Business Manager​/Event Planner

The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church is currently seeking a Business Manager of the General Conference. This role serves as the operational leader responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the preparation and execution of sessions of the General Conference and any special sessions. This position oversees the physical, logistical, financial, and administrative arrangements necessary to support the work of delegates, staff, volunteers, and partner agencies.

The Business Manager provides leadership for the day-to-day operations of the Office of the General Conference, including budget management, vendor contract administration, travel coordination, and integrated logistical support. This role serves as the primary operational liaison for the Commission on the General Conference and works collaboratively with church leadership, agency partners, vendors, and volunteers to ensure successful conference planning and execution.

Key Responsibilities

Conference Planning and Operations

• Manage operational planning and preparation for sessions of the General Conference and special conferences.
• Coordinate all logistical requirements necessary to support delegates, Commission members, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain annual and quadrennial planning timelines and implementation schedules.
• Coordinate site selection, meeting space utilization, housing arrangements, transportation, and venue services.
• Ensure all conference arrangements support the effective work of the General Conference and its committees.

Travel, Housing, and Visa Coordination

• Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements for Commission members, staff, and delegates.
• Develop and maintain visa support strategies and documentation for international delegates and participants.
• Create, update, and distribute visa invitation letters and related travel communications.
• Collaborate with administrative support staff to ensure timely processing and communication regarding international travel requirements.
• Serve as a resource for travel-related questions and logistical support.

Financial Management and Budget Oversight

• Manage financial resources associated with General Conference operations and activities.
• Develop, monitor, and administer annual budgets and spending plans.
• Track expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Review and approve invoices, expenses, and payment requests.
• Exercise signature authority for contracts and financial transactions related to General Conference operations.
• Present financial reports, budget requests, and spending plans to boards, committees, and leadership groups as needed.

Vendor and Contract Management

• Negotiate, execute, and manage contracts with hotels, convention centers, technology providers, transportation companies, and other service vendors.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled.
• Resolve billing discrepancies and coordinate payment processing with the finance department.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers to ensure successful event execution.

Office Administration and Organizational Support

• Oversee the daily operations of the Office of the General Conference.
• Manage office budgets, annual spending plans, and operational processes.
• Coordinate staff travel, administrative projects, recordkeeping, and office support functions.
• Maintain effective business practices, procedures, and operational systems.
• Work collaboratively with GCFA departments and other church agencies to support conference activities.

Volunteer and Staff Coordination

• Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers serving during General Conference.
• Manage staffing needs…