Manager of Operations

United Methodist

Churches in Conference: 266

Meet Texas Annual Conference UMC

The is a regional body of the broader The United Methodist Church serving hundreds of congregations across East Texas, including communities throughout Houston, Galveston, Beaumont, Tyler, Longview, and beyond. Led by Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, the conference exists to support local churches, pastors, and ministries through leadership development, missions, church resources, and community outreach. Their mission centers on “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” while cultivating thriving churches marked by clarity, witness, abundance, kinship, and joy.

As part of the connectional structure of the United Methodist Church, the Texas Annual Conference brings churches together to collaborate in ministry, disaster response, children and youth initiatives, missions, and spiritual formation across the region. The organization emphasizes both local church health and broader community impact, helping congregations serve their neighborhoods while remaining connected to a global denomination with deep roots in Wesleyan theology and Methodist tradition.

About the Manager of Operations

The Manager of Conference Operations provides comprehensive oversight of the operational functions of the Texas Annual Conference, including property and facilities management, information technology systems, information governance, telecommunications, and legal/property documentation.

This role ensures that Conference facilities, systems, and operational processes are effective, secure, and aligned with the mission of the Church. The Manager works collaboratively with Conference leadership, staff, and external partners to support the daily and long-term operational needs of the Conference.

The Manager of Operations’ responsibilities include:

Conference Office

• Oversee daily building operations and maintenance.
• Coordinate minor repairs and facility needs.
• Supervise contractors and service vendors.
• Manage maintenance contracts, including:
• Cleaning, landscaping, HVAC, elevator, alarms, plumbing, electrical, pest control.
• Coordinate city and state inspections (life safety, elevator, boiler, permits).
• Manage building systems (HVAC zoning, alarm, access control).
• Oversee building security, keys, and access credentials.
• Prepare for severe weather events and assess facility conditions afterward.
• Manage tenant and lease relationships.

Bishops’ Residence

• Coordinate maintenance, repairs, and vendor services.
• Maintain property standards and neighbor relations.

Other Conference Properties

• Mission Depot (Conroe).
• Archives and History Center (Conroe).
• 5 Wesley Foundation properties.
• Responsibilities include inspections, maintenance coordination, and safety compliance.

Closed Church Properties

• Receive and assess properties following closure.
• Develop recommendations for the Board of Trustees.
• Coordinate maintenance, leasing, and property use.
• Support sales and redevelopment efforts.
• Manage rental agreements and collections.

Wesley Foundations

• Participate in Trustee and related meetings.
• Coordinate inspections and maintenance planning.
• Identify deferred maintenance and safety concerns.

Conference Cemetery

• Supervise Cemetery Manager.
• Oversee maintenance and coordination with CCR finance.

Information Technology Systems

• Supervise IT contractor and oversee help desk operations.
• Manage vendor relationships (Microsoft 365, Zoom, Blackbaud, eBridge, etc.).
• Oversee Conference systems and databases (Brick River, AC Stats, FormVites, etc.).
• Ensure system functionality, security, and integration.

Information Governance & Digital Records

• Develop and implement document retention policies.
• Oversee storage of paper and digital records.
• Lead transition to cloud-based systems (SharePoint).
• Coordinate digital document scanning and conversion.
• Train staff on file storage and information management practices.
• Coordinate with Archives and History Center.

Hardware

• Oversee procurement and deployment of devices (Windows and Apple).
• Manage hardware lifecycle and refresh schedule.

Software

• Administer platforms including Microsoft 365, Adobe, Zoom, and others.
• Manage user access, permissions, and licensing.

Telecommunications

• Oversee GoTo phone system across the Conference.
• Manage phones, apps, call routing, and virtual meeting capabilities.

Legal, Property Documentation & Administrative Support

• Coordinate property-related legal documentation and title work.
• Maintain records for deeds, leases, and agreements.
• Assist with filings with the Texas Secretary of State.
• Support documentation for property transactions and governance matters.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Manager of Operations:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 7-10 years of relevant experience in operations, administration, facilities or system leadership, preferably in a non-profit or church.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in operations, facilities management, IT coordination, or related fields
• Ability to manage vendors and complex systems.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of technology platforms and property operations.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders.
• Commitment to the mission and values of The United Methodist Church.

What it’s like to live in Houston, Texas

Located in the heart of the Houston metro area, the Texas Annual Conference offices place residents near one of the most diverse and opportunity-rich regions in the country. Living in Houston offers access to world-class dining, professional sports, arts and entertainment, and a thriving economy driven by industries like energy, healthcare, aerospace, and education. The area is known for its strong sense of community, cultural diversity, and family-friendly suburbs, with plenty of parks, shopping, and year-round activities to enjoy.

Houston also provides a unique blend of big-city amenities and Southern hospitality. Residents can spend weekends exploring museums and restaurants downtown, attending Astros or Texans games, enjoying the waterfront in nearby Galveston, or relaxing in one of the many surrounding neighborhoods and master-planned communities. With no state income tax, a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities, and easy access to both urban and outdoor recreation, the Houston area continues to attract families, young professionals, and ministry leaders alike.