Employment at Northwoods Church

Part-Time

Position Description:

The Ministry Platform Associate plays a crucial role as the data steward, ensuring our staff users receive expert-level support in effectively utilizing the database, Ministry Platform. This multifaceted role involves overseeing MP, ensuring data accuracy, accessibility, and security, while also providing training and support to staff members utilizing the platform. The MP Associate will have office hours during the week and Sunday morning.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Database Administration

• Manage and maintain the Ministry Platform database, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and security.
• Regularly update and optimize the database structure to accommodate changing organizational needs and growth.
• Develop and implement protocols for data entry, validation, and quality control to uphold data standards.
• Key responsibilities related to the platform encompass:
  Crafting email templates
  Orchestrating events
  Configuring opportunities
  Handling the processing of new records and default contacts
  Undertaking other tasks pertinent to data integrity.

System Troubleshooting and Support

• Provide technical support to staff members experiencing issues with the Ministry Platform system.
• Diagnose and resolve database-related problems in a timely and efficient manner.
• Collaborate with the IT team to address larger technical issues and implement system upgrades.

Training and Onboarding

• Conduct training sessions for new staff members to familiarize them with the Ministry Platform system's features and functionalities.
• Develop comprehensive training materials, including user guides, videos, and tutorials, to facilitate self-guided learning.
• Offer ongoing training opportunities to enhance staff members' proficiency and confidence in using the platform effectively.

User Assistance

• Serve as the go-to resource for staff inquiries related to the Ministry Platform system, offering prompt and clear responses.
• Provide one-on-one assistance to individuals who require personalized guidance or troubleshooting.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate documentation of database procedures, troubleshooting steps, platform customization, and training resources.
• Generate regular reports on database usage, trends, and performance for management review.

Process Improvement

• Partner with the Digital Innovation and Communications departments to identify opportunities for streamlining workflows and enhancing overall efficiency through improvements in the Ministry Platform
• Collaborate with relevant departments to identify areas where the Ministry Platform system can streamline workflows and improve overall efficiency.
• Propose and implement enhancements to the system to better meet the organization's needs.

Interaction with Others

The MP Associate will work closely with all levels of staff and volunteers. The candidate for this position should be able to develop and maintain working relationships using positive, cooperative, professional interactions with staff and volunteers as well as outside agencies. The candidate for this position will frequently interact with church attendees to ensure accuracy of data in Ministry Platform and to help them use technology resources such as myNorthwoods, the Northwoods mobile app, and online giving.

Educational and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Proven experience in database administration, preferably with MinistryPlatform or a similar ChMS/database system.
• Proficiency in SQL, database design, and data manipulation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical staff.
• Prior experience in providing training or support to end-users is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• A deep understanding of the organization's mission and values, with a commitment to supporting its ministry through effective database management and training.

 Beneficial Spiritual Gifts

Administration, Helps, Service, and Leadership

Commissioned Responsibilities and Expectations

• At Northwoods, commissioned staff are spiritually ready to minister to the congregation and community on a personal level.
• Care Responsibilities: The expression of care may include but not be limited to: Prayer, teaching, encouragement, shepherding, equipping, personal ministry, and visitation.
• A spiritual leader in our community who contributes to the spiritual growth and formation of the people he/she leads and influences publicly and privately.

Full-Time

Maintains accounts payable, contributions, processes payroll and performs other general office procedures by completing the following duties.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Administration

• Contributions/Receipts: Verifies and posts details of contributions and “in house” receipts. Verifies statistical data of contributions and church attendance on a weekly basis. Deposits contribution checks and “in house” receipts in bank.
• Accounts Payable: Posts invoices and processes accounts payable checks weekly, verifying documentation. Follows up on statements indicating unpaid invoices. Obtains W-9s for Independent Contractors, maintains files for 1099s.
• Payroll: Prepares Bi-weekly payroll by verifying documentation. Submit direct deposit to the bank. Submits employment tax payments for withdrawal. Submits 401k contributions. Keeps track of part-time employees’ budgeted hours.
• Credit Cards: Checks submitted reports for accuracy.
• Safe Pull: Assist another staff member in the processing of weekly gifts or other weekly income.
• Journals: Posts journal entries requested by supervisor and Northwoods ministries.
• Bank Reconciliations: Completes monthly bank reconciliations for Square and CA accounts.
• Year End: Assists Finance Director with year-end procedures and tasks.
• Projects: Annual audits, budget and other projects as assigned by supervisor.

Commissioned Responsibilities and Expectations

• At Northwoods, commissioned staff are spiritually ready to minister to the congregation and community on a personal level. 
• Care Responsibilities: The expression of care may include but not be limited to: Prayer, teaching, encouragement, shepherding, equipping, personal ministry, and visitation.
• A spiritual leader in our community who contributes to the spiritual growth and formation of the people he/she leads and influences publicly and privately.

Interaction with Others

The Bookkeeper will have interactions with lay leaders, staff, church attendees, and the general public on a regular basis.

Desired Skills, Abilities, and Characteristics

Excellent administrative and organizational skills; comfort with office technology such as Microsoft Office 365, copiers, etc.; ability to become competent with Ministry Platform, Planning Center Online, and other church-specific information systems; proofreading, writing, and communication skills including good telephone etiquette; strong attention to detail; a team player with an understanding of how to work with artists.

Beneficial Spiritual Gifts

Administration, Service, Wisdom

Education and Experience Required

Two years related experience and/or training.