Fellowship Church in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is looking for an Executive Pastor/Director. Located in Dubai, Fellowship Church is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, within a short flight of more than half of the world’s population. As one of the most globally connected cities in the world, Dubai attracts people from every nation, culture, and background for work, business, and study.

This strategic location has enabled Fellowship Church to live out its purpose to Know Jesus, Grow to be like Jesus, and Go tell the nations about Jesus, by serving as both a gathering and sending community. The church welcomes people from 200 nations, equips them through discipleship and leadership development, and releases them back into their home countries and spheres of influence with the Gospel. This global context continues to shape the church’s vision, culture, and commitment to reaching the nations.

Fellowship Church began in 2005 as a home Bible study with a strong emphasis on community and outreach, formally becoming a church in January 2006.

Today, Fellowship Church hosts nine services across three sites, with one streamed online, serving over 6,000 people weekly from 120 nationalities, eight language specific ministries, supported by a staff of 40.

Executive Pastor/Director Job Description

The Executive Pastor/Director is a full-time leadership role that serves as the primary driver of strategy implementation, operations, and organizational health. This role translates the Senior Pastor’s vision into actionable plans, ensuring that ministries, staff, and systems are aligned and executed with excellence.

In addition, the Executive Pastor/Director provides direct oversight of Fellowship’s operations, administration, and finance ministries. Through strong operational leadership, clear communication, and effective project management, they help ensure the church remains healthy, vision-focused, and well-coordinated in partnership with the Executive Team. They may also attend Eldership meetings without necessarily serving as an Elder.

This position requires a highly organized, motivated, and skilled leader who can effectively lead in a complex and changing environment and move the church toward its vision and goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Implementation & Execution

  • Translate the Senior Pastor’s vision and strategic priorities into clear, actionable plans and timelines.
  • Lead the execution of church-wide strategic initiatives, ensuring milestones are met.
  • Monitor progress and provide regular updates to the Senior Pastor and elders.
  • Identify obstacles and propose solutions to keep strategic priorities moving forward.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Development

  • Oversee day-to-day staff operations, ensuring accountability, alignment, and healthy culture.
  • Lead or support hiring, onboarding, and performance reviews.
  • Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and spiritual maturity.

Weekend Service Support & Ministry Alignment

  • Ensure all departments are aligned and prepared for weekend services.
  • Oversee service planning processes, staff coordination, and communication rhythms.
  • Troubleshoot operational or ministry issues that arise week-to-week.

Operations

  • Oversee church operations ministry, including facilities management, security, and day-to-day logistics.
  • Ensure operational systems and processes effectively support ministry activities.
  • In collaboration with the resource group, oversee resources and vendor relationships to enable smooth church functioning.
  • Monitor operational efficiency and implement improvements where needed.

Financial Oversight (Non-Financial Controller Level)

  • Oversee church finance ministry.
  • Partner with the Finance Team to ensure budgets align with church priorities.
  • Support financial planning, stewardship initiatives, and reporting.
  • Ensure responsible resource management and wise allocation of church funds.

Administration

  • Oversee church administrative ministry, including HR, IT, and office management.
  • Ensure systems, policies, and procedures effectively support ministry operations.
  • Improve processes for communication, project workflows, and decision-making.
  • Maintain compliance with legal, financial, and regulatory requirements.

Communication & Internal Alignment

  • Facilitate communication between ministries, staff, elders, and the Senior Pastor.
  • Ensure clear, timely communication around decisions, initiatives, and expectations.
  • Lead weekly staff meetings focused on clarity, coordination, and execution.

Project & Systems Management

  • Oversee major church projects from planning to completion.
  • Implement tools for project tracking, workflow management, and operational efficiency.
  • Identify and resolve systemic challenges that hinder ministry effectiveness.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Reporting

The role reports directly to the Senior Pastor.

Professional/Ministry Qualities & Experience Required

  • Leadership and Management Experience: Proven experience in leading teams, managing complex operations, and implementing strategic initiatives, ideally in a church or nonprofit context.
  • Operational and Administrative Expertise: Strong understanding of church operations, administration, and finance, with the ability to oversee multiple departments effectively.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate vision into actionable plans, align ministries with organizational goals, and drive measurable outcomes.
  • Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and ensure timely and high-quality execution.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to build relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Capacity to anticipate challenges, identify solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
  • Spiritual Maturity: A growing and vibrant faith, strong alignment with Fellowship’s mission and values, and the ability to provide spiritual guidance where appropriate.
  • Adaptability and Resilience: Comfortable navigating change and leading in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Relevant Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of leadership experience in ministry, nonprofit, or organizational management; experience in church operations strongly preferred.
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: Creative problem-solving in complex and dynamic environments.

Personal Qualities Required

  • Integrity and Character: Demonstrates honesty, ethical behaviour, and consistency in word and action.
  • Servant Leadership: Leads with humility, prioritizes the needs of staff, ministries, and the congregation, and models Christ-like leadership.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Highly motivated, disciplined, and committed to excellence in all areas of responsibility.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Shows empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
  • Collaborative Spirit: Works well with diverse teams, encourages input, and fosters a culture of unity and cooperation.
  • Vision Alignment: Fully supports the Senior Pastor’s and the church’s vision, able to translate vision into practical action.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: Maintains composure under pressure, responds well to change, and thrives in a complex and changing environment.
  • Problem-Solving Mindset: Approaches challenges with creativity, discernment, and a solutions-focused perspective.
  • Excellent Communication: Articulates ideas clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to inspire and lead.

Contact

Please submit your application to Fellowship Church HR Department: [email protected], including the following documents:

  • A current CV/Resume.
  • Personal faith testimony: How did you become a follower of Jesus? How have you grown in your faith since then? Describe your ministry involvement.
  • A brief cover letter highlighting your experience and suitability.
  • Copies of relevant qualifications.
  • Two professional references.