Ministry Relations Manager

Job description

Duties:

Under the supervision of the Area Director, support the overall objectives of Joni and Friends’ U.S. Ministries department. Perform duties and responsibilities including, but not limited to:

1. Provide inspirational and operational leadership to the Engagement Area Team (volunteers)
   1. Recruit, select, and equip Area Team members and episodic event volunteers
   2. Meet regularly with Area Team leader for the purpose of coaching and development
   3. Funnel all ministry relations activity through the Engagement Area Team
   4. Create partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations
2. Ministry Development
   1. Establish and grow networks of local church disability ministry leaders for the purpose of training, encouragement, and collaboration
   2. Create partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations
   3. Communicate with and educate partners of JAF regarding available resources
   4. Maintain a database of churches, like-minded organizations, disability service providers, and Ministry Relations events and activities using Salesforce
3. Donor Development
   1. Assist in cultivating donors through relationship building and communication of JAF vision and mission
   2. Share opportunities to financially support JAF with churches, donors, and stakeholders
4. Increase church involvement in JAF Programs
5. Other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor to support department and organizational needs

Qualifications:

• Must possess a vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ and agree with the Joni and Friends statement of faith
• Desire to serve in a growing and dynamic Christian service ministry
• 3+ years of recruiting, networking, sales, or other related experience required
• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Valid driver’s license is required
• Available and have ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed
• Disability experience preferred
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Highly relational and strategic in approach to networking and promoting the ministry programs and services to the local community, churches, and other organizations or government agencies
• Must be able to work effectively with JAF service departments to leverage partnerships for ministry success
• Possess a working knowledge of the role of the church, church operations and denominations. Must have the ability to work with and be sensitive to the variety of church doctrinal and cultural distinctives
• Self-starter who is deliberate, assertive, relational, goal-oriented and a problem solver
• Strong general computer skills are necessary along with a competent, working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and the Internet
• Understanding of Christian ministry and specifically Joni and Friends is desirable

Physical Requirements:

This position involves both sedentary office work and occasional physical activity during and in preparation of onsite and offsite events. The employee must be able to sit for extended periods, operate a computer and other standard office equipment, and communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through virtual platforms. During events, the role may require standing or walking for extended periods, bending, reaching, carrying materials, and setting up or breaking down event spaces. The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull items such as boxes, signage, or supplies up to 25 pounds.

Work is primarily performed in an office setting but also includes offsite environments such as hotels, conference centers, and retreat facilities. Offsite work may involve varying temperatures, lighting, and noise levels, as well as periods of increased activity during event setup and execution. Employees are expected to maintain professionalism, safety awareness, and flexibility while adapting to different environments and schedules.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compensation: $58,700 - $67,000 per year.  This is a hybrid position. You will most likely work 2 days a week in the office, and three days a week in the local community.

Prior to applying for any position with Joni and Friends, all applicants must review our Statement of Faith and Mission Statement (below).

MINISTRY LIFE:

Joni and Friends desire is to glorify God in the way we conduct ourselves, and in the work we do. Employment at Joni and Friends is not just a job but a calling from God to serve and share the gospel with people living with disabilities. We desire to see the local church become a place of belonging for every family living with disabilities. We want every employee to excel in their walk with Christ and at their job. We purposely create a ministry-wide prayer life environment and offer leadership, and general training to help employees “Lead like Jesus*” and perform their work with excellence.

CHRISTIAN DISABILITY MINISTRY ENGAGEMENT:

Every employee at Joni and Friends, regardless of their specific role is expected to grow and develop as a Christian Disability Ministry Leader (CDML). This implies a continuous journey of learning and involvement, where employees engage not only in Joni and Friends’ programs but also extend their ministry efforts to their local Christ-honoring churches. This core competency includes:

Active Participation – Actively participate in ministry, both within the organization and their local Christ-honoring churches (if possible and to what degree they are able), advocating for participation of people with disabilities

Continuous Growth– Besides Lead Like Jesus and Beyond Suffering trainings, continue to develop in the realm of disability ministry

Culture of Belonging Approach – Encourage a culture of belonging ensuring that the needs of the disability community are addressed with grace and understanding

Integration of Faith and Work – Ensure that Christian values are a driving force in all aspects of work

Below outlines the Biblical Commission, Vision, Mission, and Values of Joni and Friends which employees are required to believe and uphold.

BIBLICAL COMMISSION:

“Go out quickly in the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame…go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” Luke 14:21-23 (NIV)

VISION:

“A world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ.”

MISSION:

“To glorify God as we communicate the Gospel and mobilize the global church to evangelize, disciple and serve people living with disability.”

VALUES:

1. Honor God in everything we do
2. Build relationships based on trust and respect
3. Maintain integrity and excellence in programs and services
4. Practice responsible stewardship

\* Lead Like Jesus is a course of study provided to all employees and is based on the book written by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges of the same name. The Lead Like Jesus course is the model which governs our ministry culture and contributes significantly to Joni and Friends maintaining its certification as a “Best Christian Workplace” according to surveys by the Best Christian Workplace Institute (BCWI).