MANNINGHAM UNITING CHURCH

We are a community of the Uniting Church in Australia in the City of Manningham, worshipping, celebrating and witnessing God’s transformational love in the world, Manningham Uniting Church (MUC) is committed to issues of social justice and working with the wider community for the common good of all. MUC was formed in 2011 and operates from the purpose-built church and community centre in Templestowe, opened in 2021. In its life and service MUC seeks to welcome and contribute to the wider community.

POSITION PURPOSE

As the Operations Manager, you report to the Chair of the Church Council and share MUC’s leadership; enabling and supporting MUC’s vision, mission and strategy. Your contribution will cultivate connection within MUC and the wider community. You will be responsible for ensuring that ministers, staff and key volunteers are equipped to deliver the worship, missional and business plans of MUC. As a cooperative, consensus-driven leader you will foster an effective team to develop and implement policies and procedures MUC requires to best serve its life and mission. You will be a highly experienced multi-talented team leader who can effectively delegate and successfully juggle competing priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/OVERSIGHT

· Facilities: Maintenance of building and equipment, cleaning, rental, preparation for major projects.

· HR and Volunteer management:

· Recruitment, management staff and volunteers, staff remuneration, team environment

· Direct Reports – Supervision / support of paid personnel roles, currently three, focus on facilities, communications, bookkeeping

· Communications: Website, social media, print, email announcements.

· Finance: Bookkeeping and accounting oversight, budget oversight, statutory records.

· Risk Management and Compliance: State and local health and safety, insurance.

· Office: IT, databases, supplies, filing, staff and volunteer allocation.

· Systems and Structures: governance structures, manuals, procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Qualifications in office administration and / or facilities management or related field.

· At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role

· Experience in managing a small team

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise and coordinate multiple tasks with demonstrated capacities and experience including:

a. Well-developed HR & Volunteer knowledge and skills in coordinating a team of staff and volunteers

b. Technical knowledge and experience to deliver relevant security, AV, communications,



software solutions

c. Facility management experience and skills with overlapping stakeholders and uses

d. Project and Event management expertise

e. Financial literacy for budgeting, planning and execution

2. Well-developed interpersonal skills with ability to engage and collaborate effectively with a wide range of staff, volunteers and stakeholders. Ability to work as part of a team recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion.

3. Alignment with ethos and practices of MUC specifically and UCA more generally.

a. Lead MUC’s resources and management for the life and mission of MUC

b. Demonstrate a clear passion for/understanding of MUC’s commitment to Christian life, service and mission

c. Connect theological reflection with strategy, governance and operations

d. Provide support, guidance, coaching, leadership, and empowerment to enable our workforce to understand and demonstrate our foundation, values and UCA ethos and culture

e. Able to work respectfully within a faith-based and community environment

f. Understand the role of asset-based community development and other community projects

g. Experience within a church, not-for-profit, or community organisation.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilities

Manage the operations, maintenance, use and repair of MUC facilities and infrastructure in supporting MUC’s ministry and mission. This includes oversight of bookings, and liaison with hirers, trades and other service providers and agents involved with MUC properties and facilities.

HR & volunteer management

Oversee the recruiting, onboarding and exit processes for staff and volunteers in accordance with MUC and UCA Synod policies and procedures including the Synod Volunteer Policy and the Health and Safety Manual

Liaise with the Uniting Church of Australia (UCA) Synod as required regarding human resources and payroll issues.

Maintain a professional, supportive, collaborative environment for staff and volunteers to thrive while supporting connections to MUC and its vision and mission.

Communication

Manage the MUC Community communications to ensure that all communications align with MUC vision, values, strategy and agreed ministry themes.



Communication channels for MUC include the monthly magazine, congregational email blasts, website and social media.

Liaise and report to the MUC governing bodies monthly and to external partners as required.

Ensure event and program promotion and advertising is timely and accurate

Finance

Liaise with the church and community centre’s bookkeeping and accounting team.

Work with nominated MUC leaders to allocate the church’s resources effectively in support of its annual mission and within the approved budget.

Work with the Treasurer to develop and manage the approved annual budget in line with MUC’s strategy and maintain records in compliance with the ATO.

Risk management and compliance

Proactively monitor compliance with the MUC Risk Management Policy across the congregation’s worship and mission activities. Provide risk assessment support to the Church Council, Ministry Team, Coordination Team, direct reports and the UCA, as required.

Ensure compliance with Victorian State and local governments legislation, compliance codes, and local municipal controls to manage safety, building, and workplace codes. Ensure that all safety related materials are communicated to all relevant parties (MUC Community and tenants)

Act as the main point of contact between UCA Synod to ensure:

o Human Resource policies and procedures are applied accurately to the MUC staff and volunteers

o Insurance aligns with Synod Insurance policies and procedures

o MUC complies with all elements of UCA Safe Church

Office

Manage the adoption and use of information technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the staff and volunteers and enhance MUC’s mission. This includes monitoring the accuracy and completeness of membership and other databases in accordance with administrative processes and procedures

Oversee electronic and physical filing systems, consulting with relevant staff and volunteers as needed to ensure records are accurate and accessible

Ensure appropriate staff and volunteer coverage for the office and to support mission and operations of MUC

Act as a major point of contact and provide staff resources (facilities management, communications, bookkeeping, office), for major events as required

Systems and Structures

Support governance structures aligned with Church Council strategy and mandates

Develop manuals of policies and procedures as required and monitor compliance

Ensure policies and procedures are reviewed on a regular basis for their currency and appropriateness.

📌 Operations Manager (Templestowe)
🏢 Manningham Uniting Church
📍 Templestowe