Description

The General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church announces a search and invites applications for the Director for Environmental Justice position. GBCS seeks a highly skilled and strategic professional to lead its Environmental Justice advocacy portfolio and programmatic team. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience in legislative advocacy, program leadership, and team management, along with a deep commitment to advancing environmental justice grounded in the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church.

GBCS is dedicated to living faith, seeking justice, and pursuing peace. Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and in New York City, GBCS is the social justice and public policy agency of The United Methodist Church. GBCS is responsible for advocating for the denomination’s Social Principles and providing an outward-facing witness in the public policy arena.

The Director for Environmental Justice is responsible for developing and implementing legislative advocacy strategies and programmatic initiatives in support of identified agency priorities. This role oversees program staff and represents United Methodist positions with the United States Government, the United Nations, and other policy and decision-making bodies. The Director works closely with the GBCS United Nations office, other United Methodist entities, and ecumenical and interfaith partners on matters related to environmental justice.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage and develop GBCS’s legislative and policy advocacy agenda to advance United Methodist positions within the Environmental Justice portfolio. Responsible for assisting annual conferences in implementing Social Principles related to the Environmental Justice portfolio.
Manage and develop GBCS’s existing and new programmatic issue advocacy work to engage United Methodist advocates to achieve defined goals and outcomes. Lead as a strategic thought partner and collaborator on impact strategies.
Collaborate with internal and external partners; including annual conferences, UMC General Agencies, and ecumenical/interreligious networks to educate, equip, and mobilize actions in support of the Environmental Justice portfolio.
Research issues within the Environmental Justice portfolio to contribute to articles for publication and present options for public policy.
Manage the Environmental Justice portfolio budget; support fundraising efforts to secure additional resources for advocacy efforts.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to the major issue areas is required. Master’s degree is preferred.
4 to 6 years of relevant experience developing and advancing issue advocacy strategies, including fluency and familiarity with social change movements.
2 to 4 years of experience managing staff, with a track record of cultivating high-performing and inclusive teams.
Ability to analyze complex legislation.
Strong creativity and strategic thinking skills, including ability to connect and unify cross-functional strategies for issue-based advocacy including communications, lobbying, research, campaigns, and organizing.
Excellent interpersonal skills; strong diplomatic skills used to influence others, resolve problems, manage projects or achieve appropriate solutions.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong team management, leadership development, and facilitation skills; highly collaborative style.
Ability to handle a variety of key initiatives concurrently.
Strong commitment to building and working with diverse teams.
Computer training sufficient to research using internet sources.
Knowledge of The United Methodist Church and its polity is strongly preferred.
Bilingual language skills are preferred
Residence in Washington D.C. is required.

Closing Date: February 23, 2026

GBCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.

No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms

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Director for Environmental Justice