Missioner for Property Development and Stewardship

About the Diocese

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts was organized in 1784, just following the American Revolution. Today, nearly 250 years later, our common life thrives in over 170 congregations and 40,000 Episcopalians living in the eastern third of Massachusetts, along with a variety of Episcopal schools, hospital chaplaincies, monastic communities, and other affiliated organizations. We are committed to building up sustainable, vibrant, diverse, faithful, and justice-seeking worshipping communities that form faithful Christians and serve their neighbors, all centered around our five core values: Welcome, Courage, Justice, Joy and Love.

Our Diocesan offices are located in downtown Boston, across the street from Boston Common and easily accessible by several public transportation lines. The staff of approximately 25 full- and part-time employees of the Diocese of Massachusetts provide services and resources to congregations, manage the Diocese’s tangible assets (real estate and investments) and governance life, and offer ministries and programming. The Diocese of Massachusetts is led by a Bishop who serves as the “CEO” of the organization. She is supported by a team of managers (called canons) and staff who run the day-to-day operations of the Diocese. This position will be based out of the Boston office, and will involve significant travel around the Diocese.

About the Position

Nearly all of our 170 worshipping communities hold property and use it in the service of their mission and ministry. The Missioner for Property Development and Stewardship is a lay or ordained professional who supports the strategic vision of the diocese by leading the discernment, visioning, and execution of property development projects for Diocesan-controlled properties. This includes helping to imagine and bring to fruition: property possibilities for church plants or re-starts, missional re-use of surplus buildings by other communities of our diocese, missional and income-producing redevelopment partnerships, and property sales. The missioner also plays a key role in encouraging congregations to consider expanded missional uses for their properties and resourcing them in doing so. The missioner supports the Property Development Committee and the Real Estate Advisory Committee in their work, shepherding projects through diocesan approval processes. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. Onsite work is expected at the Diocesan offices on all Wednesdays and most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Regular travel around the Diocese is expected, and some Sunday work is required.

About the Diocese

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts was organized in 1784, just following the American Revolution. Today, nearly 250 years later, our common life thrives in over 170 congregations and 40,000 Episcopalians living in the eastern third of Massachusetts, along with a variety of Episcopal schools, hospital chaplaincies, monastic communities, and other affiliated organizations. We are committed to building up sustainable, vibrant, diverse, faithful, and justice-seeking worshipping communities that form faithful Christians and serve their neighbors, all centered around our five core values: Welcome, Courage, Justice, Joy and Love.

Our Diocesan offices are located in downtown Boston, across the street from Boston Common and easily accessible by several public transportation lines. The staff of approximately 25 full- and part-time employees of the Diocese of Massachusetts provide services and resources to congregations, manage the Diocese’s tangible assets (real estate and investments) and governance life, and offer ministries and programming. The Diocese of Massachusetts is led by a Bishop who serves as the “CEO” of the organization. She is supported by a team of managers (called canons) and staff who run the day-to-day operations of the Diocese. This position will be based out of the Boston office, and will involve significant travel around the Diocese.

About the Position

Nearly all of our 170 worshipping communities hold property and use it in the service of their mission and ministry. The Missioner for Property Development and Stewardship is a lay or ordained professional who supports the strategic vision of the diocese by leading the discernment, visioning, and execution of property development projects for Diocesan-controlled properties. This includes helping to imagine and bring to fruition: property possibilities for church plants or re-starts, missional re-use of surplus buildings by other communities of our diocese, missional and income-producing redevelopment partnerships, and property sales. The missioner also plays a key role in encouraging congregations to consider expanded missional uses for their properties and resourcing them in doing so. The missioner supports the Property Development Committee and the Real Estate Advisory Committee in their work, shepherding projects through diocesan approval processes. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. Onsite work is expected at the Diocesan offices on all Wednesdays and most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Regular travel around the Diocese is expected, and some Sunday work is required.

Responsibilities

Diocesan Property Development & Management

• Lead collaborative visioning processes with senior diocesan leaders and volunteers to determine missional directions for Diocesan properties, in line with our Diocesan strategic vision.
• Develop partnerships and professional relationships to support missional reuse, redevelopment possibilities, and sales, as appropriate to each property, and leverage those relationships to bring discerned visions to reality.
• Work closely with Property Development Committee to track the status of diocesan controlled properties, conduct property evaluations, solicit proposals from contractors and partners.
• Serve as lead Diocesan staff person on property redevelopment projects that involve Diocesan controlled property, including overall project management, monitoring progress, budgeting and financial approvals, and reporting to other staff and governance bodies as required.
• Partner with other Diocesan staff and volunteer leaders in facilitating the parish closure or merger processes.
• Oversee property management vendor for Diocesan controlled properties, including regular service contracts, repairs, capital projects, insurance, and leasing.

Supporting Congregational Property Stewardship

• Support congregations as the first point of contact when seeking real estate support and advice on the stewardship of their properties. Shepard congregations engaging in real estate transactions through the Real Estate Advisory Committee, and serve as primary staff support to that committee.
• Develop and curate resources to assist congregations with property maintenance, capital improvements, accessibility, and strategic planning for their assets (e.g., best practices guides, vendor lists, template policies, and use agreements).
• Provide guidance and support in navigating complex property-related challenges faced by congregations, including deferred maintenance, space utilization, property sales/acquisitions, insurance claims, and legal compliance.
• Build the capacity of our Diocese to help congregations effectively manage their properties in alignment with their mission and the broader diocesan vision, including the principles of hospitality, justice, sustainability, and relational connection.

Diocesan Staff Expectations

• Regular engagement with both supervisor and direct reports to ensure communication and clarity around workflow prioritization.
• Arrange work schedule with supervisor to include three workdays onsite (including Wednesday) at the Diocesan offices, along with remote work.
• Participate in trainings, meetings, proceedings, and activities of the diocesan staff as directed by supervisor.
• Look for opportunities to collaborate with other ministry areas to the benefit of Discipleship and Leadership Development, of our congregations, and of the life of the church overall.
• Adherence to all Diocesan policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Previous experience negotiating lease agreements and understanding property insurance.
• Vendor management, including sourcing, scheduling, and quality control.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks & meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience in property management, real estate development, or a related field, with a strong understanding of both operational and strategic aspects.
• Experience in a non-profit or church setting preferred.
• Comfort using theological frameworks.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; physical mobility to perform onsite property visits, including the ability to go up and down stairs and navigate various indoor and outdoor environments.

Reasonable accommodation will be made for persons with disabilities.