Church Alliance

    Background

    The Church Alliance (CA) is a diverse network of 34 church benefits organizations that advocates for employee benefits – including retirement and health care – for clergy, lay workers, and their families. The CA communicates about the needs of ministries and workers served by our members, so those needs are understood by Congress and regulators as particular legislative and regulatory issues are considered. We work with other benefits organizations and coalitions, in addition to policymakers, to advocate on behalf of our member organizations and the many faith leaders serving our communities.

    Established in 1975, the CA membership includes church benefits organizations from mainline and evangelical Protestant denominations, Conservative and Reform Jewish movements, and Catholic schools and institutions. Our member organizations provide retirement and welfare benefits to thousands (or, sometimes, tens of thousands) of ministers or rabbis and lay workers spanning across different faiths and ideologies. Our highly professional member organizations are staffed with business leaders, attorneys, accountants, actuaries, and more.

    Leaders within the 34 CA organizations understand the needs of their faith communities, while also managing benefits and investing related assets in a prudent manner. The Church Alliance supports a framework that allows diverse faith communities to serve their clergy and lay workers in a manner consistent with their religious beliefs. Church benefits plans are designed and managed to meet the needs of specific ministries, which in turn, contributes to the rich landscape of faith-based activities seen and felt everywhere from America’s small towns to its largest metropolitan areas.

    Position

    The Executive Director of the CA is a newly created role, responsible for coordinating, managing, and executing the affairs of the CA and implementing its policies to the overall benefit of the organization and its members. The Executive Director will ensure that the daily activities of the CA are consistent with its strategic direction as approved by the Steering Committee.

    Significance

    This position affords the Executive Director the opportunity to become the nation’s leading expert and visible spokesperson on church plans. This person will influence legislation and regulations to protect and guide church plans for decades to come. The impact of this work will be felt by approximately one million faith-based workers and their families who rely on these benefits.

    Responsibilities

    The primary role of the Executive Director is to serve as liaison among the various groups and individuals involved in the work of the CA, facilitating consistent communication, timely decision-making, and action to achieve the organization's goals and objectives as articulated by the Steering Committee. These groups and individuals include:

    • The Steering Committee (which serves as the Board of Directors of the CA) – as the chief executive of the CA, the Executive Director reports to the Steering Committee
    • Legal counsel for CA member organizations (also known as the Core Lawyer Working Group)
    • CA Officers, and their respective staff
    • Work groups of the Steering Committee
    • Chief Executives of CA member organizations
    • External legal and legislative counsel
    • Other consultants/advisors

    The Executive Director supports the work of the CA by facilitating and coordinating activities and ensuring consistent communications in three key areas of activity:

    1. Legislative, Regulatory, and Judicial Strategies
    2. Lobbying and Relationship Building
    3. External Positioning (Branding and Messaging)

    Core Competencies

    • Helps Drive Vision & Purpose
    • Instills Trust
    • Organizational Savvy
    • Big Picture Thinking
    • Attention to Details
    • Communicates Effectively
    • Collaborates

    Immediate Role Priorities

    • Build relationships with Steering Committee, members, internal and external legal counsel, lobbying and PR firms, people on the Hill
    • Coordinate the work of the Core Lawyer Working Group and outside counsel
    • Be the “go-to” face of CA
    • Analyze threats and mitigate risks
    • Develop organizational success metrics
    • Lead planning of Annual and Member Meetings

    Qualifications

    • A degree in public policy, business management, or a related field
    • An understanding of the mission of the CA and its role in advancing legislative and regulatory initiatives that fully address the unique nature of church and synagogue employee benefits plans
    • An understanding of the political dynamics in Washington, D.C. and how to navigate them
    • An understanding of the diversity of perspectives across CA members and the ability to navigate those dynamics with respect to the depth and breadth of beliefs
    • Ability to work with the CA’s external counsel on issues related to retirement, finance, tax, and health legislation that impact CA members
    • Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the CA Chair and representatives of other members of the CA
    • Ability to work effectively within the governance structure of the CA
    • Ability to work with a diverse group of executive-level leaders from different backgrounds and denominations
    • Ability to travel
    • Ability to quickly learn, understand, and retain detailed information
    • Ability to articulate information accurately and clearly, whether written or oral
    • Ability to prioritize and execute work with minimal supervision
    • Experience working on Capitol Hill or executive branch and in complex regulatory and legislative environments
    • Neutral party, well versed in facilitating discussions that result in consensus
    • Can motivate and bring together grass tops efforts, serving as a connector
    • Self-starter and independent
    • Organized and manages time well
    • Self-confident and courageous
    • Has integrity
    • Legal degree and/or experience a plus
    • Employee benefits knowledge a plus
    • Social media and website experience a plus
    • Financial acumen and budget management experience a plus

    Compensation and Benefits

    A competitive compensation package valued at $200,000-$220,000 will be paid to the qualified candidate, which includes an annual salary and comprehensive benefits or a stipend for them.

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