POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Church Business Administrator is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing the operational, financial, human resources, administrative, and facilities functions of a large and complex church organization. This position serves as a strategic and operational partner to church leadership, ensuring that ministries, staff, facilities, and business operations function effectively, efficiently, legally, and in alignment with the mission and values of the church.

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced business professional with demonstrated expertise in nonprofit/church administration, fund accounting, financial planning, HR compliance, facilities management, organizational leadership, and project execution. This individual must possess exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills and be capable of balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive & Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee daily business and operational activities of the church and affiliated ministries.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, systems, and procedures to improve organizational effectiveness and scalability.
• Serve as a key advisor to senior church leadership regarding operational planning, organizational risk, financial stewardship, and administrative priorities.
• Ensure alignment between ministry objectives and operational capabilities.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across departments, ministries, staff, volunteers, and vendors.

Financial Management & Fund Accounting

• Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, fund accounting, cash flow management, payroll, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, and internal controls.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and executive reports.
• Develop financial plans, forecasting models, and operational budgets.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, donor restrictions, and applicable financial regulations.
• Monitor financial performance and recommend strategies for cost management, operational efficiency, and risk reduction.
• Coordinate with external auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies as needed.

Human Resources Administration

• In coordination with Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), administer and oversee all HR functions including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, compensation administration, employee relations, benefits coordination, performance management, and policy administration.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain HR policies, employee handbooks, and compliance documentation.
• Advise leadership on employment matters, organizational structure, workforce planning, and personnel issues.
• Foster a healthy, professional, and mission-driven workplace culture.

Facilities & Campus Administration

• Oversee administration, maintenance, custodial services, scheduling, security, and operational readiness of church facilities and campus operations.
• Coordinate facility projects, repairs, renovations, vendor management, and contracted services.
• Ensure facilities comply with safety standards, accessibility requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Project & Organizational Management

• Lead and manage organizational initiatives, operational projects, and strategic improvement efforts.
• Manage competing priorities and expectations across leadership, staff, ministries, and external partners.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Communication & Relationship Management

• Demonstrate advanced interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Communicate financial, operational, and organizational information clearly and professionally to executive leadership, boards, committees, staff, and ministry leaders.
• Build collaborative relationships while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Provide leadership in resolving operational challenges and organizational conflicts.

Required Education & Experience

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Organizational Leadership, or related field required.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in church administration, nonprofit management, corporate operations, or similar complex organizational environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing financial operations, fund accounting, payroll, HR administration, facilities management, and organizational operations.
• Experience preparing financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and executive reporting.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and employment law compliance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of financial management, fund accounting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Strong understanding of HR laws, compliance requirements, hiring practices, and employee relations.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and executive communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• High proficiency with financial systems, HR systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and organizational management tools.

Leadership Expectations

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, accountability, and servant leadership.
• Operates with a high degree of emotional intelligence and sound judgment.
• Maintains alignment with the mission, values, and culture of the church.
• Builds trust and credibility across staff, leadership, congregation members, and external partners.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

• Reports directly to: Senior Pastor and Staff Parish Relations Committee
• Supervises: Administrative staff and operational support personnel

About Shandon United Methodist Church

Since 1909, Shandon has committed itself to promoting the growth of the Christian community in Columbia, in South Carolina, and throughout the world. With faith, hope, and love, it has grown from a small congregation on the eastern boundary of Columbia’s downtown business district to one of the largest United Methodist Churches in South Carolina. The history that Shandon is now making is a natural progression of what Shandon has always been. The spirit, commitment, and faith that have brought us this far continue today! And the prospect for the future is bright and filled with the knowledge that the Spirit of the Lord will be with us always.

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