presents

Director of Development & Communications

visionSynergy

REMOTE

https://visionsynergy.net/

PURPOSE

ADVANCING COLLABORATION IN GLOBAL CHRISTIAN MISSION

visionSynergy exists for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. We desire to see the global Church working together in unity to release the transforming power of the Gospel among all peoples. Our mission is to accelerate the Great Commission by developing and strengthening strategic ministry networks in high-priority areas of world mission.

The core of our work is providing leadership coaching and advisory services for numerous multi-organizational networks and partnerships of Christian mission organizations. We act as a catalyst, coach, and consultant – encouraging the leaders of these groups to accomplish together what they could never do alone as they seek to advance the Gospel in every part of the world where Christ is not yet known. In addition to our coaching and advisory services, we provide a variety of tools and training to equip leaders within the specific networks we serve as well as the broader Christian community. As a global advocate for collaboration, we encourage Christian leaders everywhere to adopt a partnership approach to ministry in their own contexts.

DISTINCTIVES

“Who knows whether you have not attained this position for such a time as this?“ Esther 4:13


Founded in 2003 by Phill Butler, a pioneer of field-based mission partnerships, visionSynergy plays a unique role in the worldwide Christian movement as one of the few mission service organizations specifically dedicated to advancing ministry collaboration. visionSynergy has earned a strong reputation as a trusted neutral broker - connecting people, strategies, and resources to empower effective collaboration.

visionSynergy has worked with mission leaders to launch, facilitate, and advise dozens of global, regional, and local mission networks which have collectively involved thousands of churches, ministries, and mission organizations focused on a wide variety of mission fields and initiatives. In recent years, we have shifted more of our efforts toward training and coaching Majority World leaders to form and facilitate new mission networks - especially at the local level - among the most unreached peoples and places of the world. Since our formation, visionSynergy has served as a primary advisor to dozens of international networks involving thousands of organizations.

In 2011, Kärin Butler Primuth became CEO of visionSynergy, succeeding her father and visionSynergy’s founder.  Under Kärin’s leadership, visionSynergy has become a distributed organization of eight full-time and eight part-time team members currently located in four countries and five U.S. states. We are a collegial team with a wide range of skills and experiences and who have lived, worked, and traveled in numerous countries.

With an operating budget of around $1.5M, visionSynergy is supported by a generous group of financial investors who understand the strategic value and leveraged power of collaboration. The majority of our funding comes through major gifts from Christian foundations and high-capacity individual donors. visionSynergy is a healthy organization with strong supporters, a proven track record, and an engaged and energetic board of directors who provide oversight and strategic direction for the ministry.

PRIORITIES

The basis of our work is not just theory or theology. Over several decades, members of our team have formed, facilitated, or advised numerous multilateral and multinational networks and partnerships which have achieved major breakthroughs in their various areas of ministry. We know from experience that God’s people can actually work together in tangible ways to make real and lasting changes in the world.

Our priorities are focused on critical areas in world mission where ministry collaboration is essential to achieving real breakthroughs. These are areas where the situations are too complex, where the challenges are too big, and where the resources required are simply too great for any one organization.

We believe that Great Commission breakthroughs can only be achieved through greater collaboration. And this can only be facilitated by effective networks that empower genuine partnering efforts.

Effective networks depend on effective leaders, which is why our work is focused on coaching, training, equipping, and connecting ministry leaders with a vision for collaboration.

We accomplish this through three primary strategies:

  • 1.DEVELOPING leaders and networks: We identify, train, and coach catalytic mission leaders to form multi-organizational networks through our Network Journey workshops and Synergy Catalyst coaching program.
  • 2.CONNECTING and RESOURCING the movement: We connect and resource collaborative leaders for shared learning through our online learning community, Synergy Commons, and in regional and global gatherings called Synergy Summits.
  • 3.ADVOCATING for collaboration: We present keynotes, publish articles, and conduct workshops encouraging Christian leaders everywhere to take a collaborative approach to ministry that unites the Body of Christ to accomplish together what cannot be achieved alone.

    • PROGRAMS


    visionSynergy is committed to equipping the leaders of the networks we serve – as well as the broader Christian community – through focused training, practical resources, and strategic consultations emphasizing the best practices of ministry collaboration. We want to help leaders get a firm grasp on the key principles and specific skill-sets for building collaborative initiatives that can have a significant impact on the world. 

    Our efforts are currently focused in five programmatic areas:


  • 1.The Synergy Catalyst Program: A 2-year training and coaching experience, primarily focused on Majority World leaders, to equip them to launch new mission networks. We are currently piloting our 2nd cohort of leaders in India. The first cohort successfully launched 26 new local mission networks leading to four new Gospel movements among unreached peoples in North India.
  • 2.The Synergy Commons: A global online learning community, currently at about 1,500 members from more than 100 countries representing more than 70 networks. The Commons provides a resource library, online training (courses/webinars), and topical discussion groups.
  • 3.The Synergy Summit: Conferences for network leaders including a biennial global Summit and independently organized national and local Summits.
  • 4.Presentations and Publications: Various keynotes and workshops presented at gatherings of Christian leaders as opportunity provides as well as contributed articles and other printed resources published on the Commons and through other channels.
  • 5.Advisory Engagements with Existing Networks: Multiple short term engagements to consult with the leadership teams of existing networks on operational issues and broker connections with other networks.
    • It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.  Romans 15:20

    POSITION PROFILE

    Director of Development & Communications

    Reports to:  CEO

    Direct Reports: 1-3 people. Development Administrator, outsource contractors for creative production and administrative support.

    Location: Remote (prefer U.S. / Pacific time zone)

    Travel/Work Style:

  • Able to work independently and effectively on a remote team
  • Able to flex working hours to accommodate periodic meetings with team members across U.S. time zones
  • Experienced with international travel; prefer passport free of restrictions to travel in South Asia (esp. India), East Asia (esp. China), and the Middle East (esp. Egypt, Lebanon, and the Arabian Peninsula)
  • Occasional Domestic/International (10%)

    • BENEFITS

  • 401(k) retirement match (5%)
  • Generous PTO (up to 20 days vacation, 10 holidays, etc.)
  • Flexible hours
  • Health stipend
  • Home office stipend
  • Professional development stipend

    • POSITION OVERVIEW

    The Director of Development & Communications is part of our core leadership team of four, working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and program staff to build, diversify, and increase funding from individuals, major donors, foundations, and other organizations with the goal of increasing flexible and sustainable funding for the organization. The Director of Development & Communications also creates and implements comprehensive communications strategies across a variety of channels to strengthen existing donor relationships, engage prospective donors, and expand the organization’s advocacy and program reach.

    We are in a season of organizational growth which will require a robust financial development strategy that enables us to bring on new donors who will partner with us for long-term sustainability as we expand our ministry capacity in multiple countries. We are looking for a candidate who is comfortable working in a “startup” type of environment, someone who has a high tolerance for ambiguity with an equally strong desire to build systems and processes for continual improvement. We need someone who is comfortable building the ship as they sail it, someone who has the confidence and experience to manage along with the willingness and skill to roll up their sleeves as an individual producer. Ideally, we would like a candidate who enjoys the high growth phase of organization development and has experience taking a ministry organization from the $1M operating budget to the $2M-$5M level.

    RESPONSIBILITIES

    Fundraising (60%)

  • Develop, lead, and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies and plans designed to acquire, retain, and grow the organization’s donor base through regular giving, individual and major donor contributions, grants, fundraising events (3-4 per year), and planned giving 
  • Work with the CEO to develop and achieve annual fundraising goals, priorities, and budgets
  • Work with the CEO, Board of Directors, and other staff to research, identify, and engage foundations and major donor prospects with the capacity to make 5- and 6-figure annual gifts
  • Conduct and facilitate meetings and other events with major donors and prospects through one-on-one appointments, phone calls, field visits, dinner briefings, receptions, virtual events, etc.
  • Partner with the Board of Directors and other staff to take on active fundraising roles and advise the CEO on where and how to best spend fundraising time
  • Develop creative fundraising campaigns and appeals through email, direct mail, website, and social media channels
  • Develop and manage communications processes with regular touchpoints to retain and engage existing donors and inspire them to increase their support over time. Make direct asks to donors or donor prospects where appropriate
  • Develop compelling, relevant, and accurate submissions for grant opportunities including letters of inquiry, proposals, project budgets, and supporting material
  • Track proposals and reporting requirements for all foundations and major gift requests, and coordinate with staff to produce timely reports
  • Track and maintain all foundation and individual engagements and online donor interactions in Salesforce CRM
  • Manage Salesforce database of all development activities including donor contacts and gift processing
  • Prepare financial development reports for the CEO and Board as needed
  • Proactively investigate trends in ministry financial development and determine how those trends could impact the organization’s fundraising strategies
  • Develop and oversee a team of 1-3 staff and outsource contractors as needed for financial development administration

    • Communications (30%)

  • Develop, lead, and implement comprehensive donor-focused communications strategies and plans to cogently articulate and promote the organization’s unique role, value, and impact
  • Develop an annual communications plan and calendar, ensuring development and communications activities are integrated
  • Manage all aspects of the organization’s brand, positioning, messaging, and visual identity, ensuring consistency across all channels
  • Oversee all creative production of print and digital collateral for organizational identity, marketing, donor communications, and program-specific needs including websites, landing pages, social media, newsletters, email campaigns, blog posts, brochures, videos, presentations, published articles, impact stories, annual reports, acknowledgment letters, direct mail, organizational identity, and other materials
  • Manage all social media accounts and channels (Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.); source and create content for a consistent flow of posts and updates; grow subscriber/follower numbers and engagement; track and report analytics across channels
  • Develop compelling visual- and story-based content showing both qualitative and quantitative impact for grants, social media, print publications, presentations, and electronic communications
  • Manage and develop content for email newsletters, campaigns, and autoresponders; maintain contact and subscriber lists; track and report analytics across campaigns and subscribers
  • Produce keynote presentations and presentation templates for use by the team
  • Produce executive keynote presentations and ghostwrite contributed articles and organizational communications on behalf of and in the voice of the CEO
  • Develop and oversee a team of outsource creative contractors as needed for graphic design, media production, and web development
  • Provide the Board of Directors and other fundraisers with collateral to support fundraising efforts
  • Provide direction to staff on all aspects of communications. Support staff with ongoing training to have the skills and confidence to articulate the role, value, and impact of the organization
  • Coordinate with the field team members to collect photos and videos
  • Organize and maintain a library of photo, video, audio, print, and other creative assets
  • Oversee development and implementation of program-oriented marketing campaigns and collateral as needed

    • General (10%)

  • Work together with other program staff to support our key field programs as needed on various engagements. Depending on specific skill-sets, supporting contributions may include face-to-face or teleconference consultations, strategy & planning documents, research, international travel, meeting facilitation, webinar/workshop presentation, etc.
  • Meet periodically with the team both online and face-to-face as needed for organizational planning, program review, etc.
  • Attend quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors as needed
  • Travel domestically and internationally as needed for field visits and to meet with donors, partners, and other staff

    • QUALIFICATIONS

    Character and Working Style

  • Personal commitment to Jesus Christ
  • Exhibits humility, generosity, integrity, and perseverance
  • Proven record as a strong team player and individual contributor 
  • Results oriented but comfortable with ambiguous situations
  • Thrives in a global, multi-cultural environment 
  • Positive and optimistic mindset

    • Mission Background

  • Passion for global missions and knowledge of current trends in global missions
  • International background and cross-cultural missions experience preferred
  • Belief in the importance of ministry collaboration toward common mission goals across theological, denominational, doctrinal, and cultural differences

    • Educational Background

  • Bachelor’s degree required; prefer master’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, organizational development, business management, or related field
  • Specialized training in fundraising management highly desirable

    • Management Experience

  • Minimum 3-5 years of direct supervisory experience, preferably in a nonprofit organization with an operating budget of at least $1M-$2M

    • Fundraising Skills and Experience

  • Comprehensive experience (minimum 5 years) in both communications and fundraising, including major gifts experience at the $10K+ level in the Christian donor community
  • Demonstrated experience securing grants from Christian foundations and major donors including identifying sources; building and maintaining relationships; and writing LOIs, proposals, and reports
  • Demonstrated results in moving opportunities through all stages of the fundraising cycle for multi-year donor cultivation, stewardship, and renewable support
  • Preferred experience managing planned gifts
  • Experience building and managing systems for development operations, including experience with databases (Salesforce preferred), reporting, and donor research tools (such as DonorSearch)
  • Strong analytical orientation with experience creating reports, dashboards, and analytical reports in spreadsheets and/or donor databases
  • Experience working with nonprofit boards

    • Communication Skills and Experience

  • Superior written communications skills with demonstrated success in email and postal appeals, social media, and web communications, focused on engaging and motivating potential donors
  • Experience with online communications campaigns including email automation and multi-channel integration
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong interviewing and storytelling skills; able to discern key insights and salient points from direct interviews and collected stories
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively
  • Ability to create clear and concise presentations and reports
  • Experience with small event planning
  • High-level fluency in English; prefer additional second language fluency (Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, or other majority world language)
  • Ability to provide sensitive, culturally appropriate communication to constituents whose first language may not be English

    • Creative and Technical Skills

  • Strong copywriting skills with attention to detail (both long-form and short-form content)
  • Proficiency with presentation design, graphic design, and image/video editing tools (Adobe Creative Suite preferred)
  • Experience with web and social media content creation and promotion
  • Experience producing e-newsletters and email marketing campaigns
  • Strong analytical and research skills
  • Experience with monitoring/reporting/interpreting marketing analytics data (Google Analytics or other web analytics applications)
  • Familiarity with Wordpress websites and integrations with other applications and donor development processes (e.g. campaigns, forms, subscriptions, mailing lists, donor contributions, etc.)
  • Proficiency with MS Office apps and cloud-based communication, collaboration, and project management applications and tools (e.g. Google Suite apps, Zoom, Slack, Trello, Asana, Salesforce, etc.)
  • Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects 
  • Ability to engage and manage outsource contractors for creative and technical projects

    • CONTACT

    Ready to take the next step? To find out more, please visit

    https://visionsynergy.net/

    Does your passion, ability & context align?

    Please contact Brooke Hodnefield

    bhodnefield@slingshotgroup.org