Employment Opportunities

Executive Director

Mission

Through Christian community and faith-based relationships, we help meet the physical, spiritual, social, and emotional needs of all the people we encounter.

About Mountain T.O.P.

Mountain T.O.P. began in 1975 when a youth group from Nashville decided to put their “faith into action” by doing service projects for people who expressed needs in the Cumberland Mountains. Since our inception, Mountain T.O.P. has been driven by a core belief in partnership, and this philosophy empowers our volunteers and participants alike. Mountain T.O.P. provides direct services to address severe housing issues across seven counties in the Cumberland Plateau as well as resilience-based programs for children and youth. Through our programs, we strive to provide holistic support, meeting the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of our partners.

Though the service is the “what” of Mountain T.O.P., we strive to build cohesive, faith-centered communities within the camp as well. The Mountain T.O.P. community is one of various Christian denominations, where barriers come down, belonging is fostered, and the unifying power of Christ is celebrated. 

In 2025, nearly 1,000 youth and adults served with Mountain T.O.P. throughout the year - 210 homeowners were served through major and minor home repair with 262 projects completed, and 105 children and youth attended Day Camp or the Summer Plus program.

Position Summary 

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive leader of Mountain T.O.P., providing strategic, spiritual, and operational leadership to advance the organization's mission and vision. Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the overall health, effectiveness, and sustainability of the ministry through sound governance support, financial stewardship, staff leadership, and operational excellence.

The Executive Director cultivates a Christ-centered culture that reflects Mountain T.O.P.'s values of service, hospitality, and community while overseeing all aspects of camp, retreat, and mission programming. This role provides visionary leadership that inspires staff, volunteers, donors, churches, and community partners to actively engage in the ministry's mission. The Executive Director also serves as the primary ambassador for the organization, fostering relationships that strengthen partnerships, expand ministry opportunities, and secure the resources necessary to sustain and grow the impact of Mountain T.O.P. for future generations.

Qualifications

Education

Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Recreation, Ministry, Community Development, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience can be substituted for education.

Experience

• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a Christian ministry, camp, retreat center, nonprofit organization, or comparable mission-driven organization. 

• Significant strategic and operational experience, including organizational leadership, effective written and verbal communication, strategic planning, and the ability to provide overall direction for a multifaceted ministry and its daily operations.

• Experience in financial management, including budget development, financial reporting, fiscal oversight, and stewardship of organizational resources. Experience with grant writing and/or grant management is preferred. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead within a Christian ministry while working effectively in an environment that welcomes and respects people from diverse faith traditions, backgrounds, and experiences. 

• Willingness and ability to travel as needed to represent the ministry, cultivate partnerships, and engage with communities throughout the service area.

• Proven leadership style that emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, open communication, and a culture where feedback is valued as an essential tool for growth and continuous improvement. 

• Demonstrated success recruiting, leading, developing, and supervising both paid staff and volunteers while fostering a positive, mission-focused organizational culture. 

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and make effective decisions in a dynamic ministry environment.

• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as ministry needs require.

• Meet the physical and cognitive demands of the position, including communicating effectively with individuals and groups, planning and coordinating ministry activities, and safely navigating indoor and outdoor environments.

• Ability and willingness to reside within and actively engage in the ministry's service area, maintaining a regular on-site presence at Cumberland Pines and as needed at Baker Mountain.

Authority

Within the policies and directives of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have authority to provide fiscal and property management, visionary leadership, and direct supervision to year-round MTOP staff.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Strategic Leadership and Board Relations

• Provide vision and leadership aligned with mission 

• Provide regular reports and updates to the Board of Directors regarding operations, finances, and ministry outcomes.

• Collaborate with the Board in long-term planning, policy development, annual budget development, and organizational growth. 

• Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.

2. Ministry and Operations Oversight 

• Oversee camp and retreat programs, including home repair, children, and youth programs

• Ensure high-quality and impactful experiences 

• Oversee all aspects of daily camp operations, including hospitality services, food service, and facility maintenance

• Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations

• Develop, implement, and regularly review risk management and crisis response procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants and staff

3. Staff Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, and develop staff

• Foster positive, Christ-centered work environment that encourages spiritual growth, teamwork, and professional development for both full-time and seasonal staff

• Provide clear direction, performance expectations, and ongoing coaching in effort to evaluate and retain a high-performance support staff

4. Financial Management & Fundraising 

• Manage budget and develop resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization

• Collaborate with the Resource Development Coordinator to lead fundraising and donor engagement 

• Oversee accurate and complete financial records, including oversight of all receipts, expenditures, and fund management

• Monitor cash flow, financial performance, and internal controls to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability, ensuring the ministry can fulfill its mission into the future

5. Community Engagement 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers, churches, ministry partners, donors, and community stakeholders

• Support the participation and growth of the ministry’s increasing involvement in community leadership and affairs

• Communicate the mission, vision, and impact of Mountain T.O.P. to inspire engagement, prayer support, and financial investment 

Employment Requirements

• Successful completion of a criminal background check.

• Completion of all required training, including Safe Sanctuaries.

• Current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.

Work Schedule, Number of Hours, & Compensation: 

• Full-time, salaried position $65,000-$75,000 per year, commensurate with experience and expertise; 

• Major medical/dental/vision insurance.

• Retirement Fund Contribution (5%)

• Flexible vacation and time-off policy

• Allowance for moving expenses, if necessary.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Sarah Ratz: sarah.ratz@twkumc.org. Job offers are contingent on successful completion of the reference and background check process. Open until filled.