Canon for Finance + Operations

The Canon for Finance + Operations is responsible for the financial, operational, and administrative aspects of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, in support of the diocesan mission and the flourishing of local congregations. As part of the senior staff team, the Canon works in close coordination with the Bishop to ensure clear and consistent leadership of the Finance and Operations Team and the effective stewardship of staff and resources in ministry, prioritizing transparency, accessibility, and clarity across bodies. Guided by the diocesan mission and values, the Canon will support the ministry of the Bishop, working collaboratively with diocesan staff and diocesan and parish leaders throughout the Church.

About the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio

 The Diocese of Southern Ohio comprises 71 churches with roughly 15,000 members in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and in farm towns, county seats, and suburban centers in 40 counties across the southern half of the state.  The diocese was founded in 1875, its bishop is the Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White, and the diocesan offices and Christ Church Cathedral are located in downtown Cincinnati.

As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.   

The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.

Essential Position Responsibilities

Financial Stewardship

• In collaboration with the Bishop, Treasurer, Budget Committee, Diocesan Council, Trustees, and Co-Executive Directors of Procter Center, shepherds the development and management of the annual diocesan budget and endowments.
• Provides accessible monthly reports and analysis of financials to the Bishop, leaders, and staff, with recommendations for best practices in support of the diocesan mission.
• Monitors actual financial data against the budget, providing explanation of variances to the budget and emerging trends.
• Works closely with the diocesan chancellor, investment advisors, bank staff, and Trustees in support of diocesan endowments.
• Coordinates the annual diocesan audit and acts as primary liaison with the external audit partner.
• Fosters relationships with churchwide entities, including the Church Pension Group.

Operations

• Aligns financial and personnel policies in support of diocesan mission, with attention to canonical guidelines and convention resolutions, both diocesan and churchwide.
• Collaborates with the Bishop and senior staff to update and maintain the diocesan personnel policies and protocols (i.e. employee handbook, job descriptions, letters of agreement or commitment, etc.), to support staff effectiveness and as a model for congregations of the diocese, ensures that personnel policies are upheld in benefits and HR.
• Develops clear, consistent, useful processes that are communicated effectively to diocesan staff, leadership, clergy, and congregations.
• Provides quarterly operations reports to the Bishop and supports staff and diocesan leadership with the tools necessary to fulfill their roles.
• In collaboration with the Canon to the Ordinary as chief of staff, reviews and supports search and hiring procedures, professional development opportunities, and performance review policies for diocesan staff.
• Updates and maintains a repository for all approved diocesan service contracts, while recognizing supervision of the staff member who manages respective contractors.
• Collaborates with the Canon for Communications and IT contractor to provide and maintain IT hardware (computers, monitors, etc.)

Mission Alignment

• Initiates and engages budget alignment in support of the diocesan mission.
• Offers analysis, guidance, and advice to the Bishop, senior staff, and diocesan leadership on all financial matters affecting the diocese.
• Equips diocesan leaders who hold financial responsibility (treasurers, wardens, etc.) with training and essential information necessary to fulfill their roles.
• Ensures timely and helpful responses from the finance and operations team to questions and requests for support from diocesan and congregational leaders, clergy, and staff.
• Actively works to develop trust and build relationships with diocesan and congregational leaders, clergy, and staff, seeking out information about live issues and concerns in local congregations throughout the diocese.
• Other duties as may be necessary in support of the Bishop and the diocesan mission.

Qualifications + Characteristics

• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a budget with awareness and familiarity with bequests and endowed fund restrictions.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and build trust with leadership, trustees, staff, clergy, parishioners, and business partners.
• Experience realigning staff and volunteer teams with organizational priorities.
• Proven ability to assess and communicate strengths and areas for growth and provide coaching and resources for professional development.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible operations and financial experience, preferably in The Episcopal Church and/or another religious or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise staff effectively, with skillfulness in staff development, conflict resolution, and coaching.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret data for operations, budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, and auditing.
• Strong facilitation skills and the demonstrated ability to communicate financial information in a concise, clear, and focused way to staff, leaders, and clergy.
• Proven ability to hold confidential information in a trustworthy manner.
• Proven ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in effective written and spoken communication.
• Demonstrated resiliency, work ethic, and a high standard of integrity.
• Proven ability to relate to a wide range of people at a variety of levels and cultural backgrounds toward collaborative decision-making, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated experience prioritizing and managing multiple projects at the same time toward effective, creative, and timely solutions.
• Established proficiency with accounting software, word processing, and spreadsheet applications, and familiarity with or the desire to learn communications and project management tools.
• Familiarity with, and respect for, The Episcopal Church.
• Curiosity, the desire to learn, and a sense of humor.

Educational Requirements + Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree is required, ideally in accounting, business administration, finance, or mathematics. Graduate degree in a related field is preferred.
• Ordination: Lay or Ordained.
• CPA/CFA, a plus but not required.

Working + Reporting Relationships

The Canon serves as part of the senior staff team and reports to the Bishop. The person serving in this role will participate in weekly team check-ins and individual supervision meetings, quarterly and annual reviews, in addition to taking part in meetings of the full diocesan staff, both in direct report to the Bishop and as team leader of the operations and finance team. The canon will work closely with the diocesan treasurer, with the Finance Committee, the Budget Committee, the Trustees, and the Church Foundation, and will provide regular reports, analysis, and recommendations to all diocesan staff teams, the Diocesan Council, and the Procter Center. The Canon and their team will also interface with members of the diocese, especially treasurers, administrators, and clergy in congregations for ongoing support and to equip for greater financial stewardship and management.

The Canon for Finance + Operations reports directly to the Bishop and supervises three full-time staff members:

• Controller (interim)
• Senior Accountant (full-time)
• Bookkeeper (part-time)
• Payroll + HR Administrator (interim)

Location + Travel Expectations

This position is based in Cincinnati, OH, with an expectation of three days each week working onsite. Occasional travel is expected throughout the Diocese and beyond. 

Compensation + Benefits

 The salary range for this position is $140,000-$150,000. The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio offers a generous benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (30 days after the Employee’s date of hire or date of eligibility).
• Group Life Insurance (AD + D included)
• Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Defined Contribution Plan (Lay staff), Defined Benefit Plan (Pension Plan for Clergy), Defined Benefit Plan (Pension Plan for Lay staff). Note: clergy staff will have pension assessments paid to the Church Pension Fund as prescribed by the Constitution and canons of The Episcopal Church.
• Time off: (PTO includes vacation, sick, and personal leave)
  • For Lay employees, 25 days of accrued PTO through 5 years of service; 30 days for 6-10 years, 35 days for 11+ years, prorated for the first year.
  • For Clergy, 31 days of accrued PTO.
• Other leave:
  • Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Military Leave and Re-Employment, Voting Leave, Jury Duty, and Leaves of Absence.
  • Sabbatical Leave for Clergy (typically 2 weeks for every year of service, eligible after the third year in conversation with the immediate supervisor and with permission of the Bishop).
• 14 Observed Holidays.
• Continuing Education Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Program Benefit.
• Domestic Partner Benefit.

As a reflection of our firm’s commitment to equity and equal pay for all, Cooper Coleman requires that salary ranges or salary starting points be published for every search we conduct. The practice of not posting salaries perpetuates the gender and racial wage gap and discriminates against women, people of color, and other historically excluded populations by causing individuals to negotiate from a disadvantaged starting point.

Submission Instructions (read carefully)

 Cooper Coleman is leading this search on behalf of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. To apply, please visit this link (www.coopercoleman.com/current-searches). All expressions of interest should be made as soon as possible through the online application. Nominations of qualified candidates can be sent to:

Kathy Kraushar | kathy.kraushar@coopercoleman.com

All nominations will be held in confidence. A cover letter is not required with your initial application but is welcomed to help us understand your fitness for and interest in this role during our initial evaluation. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to provide a thoughtful letter of interest indicating their specific qualifications for the opportunity, desire to join the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, and connection to its mission.

Cooper Coleman LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, age, ability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.