Job Opportunities
Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Finance
Southwest California is seeking a highly-motivated Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Finance. The job description is found here. Please apply to join the Office of the Bishop staff, where your gifts will serve our congregations and strengthen the processes and operations of the synod office. Resumes should be sent to admin@socalsynod.org, with the Subject line ATTB for Administration and Finance.
Job Title: Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Finance
Salary or Salary Range: $112-130,000 per Annum
FLSA Status ☒Exempt ☐Nonexempt
Department: Finance and Administration
Reports to: Bishop Brenda Bos
Supervises Other Employees? Yes
Job Summary
The Assistant to the Bishop for Administration and Finance serves at the pleasure of the synodical bishop, serving as the Synod’s operational leader, responsible for effective staff leadership, governance compliance, and execution of mission-critical initiatives. This role requires independent judgment, proactive leadership, consistent follow-through, and full alignment with Synod priorities, constitutional structures and financial management. This position works to implement program and mission goals designed by the bishop and synod council.
Essential Job Functions
Executive Accountability and Governance Leadership: Independently manages assigned operational, and administrative responsibilities from initiation through completion. Establishes clear project timelines, milestones, and deliverables; ensures deadlines are met without repeated supervisory prompting. Provides complete written status updates and decision-support materials for the Bishop, Synod Council, Executive Committee, and Treasurer. Ensures all proposals include finalized research, confirmed vendor availability, financial comparisons, and implementation analysis. Maintains organized governance and operational documentation. Exercises sound judgment and consult appropriately before making decisions affecting employment or Synod operations.
Staff Leadership and Management: Oversees Synod staff and manages schedules, time records, and staffing levels. Provides proactive leadership during periods of conflict and models professional, solution-focused communication. Conducts performance reviews on assigned staff, establishes measurable goals, and coordinates all employment-related decisions with appropriate HR and supervisory consultation. Does not make unilateral employment-related decisions without required approval.
Synod Council and Officer Support: Ensures council packets, financial reports, constitutional analyses, and supporting documentation are complete, accurate, and delivered within established deadlines. Attends all council meetings and tracks implementation of assigned action items. Provides written post-meeting summaries outlining responsibilities and timelines. This position requires non-profit experience and an understanding of synod culture, governance and communication.
Oversees synod assembly in collaboration with the volunteer planning team and Office of the Bishop staff. Coordinates logistics, timelines, communications, and resource allocation to ensure successful execution of the assembly in alignment with Synod priorities and governance requirements.
Financial Stewardship: Oversees staff who manage payroll and expenses, manages contracts and is conversant in budget, spending and investment portfolios, grants
Operations, Processes, and Technology: Establishes standardized operational workflows and tracking systems. Maintains a centralized and organized digital document repository. Implements best practices and technology solutions to improve efficiency. Conducts regular quality control reviews of operational functions and ensures compliance with constitutional rules, policies, and regulatory requirements.
Congregational Support: Provides structured financial and constitutional guidance to congregations within defined Synod authority. Responds to time-sensitive inquiries in a timely and complete manner and coordinates complex matters with Synod leadership.
Performance Standards
Timely completion of assigned projects and action items.
Accuracy and completeness of materials prepared for governing bodies.
Demonstrated initiative and anticipatory leadership.
Professional and constructive engagement with staff and volunteers.
Compliance with governance and HR protocols.
Organized stewardship of financial and operational records.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Knowledge
Leadership and organizational culture development.
Asset management and investment oversight.
Enterprise software and operational systems.
Governance structures and constitutional compliance.
Able to read and understand budgets and profit/loss statements.
Skills
Executive-level project and deadline management.
Conflict resolution and professional communication.
Strong analytical and financial modeling capabilities.
Technology proficiency in accounting and project management systems.
Ethical transparency and collaborative leadership.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of executive-level leadership experience.
Experience working within board-governed or nonprofit constitutional environments.
Familiarity with HR processes and regulatory compliance.
Physical Demands
Ability to remain stationary (sit/stand) for extended periods.
Ability to move within the office environment.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats.
Disclaimer
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I am able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. I understand that this job description does not constitute a contract of employment.