Partnership Offr, Latin America & Caribbean

Job Description

Job Description

The Division of Public Policy, Partnership and Witness supports a strong, adaptive church that communicates and embodies the depth of Christian spirituality and works toward the Episcopal Church’s vision of God’s kingdom by supporting ministry on the ground in dioceses. The Division amplifies and advocates for the church’s values in the public square, and collaborates and builds relationships with global, ecumenical, and interreligious partners. We engage the U.S. government, the United Nations, and the private sector on public policy issues in line with General Convention and Executive Council resolutions. Episcopal Migration Ministries strives to serve communities, address global migration, and protect the rights of all migrants.

Job Summary

The Partnership Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean:

• Ensures support for bishops and dioceses in Provinces II and IX in Latin America and the Caribbean in support of a strong, adaptive church that communicates and embodies the depth of Christian spirituality and works toward the Episcopal Church’s vision of God’s kingdom
• Networks and coordinates with Episcopal, Anglican and other entities working in the region towards the Church’s vision and goals, including identifying opportunities for relationship and partnership building, advocacy, church education, and other inititiatives
• Serves as contact/liaison with Anglican Provinces in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, and with Bilateral and Covenant Partners of the Episcopal Church
• Provides follow up, coordination and support to achieve the goals of the Commission on Theological Education for Latin America and the Caribbean and the goals for the sustainability of mission in Province IX and the Covenant Partners.

Principal Responsibilities

• Church Center liaison with Spanish-speaking Episcopal dioceses in Province IX and II. Provide consistent contact and support for the dioceses and their ministries, including serving as an entrypoint for other resources among church center staff.
• Building, maintaining, and deepening relationships with TEC Bilateral and Covenant Partners including Brazil, Mexico and Central America and identifying areas of collaboration, partnership, and areas of mutual support. Support the the work of the Bilateral and Covenant Committees, and the Standing Commission on World Mission’s work on Latin America and the Caribbean, and other formal and informal partnerships and programs. Particiate or facilitate participation in conventions, synods and significant provincial events.
• Serve as primary point of contact for Anglican Provinces in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and support relationship building between the Episcopal Church (TEC) and the Anglican Provinces in LAC. Identify shared goals, initiatives, and possible areas of collaboration. Maintain database of key partners and contacts and facilitate connections to support diocesan ministries.
• Provide support for ongoing initiatives including the Commission on Theological Education for Latin America and the Caribbean. Ensure appropriate funding and reporting.

Other Functions and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other DFMS related agencies such as Church Pension Fund, Episcopal Relief and Development, Trinity Church Wall Street, and others in projects addressing development and sustainability of the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Encourage and support emerging initiatives responding to realities in the region

QualificationsRequired

• Comprehensive knowledge of The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion and Anglican Provinces in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clergy and lay leaders with Episcopal and Anglican partners. Maintain consistent communication with key partners and identify areas of mutual interest, collaboration, and ministry.
• Knowledge of regional dynamics and public policy issues, political contexts of the region and of the United States.
• Knowledge of the Latin America and the Caribbean Region: people, culture, politics, social reality, relation with the United States, key stakeholders in the region.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to speak and communicate fluently in English and Spanish.
• Ability to travel periodically to the region

Preferred

• Haitian Creole, French, or Portuguese.
• Experience working with the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean or for an agency serving these Provinces.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society has worked hard to foster a work environment that is achievement-oriented, self-actualizing, encouraging and affirmative of the value of both Society colleagues and our partners. Every employee of the Society is valued for how work is done as well as what work is done.

• Work occurs in a traditional office setting, preferably based in Washington, DC, or New York City, but a remote arrangement is possible.
• Must be willing and able to work some non-traditional hours.
• Periodic travel to the region and other locations required.