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United Methodist Church

Director of Benefits and Human Resources

United Methodist Church, Des Moines, Iowa, United States,


Director of Benefits and Human Resources

The Greater Northwest Area (GNW) of The United Methodist ChurchLocation:

Des Moines, Washington 98198Job Type:

Full TimeThe Greater Northwest Area (GNW) of The United Methodist Church is actively seeking a

Director of Benefits and Human Resources

to oversee all aspects of the GNW’s Benefits and Human Resources Department. This role is responsible for benefit administration and programming for GNW active and retired clergy, Conference and Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries staff; budget coordination; cash, investment, and trust management. The ideal candidate will also be responsible for administering the GNW human resource policies in collaboration with the Area Human Resources Personnel Committee.The GNW encompasses ministries in four states (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) and British Columbia supported by three Conferences (Alaska, PNW, Oregon-Idaho) within this geography. This position will be accountable to two separate Conference Boards of Pension and Health Benefits Committees (CBOPHB) and the Bishop. This position will coordinate the HR duties and reports via the current benefits and HR staff leads. This leader will be part of a team of Directors coordinating the administrative aspects and shared services for the GNW. This position could be based in the Portland or Des Moines, WA office.Essential functions:Administer, interpret, maintain, and promote all benefit plans for active and retired clergy, lay employees, clergy and lay surviving spouses. Resource clergy and train local churches on eligibility for conference benefits.Prepare, distribute, and interpret conference benefits and funding requirements to appropriate conference boards, agencies, and local churches.Administer clergy medical leave and disability benefit application processes, death notification and clergy retirement planning and recognition processes.Facilitate benefit communications and education for clergy, staff, and their families.Oversee the clergy compensation form, monthly church benefit billing processes and annual health plan enrollment. Prepare and submit the Comprehensive Benefits Funding plan to Wespath annually.Manage recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of all employees, work with hiring managers to ensure compliance with policies, laws, and best practices, including personnel records.Develop, implement, and oversee the GNW performance management processes.Oversee employee handbooks, personnel policies, job descriptions, compensation ranges, ensuring standardization and compliance with conference policies, federal, state, and local laws for all conferences.Implement education and training initiatives that provide development of employees. Work on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.Counsel supervisors, local churches and Camp and Retreat Ministries on personnel matters, advise GNW leadership on transitions for area-wide staffing and supervision.Ensure proper accounting of all CBOPHB funds for each conference, and handling of payments to providers.Review investments for compliance and move money between investment accounts, as necessary.Prepare Annual Conference historical report and resolutions for CBOHPB review and submission.Develop, update, and approve CBOPHB policies relating to investments, pension/operating reserves, insurance etc.Develop and track annual budget in coordination with the CBOPHB. Prepare financial reports as needed/requested.Prepare clergy compensation report for The Conference Journal.Coordinate with CBOPHB chair regarding all matters related to Board meetings, help develop and implement training and orientation.Work with the Commission on Equitable Compensation to develop, maintain and recommend changes to the Clergy Minimum Salary guidelines, and Clergy Support Policies.Maintain professional and technical knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in Human Resources by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional associations with focus on nonprofit and church human relations.Qualifications:7-10+ years of experience in multi-state human resources, benefits administration, and non-profit preferred.Strong understanding of compensation, benefits, human resources programs, and policies, with the ability to design and implement programs and policies in support of organizational goals.Knowledge of or willingness to learn, and commitment to, the United Methodist Church and how it functions at the local church, district, conference, area, and general church levels.Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with diverse audiences with differing levels of technical and UMC knowledge.Proven ability to analyze and interpret reports, legal documents, benefit eligibility rules, benefit plan descriptions, journals, policies, and the UMC Book of Discipline.Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.Strong organizational skills to manage multiple programs simultaneously with minimal supervision.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications, and strong database experience.Ability to lead teams effectively and resolve inquiries in an efficient manner while meeting tight deadlines.Experience working in multi-cultural and diverse environments is preferred.HRCI or SHRM certification preferred.Additional Considerations:Hybrid work schedule with occasional travel, some evening and weekend work.Generous health and welfare benefits and paid time off.GNW is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.

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