2026

United Church of Christ, National•Cleveland, OH

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Special Assistant provides strategic, operational, administrative, and governance support to the General Minister and President/CEO (GMP/CEO), enabling the executive to focus on high-level leadership. The role requires sound judgment, independent discretion, effective communication, and a trusted working relationship with the GMP/CEO. The Special Assistant is a primary point of contact and bridge among the GMP/CEO, staff, Board, and external stakeholders, and works closely with the Chief of Staff. The position supports implementation of the GMP’s priorities, manages special projects and communications, and oversees the GMP’s calendar, meeting logistics, information flow, and travel. It also provides support to the UCCB Recruitment and Outreach Committee and helps coordinate internal and external relationships and commitments. The position is based in Cleveland, Ohio, with three days in the office on a hybrid schedule, and may require domestic travel and work outside regular hours when circumstances warrant.

Requirements

College degree in business management or a related field, or equivalent experience, or a combination of both.
Professional certification in administration or project management.
At least 5 years of executive support experience, including a proven track record managing high-level travel schedules and coordinating complex projects.
Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively and collegially as well as independently.
Sensitivity to working in diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious settings, and commitment to workplace diversity and an inclusive understanding of mission.
Excellent follow-through and ability to prioritize multiple priorities.
Ability to exercise independent discretion, understand the GMP/CEO’s needs, and adapt accordingly.
Ability to solve problems, anticipate issues and concerns, and resolve them before they escalate.
Positive attitude and ability to handle varied issues and personalities with tact and courtesy.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive organizational information and handle information professionally and discreetly.
Demonstrated ability to achieve high-performance goals and meet deadlines.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to be proactive, anticipate needs, and prepare accordingly.
Ability to adjust to shifting priorities and work outside the regular schedule when circumstances warrant, as outlined by the GMP/CEO.
Proficiency in the MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Planner, and SharePoint, and in virtual meeting platforms.
Ability to travel domestically when necessary.

Responsibilities

Work alongside the GMP in implementing office strategies; maintain knowledge of the GMP’s goals and priorities and align daily and long-term work with the GMP’s vision.
Identify technological and other efficiencies to help accomplish priorities within deadlines.
Oversee special projects, track progress, and ensure deadlines and desired outcomes are met.
Lead logistics and support for GMP initiatives, collaborating with internal and external partners.
Coordinate with the Chief of Staff on projects and events and manage them to completion within scope and on time.
Research policies and topics and prepare concise written reports or oral briefings for the GMP.
Draft reports, prepare meeting slides, and ensure speeches and presentations are prepared, curated, and archived.
Coordinate with the Marketing and Communications Team on executive messaging and manage GMP social media channels and content according to the GMP Communications plan.
Manage video and communications requests for the GMP, track deadlines, coordinate drafts and reviews, and send reminders as needed.
Oversee the GMP’s daily schedule, prioritize meetings, resolve conflicts, and ensure bookings reflect organizational priorities and the GMP’s expectations.
Provide information to prepare the GMP for meetings; manage short- and long-range appointments, protect and maximize the GMP’s time, and provide for sabbath time.
Schedule regular NMUCC meetings and 1:1 meetings with the GMP’s direct reports, as well as meetings with the UCCB Chair and General Synod Nominating Committee.
Work with the GMP and/or Chief of Staff to prepare agendas for meetings chaired by the GMP and distribute them and other relevant materials in a timely manner.
Manage logistics for in-person and virtual meetings, including conference rooms and Zoom or Teams setups.
Serve as a point of contact for matters requiring the GMP’s attention; triage incoming communications and coordinate with the Chief of Staff as needed.
Maintain relationships with ecumenical partners and conference ministers and manage the GMP’s internal and external commitments according to expectations.
Attend meetings with the GMP as requested and take notes, prepare minutes, or identify outcomes and follow-up items.
Support the UCCB Recruitment and Outreach Committee in achieving its mandate and perform other assigned UCCB duties.
Plan and execute the GMP’s travel logistics, including registration, lodging, air and ground transportation, contacts, visas, itineraries, and meeting details; collaborate with HoMES where necessary.
Coordinate security arrangements when warranted and respond to travel emergencies or disruptions, communicating revised plans effectively.
Coordinate and vet professional car service companies, ensuring they are licensed, insured, and bonded, and make arrangements that reflect the GMP’s preferences and needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.