The American Baptist Home Missions Societies (ABHMS) has been awarded a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to implement the ABHMS Nurturing Children Initiative. The purpose of the Nurturing Children Initiative is to support American Baptist congregations, ministry leaders, parents and caregivers, and volunteers in their efforts to more effectively engage children (through age 12) in worship and prayer practices. ABHMS recognizes the urgent need for congregations to disciple children as a response to the current trends of aging congregations, declining memberships, and an absence of families with young children. The ideal candidate for the position of Program Director for this Initiative would already possess a passion for Christian faith formation among children, a familiarity with local church polity (American Baptist preferred) and experience with networking; having a working knowledge of current challenges and promising models for children's ministries would be most valuable.
This position is responsible for effectively implementing the activities of the Initiative, including programmatic activities, tracking/documenting/reporting according to best practices as well as requirements stated in the Lilly Endowment grant. This is a full-time exempt professional-level position and is available immediately. The preferred candidate will be able to work on site at the ABHMS offices based in King of Prussia, PA (relocation package available).
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as primary liaison and advocate for the grant with internal leaders, Lilly Endowment Inc., and external constituents.Ensure strategic implementation of all Initiative components to reach stated objectives, delegating to and guiding team members, taking initiative for grant success, and making necessary adjustments in collaboration with stakeholders and in alignment with ABHMS priorities.Convene and provide leadership to the Nurturing Children Initiative Strategy and Advisory Group.Lead efforts, in collaboration with other ABHMS staff and leaders, to plan out long-term impact and sustainability.Organize and maintain accurate and up-to-date files and perform data analysis of the Initiative and other related work to foster team collaboration, good stewardship of resources, and informed ministry output.Pursue overarching ABHMS mission goals and strategies through participation in companywide and program unit meetings and efforts, as well as other workgroups, committees, or task forces as assigned.Perform other relevant duties as assigned.Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor's degree in relevant field. Higher education and training in Christian ministry, with a deep understanding of Baptist polity and identity strongly preferred.Minimum of five years of effective networking and relationship building with communities and leaders beyond a single local congregation. American Baptist context preferred.Minimum of three years' experience leading project management of complex initiatives/projects.Skills and Competencies
Deep appreciation for and commitment to the mission, vision, values, and goals of ABHMS.Knowledge, passion, and interest in working with a variety of faith leaders in a diversity of faith-based settings.Proficient writing and speaking in English.Self-motivated with an ability to complete tasks with dependability and attention to big picture vision and detail. Effective in working with minimal supervision while also working collaboratively in teams toward achievement of goals.Demonstrates effective application of interpersonal, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills and tools across diverse audiences.Applies critical analysis, creative thinking, resiliency, and agility to address challenges and trends.Proficiency with Microsoft Office software and Internet applications as required with ability to learn new technologies. Knowledge of Smartsheet and Salesforce a plus.Strong professional ethics and commitment to confidentiality.Competency working within a nationally focused non-profit and complex faith-based setting.Ability to promote a positive working environment through strong collaboration, cooperation, and conflict resolution with diverse colleagues.Ability to occasionally work an irregular schedule, evenings or weekends as needed and be willing to travel across the United States and Puerto Rico for work-related trips.How To Apply
ABHMS is an equal opportunity employer and practices non-discrimination. ABHMS offers a progressive work environment with competitive compensation, comprehensive employee benefits package – including health insurance, fully vested 403b with MMBB, paid vacation, paid sick days, numerous paid holidays and many other benefits. ABHMS provides staff with continuing education funds to ensure the development of additional skills and knowledge for a career path consistent with ABHMS's missional priorities and objectives. The successful candidate will also be provided with a generous relocation package, if needed.
Interested? Please provide the following as part of your application packet:
2–3-minute video sharing your passion for Christian faith formation for children.Cover LetterCurrent ResuméSend these to [email protected] as soon as possible. We will begin reviewing applications on December 13th, 2024.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
