Executive Pastor

Position Title:  Executive Pastor 

Functional Ministry Area(s):  Executive Leadership 

Reports To:  Senior Pastor 

FSLA Classification:  Full Time Salary 

Salary Range:  $115k - $135k a year 

Supervises:  Yes 

Position Schedule:  Monday-Thursday, Sundays required 

OVERVIEW 

The Executive Pastor is a senior leader who translates Hillside’s vision into organizational reality. This role carries broad responsibility for the health and alignment of Hillside’s staff, ministries, and operations, ensuring that every team is moving in the same direction. The ideal candidate is a proven leader who loves the church, develops people well, and brings the operational clarity needed for a church to thrive. They are committed to the vision of seeing God’s hope transform our cities one story at a time, and the mission of experiencing God’s love, Growing in Community, Serving with Compassion, and Multiplying Impact. 

CORE STAFF VALUES 

• Christ-Centered - (Matthew 22:37) Love for God, Scripture, and the Church 

• Care - (Romans 12:15-16) Caring Person, slowing down to practice empathy 

• Collaboration - (Ephesians 4:2-3) Team player, willing to engage in accountable relationships 

• Communication - (Ephesians 4:15) Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Celebration - (Romans 12:10) Able to honor, enjoy and cheer for the team 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Leadership 

• Champion the vision of Hillside by translating it into clear organizational goals, annual plans, and measurable outcomes 

• Lead the annual strategic planning process, including ministry performance reviews, goal-setting, and (3-5 year??) horizon planning 

• Ensure all ministry areas are aligned with Hillside’s mission strategies: Experiencing God’s Love, Growing in Community, Serving with Compassion, and Multiply Impact. 

Staff Leadership & Development 

• Supervise, develop, and advocate for Ministry Team Leads and operational staff, fostering a culture of accountability and growth 

• Oversee people and culture functions including hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, staff transitions, and policy compliance 

• Lead and coordinate all-staff meetings, leadership retreats, and team rhythms that build unity and clarity 

• Cultivate a healthy staff culture rooted in Hillside’s Core Staff Values 

Operational Oversight 

• Oversee the operational readiness of Hillside, including finance, administration, facilities, and supply functions 

• Collaborate with Ministry Leads to develop annual budgets that fund strategic priorities and maintain healthy cash reserves 

• Ensure sound financial stewardship and accountability across all ministry budgets 

Ministry Effectiveness 

• Coach and resource Ministry Team Leads to evaluate effectiveness, identify gaps, and develop their teams 

• Facilitate cross-ministry collaboration to eliminate silos and maximize kingdom impact 

• Support the development of volunteer leadership infrastructure across all ministries 

Pastoral Engagement 

• Maintain an active pastoral presence with staff, volunteers, and congregation members 

• Represent Hillside in community relationships and partnerships that advance the church’s missional presence in the Inland Empire. 

Other duties as assigned. 

Education and/or Experience: 

• M.Div. or equivalent graduate degree strongly preferred 

• 7–10 years of ministry leadership experience in a church and/or parachurch context 

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing staff teams 

• Track record of managing complex organizational operations including finance, HR, and facilities 

Required Skills and Abilities: 

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Able to navigate conflict with grace and clarity. 

• Strong organizational leadership and strategic planning instincts with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 

• High emotional intelligence, and a non-anxious, steady presence in challenging situations 

• Ability to align diverse teams around a shared mission and hold staff accountable with care 

• Proficiency with church management and productivity software 

Required Licenses or Certifications: 

• Ordination required or actively pursuing ordination