First Five Coordinator, Lilly Project

Position Purpose

The First Five Coordinator supports the design, implementation, and ongoing coordination of the First Five program, a multi‑year initiative focused on supporting ministers in their first five years of independent ministry. The role works in collaboration with theological schools, regional bodies, and internal partners to implement and direct cohort‑based continuing education, and to oversee assessment and follow‑up activities. They play a central role in holding the program together operationally while contributing to learning design, partner relationships, and ongoing program improvement.

• Actively facilitate consultation and listening processes with theological schools, regional councils, and the Office of Vocation to identify continuing education needs of ministers in their first five years of ministry;
• Synthesize input, research, and learnings (including from pilot projects and alumni data) into proposed program themes, cohort models, and implementation approaches;
• Prepare program design proposals, work plans, and supporting materials and coordinate preparatory activities to support the launch of First Five cohorts in subsequent years;
• Serve as a central point of coordination during the program development phase, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.

• Coordinate the implementation and ongoing operation of First Five cohorts, engaging directly with participants and partner organizations;
• Support the planning, scheduling, and logistical coordination of cohort‑based learning activities delivered online and in person, nationally and regionally;
• Provide ongoing coordination and support for facilitators and partners involved in delivering First Five programming;
• Act as a consistent point of contact for cohort participants, supporting communication, participation, and follow‑up and monitor program activities and milestones to ensure continuity and alignment with program goals.

• Maintain regular communication with theological schools, regional bodies, and the Office of Vocation and support light monitoring and accountability processes related to funded programming, in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

• Administer assessment instruments used to gather information on clergy satisfaction, effectiveness, and early‑career experience within First Five cohorts;
• Coordinate annual check‑ins and follow‑up activities with cohort participants;
• Track, organize, and maintain program data to support longitudinal learning and evaluation and support the preparation of summaries and documentation related to program outcomes and contribute to analysis as capacity and experience allow.

• Serve as the central administrative hub for the First Five program, coordinating timelines, work plans, and documentation;
• Prepare meeting materials, summaries, and records related to program planning and implementation;
• Coordinate internal and external meetings related to the program and support follow‑up on action items and support reporting and accountability requirements related to the program as needed.

• Graduate level theological degree or equivalent educational experience;
• At least five years of work experience coordinating and implementing programs, initiatives, or projects in a complex organizational environment and experience supporting the delivery of multi‑year or multi‑phase programs, including managing timelines, processes, and follow‑through;
• Experience working across institutions or systems, supporting collaboration with multiple partners or stakeholders, experience coordinating program activities that involve learning, formation, or professional development, and experience providing administrative and project coordination support for programs involving multiple contributors or delivery partners;
• Solid project and program coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple work streams, timelines, and partnerships effectively; a Project Management…