Director of Administration

North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia, SC, seeks a Director of Administration to oversee and manage church operations, finances, HR, and facilities for a large organization. The role requires proven nonprofit leadership, fund accounting, and policy implementation to support ministry goals.

The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive efficiency across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in business, finance, or a related field.
• At least 5 years in senior church/nonprofit leadership.
• Experience in fund accounting, payroll, budgeting.
• Knowledge of HR laws and compliance.
• Strong leadership and executive communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily church operations, staff, and ministries.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across departments and vendors.
• Identify operational risks and mitigation strategies.
• Manage facilities, HR, and financial operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Nonprofit operations

HR compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS

Fund accounting software

Job description

Shandon United Methodist Church is pleased to announce a search for a Director of Administration.This position is responsible for overseeing and managing the operational, financial, human resources, administrative, and facilities functions of a large and complex church organization. This role ensures that ministries, staff, facilities, and business operations are managed effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable laws while supporting the church’s mission and values. 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. The successful candidate will possess exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic ministry environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across departments, ministries, staff, volunteers, and vendors.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Financial Management & Fund Accounting

• Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, fund accounting, cash flow management, payroll, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, and internal controls.
• Develop financial plans, forecasting models, and operational budgets.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and executive reports.
• 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

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance management, and policy administration in coordination with the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC).
• Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain HR policies, employee handbooks, and compliance documentation.

Facilities Administration

• Oversee facilities maintenance, custodial services, scheduling, security, and operational readiness of church facilities.
• Coordinate facility projects, repairs, renovations, vendor management, and contracted services.
• Ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and regulatory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Organizational Leadership, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in church administration, nonprofit management, corporate operations, or similar complex organizational environments.
• Demonstrated Experience managing financial operations, including fund accounting, payroll, budgeting, facilities, and organizational operations.
• Strong understanding of HR laws, compliance requirements, hiring practices, and employee relations.
• Proven experience preparing and analyzing financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and reports.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, financial controls, and employment law compliance.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, written, verbal, and executive communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with leadership, staff, boards, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), financial software and HRIS systems.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn UMC polity and organizational structure is essential. UMC Member is preferred.