leadership and strategic coordination
Serve as Dr. Crowder’s advisor and strategic thought partner, translating his vision into actionable goals and measurable outcomes. Coordinate the regional strategic plan, see Regional Church Council and Executive Committee actions through to completion, lead initiatives Dr. Crowder assigns, prepare executive reports, briefings, and recommendations, and anticipate where the organization needs to grow.
Staff leadership and coordination
Coordinate the work of regional ministry and administrative staff and lead staff meetings when Dr. Crowder is away. Foster collaboration and accountability across ministry teams, assist with staff evaluations and professional development, promote healthy working relationships, and help set clear expectations, responsibilities, and performance goals.
Regional administration and operations
Oversee the region’s operational systems, coordinate annual ministry goals and strategic priorities, and monitor how regional policies and procedures are carried out. Assist with budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation; keep the calendars and timelines for major regional initiatives and events; and find ways to make administrative work simpler and more efficient.
Project management and organizational development
Lead project management for major regional initiatives, building project plans, timelines, and accountability measures and coordinating projects across departments and ministry teams. Monitor progress, clear obstacles, and report outcomes so each project stays aligned with regional priorities. This person will also lead the organizational change that comes with the formation and development of the Living Waters Region. Demonstrated project management experience and expertise are strongly desired.
Chief Communications Officer
Provide strategic leadership for the region’s internal and external communications through a comprehensive regional communications strategy. Oversee newsletters, digital communications, website content, social media, and video; coordinate media relations and public statements in consultation with Dr. Crowder; and strengthen communication with congregations, clergy, ministry partners, and denominational leadership. Develop storytelling that highlights congregational vitality, innovative ministry, and regional impact, guide communication plans for Regional Assemblies and major gatherings, and steward the region’s public identity as the Living Waters Region.
Pastoral and congregational leadership
Depending on the candidate’s ministerial credentials and experience, build relationships with clergy and congregations, offer pastoral support to ministers and congregational leaders, assist congregations during pastoral transitions, take part in installations, ordinations, and special services, support ministerial wellness and leadership development, and represent Dr. Crowder when asked.
Church leadership development
Provide leadership and coordination for ministerial wellness initiatives, clergy leadership development, coaching and mentoring, Healthy Congregation initiatives, new church development and congregational revitalization, and Search and Call support.
Governance support
Provide staff leadership and coordination for the Regional Church Council, the Executive Committee, the Personnel Committee, the Policy and Procedures Committee, the Strategic Planning Team, and other committees and working groups as assigned.
Who we hope to find
Candidates should bring:
- Significant executive, administrative, or organizational leadership experience
- Experience supervising staff and coordinating teams
- Strong project management experience and expertise
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Experience developing and implementing communications strategies
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
- Financial and administrative competence
- High emotional intelligence and skill in managing conflict
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines
- A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism ministry
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin
The work draws on executive and strategic leadership, project management, organizational development, communications and public relations, change management, team building, governance and administration, public speaking and writing, digital communications, and collaborative leadership.
The region is looking for a person of integrity and discretion, emotional and spiritual maturity, and the kind of humility that shows up as collaborative leadership. Creativity and innovation, wisdom and sound judgment, adaptability, cultural competency, strong interpersonal skills, and visionary, strategic thinking will all serve this role well, along with a commitment to the mission of the church.
Wellness, Work, and Worship
The Chief of Staff will champion the three strategic commitments Dr. Crowder has set for the Living Waters Region.
Wellness
Promoting healthy clergy, healthy congregations, and healthy communities.
Work
Advancing the mission of Jesus Christ through innovative ministry, faithful stewardship, and collaborative leadership.
Worship
Encouraging vibrant, Spirit-filled worship that renews disciples and inspires mission.
Together these commitments shape a covenant community that helps congregations, clergy, and ministry partners flourish, helps lay and clergy leaders thrive, and grows the table, sharing the transforming love of Jesus Christ throughout Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
How to apply
Send a cover letter, résumé, and three references, including one from a Disciples minister or lay leader, to Dr. Crowder at [email protected].