Operations Director

The Commons Church

East Lansing, MI

WHO WE ARE

The Commons Church is located in East Lansing, MI, just 4 minutes away from Michigan State University and is part of The Salt Network (thesaltnetwork.com), a network of churches that focuses on planting multigenerational churches in major university centers throughout North America.  The Commons is a 6 year old church that launched in September of 2019. 

SNAPSHOT

• 6 years old
• Average Sunday worship attendance: 1500+
• The Salt Company (college ministry) averages 900+ students on Thursday nights
• Staff team is currently 25+ people
• We have network partnerships with the Salt Network, the Send Network, and the Strategic Launch Network.

VISION

Our metro area has 475,000 people and is home to both Michigan State University (51,000 students) and the state capital of Michigan.  East Lansing is a very influential city right in the middle of the state of Michigan that lacks a strong gospel presence.  In addition to that, within a two hour drive there are 12 other significant university centers where we hope to plant churches over the next few years.  This is a dynamic context to serve in. We are passionate about reaching college students and planting churches, which means we are passionate about reaching, raising up and releasing the next generation of leaders!

LINKS

• The Commons Church Website  
• The Commons Church Instagram
• The Salt Company - Michigan State Instagram
• The Salt Network Website

Operations Director

JOB SUMMARY

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:

Austin Wadlow (Lead Pastor)

JOB TITLE:

Operations Director (Full-Time)

SUMMARY:

The Operations Director serves as the primary leader responsible for the administrative, financial, and operational execution of The Commons’ vision. This role functions as a Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer for the church, ensuring that ministry is supported by strong systems, healthy finances, compliant practices, and well-maintained facilities.  Working in close partnership with the Lead Pastor, the Operations Director translates vision into actionable plans, budgets, and infrastructure, stewarding resources wisely so that staff and volunteers can focus on disciple-making and mission.  This position carries significant leadership responsibility and influence, and requires a high level of trust, discretion, and alignment with the mission and values of The Commons.  The Operations Director provides direct leadership to the Operations Coordinator and the Office & Events Coordinator, and is responsible for building, developing, and overseeing these functions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Strategic Leadership & Execution
  • Partner with the Lead Pastor to translate church vision and strategic priorities into operational plans, timelines, and measurable objectives.
  • Provide organizational leadership that ensures ministries are resourced, supported, and scalable.
  • Identify operational risks or barriers and proactively develop solutions.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the Lead Pastor on matters of finances, staffing, facilities, and long-term sustainability.
    

• Financial Management & Stewardship
  • Oversee all financial operations, including budget development, forecasting, cash flow, and financial reporting.
  • Ensure accurate, transparent, and timely financial statements are provided to the Lead Pastor and appropriate leadership bodies.
  • Manage accounting systems, payroll, audits/reviews, and internal financial controls.
  • Lead stewardship of church resources with biblical wisdom and integrity.
  • Oversee capital campaigns, debt management, and long-range financial planning.
• Human Resources & Staff Systems
  • Oversee all HR functions, including hiring processes, onboarding, compensation structures, benefits, performance management, and compliance.
  • Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for the Operations Coordinator.
  • Develop and maintain clear personnel policies and employee handbooks.
  • Support department leaders in building healthy teams and effective staff structures.
  • Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices.
• Facilities, Construction & Assets
  • Oversee facilities management, maintenance, and long-term planning.
  • Lead construction, renovation, and expansion projects, working with contractors, architects, and consultants as needed.
  • Ensure church buildings and assets are safe, functional, and aligned with ministry needs.
  • Manage capital assets, equipment, and vendor relationships.
• Risk Management & Compliance
  • Oversee risk management, including insurance coverage, safety protocols, security policies, and legal compliance.
  • Ensure the church operates in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Coordinate with legal counsel, insurance providers, and external advisors as needed.
• Operational Systems & Administration
  • Design and improve systems that increase efficiency, clarity, and accountability across the organization.
  • Oversee contracts, vendors, and service agreements.
  • Ensure administrative processes support ministry rather than hinder it.
  • Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for the Office & Events Coordinator.
  • Help create a culture of excellence, stewardship, and continuous improvement.

OTHER DUTIES:

All staff members are expected to model flexibility and a willingness to take part in church activities and initiatives that may be outside of their normal day-to-day responsibilities and to model servant leadership in their position at all times. 

KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• Financial health and transparency of the church.
• Operational systems that support—not slow—ministry.
• Well-maintained, safe, and ministry-ready facilities.
• Healthy staff systems and clear organizational structure.
• Strong, supportive partnership and trust with the Lead Pastor.

CHARACTER:

The successful candidate will have a healthy, vibrant walk with God, will already be actively involved in the leadership of the church, and will be committed to being in authentic gospel community.  Their lifestyle will be marked by being a servant leader, generous with their money, time and giftings, joy and love for spending time with the Lord.  A growing desire to shepherd others in their relationship with the Lord and to raise up leaders is necessary.  They will be people of integrity in all areas of life!

COMPETENCY:

The leadership competencies required: team building; ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment; strategic thinker with proven ability to equip leaders and organize functional structures; able to connect multi-generationally; solid understanding of organizational finances and budgeting processes; proficient computer skills (ie. word processing, church database software, quickbooks, contribution software, etc…); strong/smart social skills.

REQUIRED:

• Strong alignment with the mission, vision, and values of The Commons Church.
• Demonstrated experience in operations, finance, administration, or executive level leadership.
• Proven ability to manage complex budgets and financial systems.
• High level of integrity, wisdom, discretion, and trustworthiness.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work closely with a Lead Pastor and function effectively in a second-chair leadership role.
• Strategic thinker who is also highly execution-oriented.
• Clear calling to vocational ministry

PREFERRED:

• Senior leadership experience in operations, finance, or administration, with strong preference given to candidates who have served as a COO, CFO, or held comparable executive-level roles in the corporate or enterprise environment.
• Experience with construction projects or facilities oversight.
• Knowledge of HR best practices and employment law.
• Degree in business, finance, accounting, nonprofit management, or related field (or equivalent experience).