Chief Relationship Officer, Application Close: March 2, 2026

United Church of Christ, National•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION Vision: Leading a relational approach toward accomplishing current and future strategic goals by utilizing storytelling, partnership, community development practices and fundraising methodologies to identify, pursue, maintain, mentor, and expand relationships with the Cornerstone fund’s internal and external collaborators. The primary responsibilities of this position are threefold: Develop and nurture relationships that further the mission of the Cornerstone Fund which is joining together in faith to invest in and build Community. Act as an in-house Development officer to identify and build relationships with external providers of capital either as grants or program related investments. Oversee the Marketing and Communications function, utilizing internal and external resources as appropriate to build and expand the brand This position will have shared responsibility for delivering outcomes outlined in the Cornerstone Fund Strategic Plan by working with the CEO, CCO, CFO, Board of Directors, and Staff to accomplish goals.

Requirements

Proven track record of organizational transformation through relationship building
Knowledge of UCC polity and organizational structure
Healthy existing relationships within the UCC and other denominational leaders
Compelling public speaker
Ability to adjust style based on audience
Theologically reflective and able to communicate a theological foundation of the Cornerstone’s vision and mission when building relationships
Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of Investing and Borrowing
College degree; Advanced degree a plus
At least six years’ experience in relationship building work and methodologies, either in a concentrated geography or across and broad area.
Knowledge of Community Development methodologies and approaches
Basic understanding of financial management
Understanding of Microsoft Office suite, particularly PowerPoint & Excel
Willingness and ability to travel for site visits and meetings as needed.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds, experience, and levels of sophistication.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and collegially, as well as independently.
Ability and willingness to work in a diverse and inclusive ministry environment, and willingness to honor the UCC denominational culture.

Responsibilities

Institutions: Initiating, maintaining, and deepening relationships with all the various UCC related organizations (including conferences, other financial ministries, CHHSM etc.).
Attend various conference annual meetings and other related gatherings.
Develop and maintain relationships with other denominations and other missionally aligned organizations for partnering and collaboration opportunities.
Build relationships with other entities that are likely to support the work of the Cornerstone Fund through investments or outright gifts/grants.
Initiating, maintaining, and deepening relationships with resources and referral sources such as Church Consultants, Developers, Strategic planning and Capital Raising providers
Identify new partners that increase the capacity of Cornerstone Fund
Identify new sources of capital.
Congregations/Clients: Initiating, maintaining, and deepening relationships with local congregations, church related organizations, and individual leaders.
Pursue a robust calendar of one-to-one relational/outreach meetings.
Represent the Cornerstone Fund at various congregation centered meetings and events as requested.
Strengthen relationships with current Cornerstone Investors by various outreach efforts and also identify new Cornerstone Investor opportunities (including grant and foundation support)
Internal: Provide leadership and management for the Marketing function.
As a member of the executive leadership team of the Fund, participate in all strategic discussions and tactical decision making in concert with CEO, CCO, and CFO.
Provide guidance to the Fund Administrator on various projects and tasks undertaken in this area of responsibility.
Using Internal and external marketing resources, his position is responsible for the creation of the annual Impact Report and for utilizing loan narratives to identify good case studies for sharing.