Director of Administration Shandon United Methodist Church

ARUMC; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shandon United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Administration to oversee the church’s operational, financial, HR, administrative, and facilities functions. The candidate will lead multi-department teams, manage donor-restricted funds, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive efficiency across ministries in a complex nonprofit setting.

The role requires 5+ years of senior leadership in church or nonprofit operations, strong HR and financial controls knowledge, and excellent communication

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Organizational Leadership, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership in church/nonprofit administration or similar.
• Experience managing financial operations including fund accounting, payroll, budgeting, and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of HR laws, compliance requirements, and employment regulations.
• Proven ability to prepare and analyze financial statements, budgets, forecasts and reports.
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily business and operational activities for church and ministries.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, systems, and procedures.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across departments, staff, volunteers, and vendors.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Oversee budgeting, fund accounting, cash flow, payroll, forecasting, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with donor restrictions and financial regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Executive communication

Relationship-building

Multi-priority management

HR compliance

Education

Bachelor or Associate degree in business/finance/leadership

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Financial software

HRIS systems

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.

MINIMUM 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.

Closing Date: November 13, 2026