Presbytery of San Jose
Position Type: Called/elected employee,
Salary: 25-30 hours/week, exempt
About this position
The Stated Clerk is an elected officer of the Presbytery and serves all ecclesiastical duties as
prescribed in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) (“Constitution”), the Bylaws,
and the Standing Rules of the Presbytery of San Jose. The Stated Clerk shall serve as the
secretary and agent of the Presbytery of San Jose’s Corporation. As a staff member of the
Presbytery, the Stated Clerk shall be a resource and support for the churches and leaders of
the Presbytery.
Position Overview
A minister of word and sacrament (also called a teaching elder) or ruling elder
elected by the Presbytery for a term of five years and reports to the Executive
Presbyter of San Jose Presbytery
Primary Responsibilities
I. Establishes and maintains effective and positive working relationships with:
1. Presbytery Staff:
● Partners with the Executive Presbyter and other staff to respond to a range of issues
regarding the support and resourcing of PSJ churches, new worshiping communities,
and affiliated non-profit entities
● Provides support, advice, and resources to Presbytery leadership
2. Sessions, Churches, and Clerks of Session:
● Coordinates Clerk training with Polity and Government Sub-Committee
● Provides information and facilitates Session record review
● Oversees annual statistical reporting
● Provides resources and advice as needed for church leaders in ecclesiastical,
property or administrative matters
3. Presbytery Coordinating Council:
● Serves as Secretary of the Coordinating Council
● Provides advice and resources to support the Coordination Council’s work
● Coordinates with Coordinating Council chair and Moderator to plan effective
Presbytery meetings that meet Constitution and Presbytery requirements
4. Committees of the Presbytery of San Jose and the wider church:
● Serves as an ex officio member of the Coordinating Council and Presbytery
committees, and other work groups and task forces as assigned
● Schedule the annual review of session records, congregational rolls, and verifications
of the annual financial review. Report on the committee’s findings at the appropriate
meeting of the Presbytery
● Provides guidance and process management regarding overtures and proposed
constitutional amendments
● Train clerks of session annually with the Polity and Government’s assistance
● Propose revisions to the Standing Rules of the Presbytery when necessary
● Train an Investigation Committee Pool in all matters necessary to accomplish an
inquiry into an allegation of an offense
● Attend General Assembly, Stated Clerk meetings, and other related conferences
II Administrative Responsibilities:
Maintain knowledge of the appropriate application of procedures and policies of the Constitution
of the PC(USA), Roberts Rules of Order, and the Bylaws/Standing Rules/Manual of Operations
of the Presbytery of San Jose. Serves as the parliamentarian of San Jose Presbytery and
Coordinating council.
1. Member Rolls:
● Maintains Minister member rolls
● Maintains required documentation for PSJ
● Manages the process for background checks, reference checks
● Ensures all annual reporting requirements are met
● Serves as the liaison to the national church offices and maintains associated files
2. Records:
● Ensures that all necessary actions are properly recorded in Presbytery minutes
● Maintains official minutes in archival files, secures Synod review of minutes, and
provides file extracts as needed
● Maintain and preserve all records of the Presbytery, including minutes, roll of teaching
elders, churches, certified Christian Educators, Ruling Elders, Commissioned Ruling
Elders, Inquirers/Candidates for ordination
● Provide certifications of ecclesiastical standing
● Produce and distribute ministerial identification cards on an annual basis
● Maintain all appropriate rolls and records regarding minister-members of the Presbytery
● Present the minutes and records of the presbytery to the Synod for an annual review
● Maintain an up-to-date list of all Clerks of Session yearly
3. Judicial Processes:
● Oversees judicial processes according to the Constitution, the Bylaws, and Standing
Rules
● Supports the work of the Permanent Judicial Commission
● Provide advice and counsel as needed on procedural and constitutional requirements
4. Corporate Secretary:
● Serves as Corporate Secretary of Presbytery of San Jose
● Oversees legal matters, risk management/insurance, contracts, governmental reporting,
and financial audits/reviews
5. Ecumenical Officer: Serves as the Presbytery’s Ecumenical Officer as needed
6. Communications:
● Provide official communications on behalf of the Presbytery of San Jose to and
from other governing bodies of the PC (USA), other denominations, secular
governmental agencies, and community entities
● Process all inter-presbytery and intra-presbytery ministerial membership transfers
and transitions
Required Qualifications
● Possess a high degree of emotional intelligence and self-awareness
● Can maintain a high degree of confidentiality
● Exhibits Christian virtues of humility, kindness, and love
● Can navigate the dynamics of change management
● Effective time management, oral and written communications, computer
operation, problem solving, crisis intervention, and conflict management
● Readily thinks theologically, understands, and appreciates the spectrum of
theological viewpoints expressed by members of the Presbytery in their diverse
ministries, and is personally committed to the Reformed Tradition
● Is an organized, agile facilitator
● Demonstrates a collaborative working style with staff, colleagues, and elected officials
leadership
● Listens with an objective outlook and respects confidentiality
● Can quickly learn the complexities and diversity of the Presbytery of San Jose
● Is an approachable person whom others can trust and relate to comfortably
● Models Christian faith and love in the performance of all duties
Highly Desired Qualifications
Experience: Experience working with or in Presbyterian mid-councils
Educational Requirements: Minimum bachelor’s degree
To Apply: Send application materials to:
Anne McAnelly