POSITION DESCRIPTION: Canon to the Ordinary Episcopal Diocese of Rochester

GENERAL OVERVIEW Under the leadership and guidance of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, the Canon to the Ordinary, as part of the Diocesan leadership team, is responsible for implementing the Diocesan vision of Joy in Christ as a way of life. The Canon serves as the Bishop’s Chief of Staff relative to clergy matters and carries out plans and decisions to advance the mission of the Diocese to grow and develop congregations spiritually, numerically, and in missional leadership through radical hospitality, passionate spirituality, and thoughtful missional engagement. The Canon is responsible for shepherding clergy transitions. The Canon serves at the direct invitation of the Bishop.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS • A joyful evangelist who passionately follows Jesus Christ and is comfortable articulating faith matters • A skilled administrator who is able to empower others and gets things done with gracious maturity in an orderly and timely manner • A confidant who is able to work with the bishop and others regarding confidential pastoral matters • A competent mediator with emotional intelligence skilled in resolving conflicts and moving people to reconciliation and responsibility • A competent and humble spiritual leader who does not take oneself too seriously • An experienced (at least five years) Episcopal Priest who is very knowledgeable and appreciative of our Episcopal governance and Canon law. • A confidential pastor who balances a stewardship of empathy and personal responsibility • A bridge builder between traditional and emerging Church realities • A loyal team builder and team player who maintains and builds relationships in a constructive and healthy manner. • A steward who works on wholesome personal health spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially • A wise and approachable coach who relates in an accountable-manner with clergy and lay leaders utilizing strength-based approaches as well as appreciative inquiry.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Under the Bishop’s direction, executes the strategy that enables the Diocese to thrive in its vision and mission, working with Diocesan committees such as Diocesan Council, Commission on Ministry, Deans, Deacons and others as necessary. • Provides transition ministry support and guidance to wardens, vestries, profile committees and search committees to help congregations thrive throughout the search process. • Collaborates and communicates with diocesan Christian Formation programs of

congregational and missional leadership to ensure holistic understanding of needs and resources. • Coaches and advises clergy and other parish leaders on a broad range of personnel issues. • Represents the Bishop’s office in a variety of forums.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Support of Bishop’s Office • Help the Bishop prepare for and follow up after regular and extraordinary parish visits, as well as internal and external meetings to ensure that appropriate action is taken on commitments made by the Bishop. • Represent the Bishop at Commission on Ministry and any other assigned meetings serving as a communication conduit for the Bishop regarding actions and concerns. • Participate in oversight of Deacons by coordinating events and communication with the Bishop to ensure efficient and effective fulfillment of their responsibilities. • Work with Clergy and lay leaders as outlined in the Bishop’s customaries to prepare for special parish/diocesan events such as Inductions, Ordinations, etc. • Assist the Bishop and Diocesan Chancellor in administrative matters pertaining to Human Resource management and polity requirements of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester for governance as stated in the Constitutions and Canons. • Work in collaboration with the staff to implement Diocesan strategic plan as well as annual goals. • Assist the Bishop in supporting Clergy particularly when there are pastoral concerns.

Transition Ministry • Work with churches (clergy and lay leaders) in transition as they prepare for and experience stages of change that are inherently part of the search process, including developing good leave-taking practices, dealing with grief, creating parish profiles, conducting searches, and other related activities. • Work with Commission on Ministry and Search Committees to help discern and identify outstanding clergy candidates who are well equipped to lead congregations within our 46 parishes in successful 21st century ministry. • Support and guide Diocesan clergy who are discerning a new call.

Revised 02/29/16