The Cornerstone Fund is currently seeking a Chief Relationship Officer

Application Close: March 2, 2026
Ministry Team: Reports To President and CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Grade: 11
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Category: Cornerstone Fund UCC
Starting Salary: $151,000

Description
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:

  1. Develop and nurture relationships that further the mission of the Cornerstone Fund which is joining together in faith to invest in and build Community.
  2. Act as an in-house Development officer to identify and build relationships with external providers of capital either as grants or program related investments.
  3. 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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.

Desired Candidate Profile:

  • 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

Position Requirements — Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform successfully in this position:

  • 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.

This position may be remote or in-office.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the needs of the Cornerstone Fund. Since no job description can detail all duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a position, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a position shall also be considered part of the position holder’s responsibility.

It is expected that the person who holds this position will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the policies of the Cornerstone Fund and in a manner that will reflect positively on the organization.

The Cornerstone Fund is a Multicultural, Multiracial, Open and Affirming, Accessible to All, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Comprehensive Benefits Package Employer paid health, dental, life insurance, pension

Application Deadline March 2, 2026    —     Click here to learn more and apply.

About the Organization:

The United Church of Christ

Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not.

We believe in God’s Continuing Testament.

We believe in Extravagant Welcome

We believe the church’s mission is to Change Lives

EOE Statement: The United Church of Christ National Setting celebrates diversity and an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the broad spectrum of our diverse society. We endeavor to recruit employees from backgrounds that vary by race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, genetic information, past, present or future service in the uniformed services, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local law. We are proud to be a multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming, accessible to all, equal opportunity employer.