Area Director

About the Role

This position provides strategic leadership and operational stewardship for the Area Ministry, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and fostering ministry growth through effective planning, financial management, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Operational Stewardship
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate the annual Area Ministry strategic plan, operating budget, and development plan to support ministry growth and organizational priorities.
  • Establish measurable ministry objectives, monitor key performance indicators, evaluate outcomes, and implement improvements to maximize ministry effectiveness.
  • Provide oversight of Area Ministry operations, ensuring sound financial management, biblical stewardship of resources, and compliance with organizational policies and standards.
• Fundraising & Resource Development
  • Lead fundraising strategies that achieve annual revenue goals and support long-term ministry sustainability.
  • Provide strategic oversight of the Area Ministry Book of Ministry, directing donor cultivation, stewardship, solicitation, and engagement strategies.
  • Cultivate relationships with donors, churches, businesses, foundations, community organizations, and ministry partners to expand financial support and ministry opportunities.
  • Partner with the Development and Marketing teams to maximize campaign effectiveness, donor engagement, and community awareness.
• Staff Development and Volunteer Leadership
  • Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing staff and volunteer leaders who reflect the mission and values of Joni and Friends.
  • Coach, lead, motivate, and develop the Area Ministry Staff through regular feedback, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Build, equip, and lead an Area Team that provides strategic guidance and expands local ministry impact.
  • Foster a Christ-centered culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and servant leadership.
  • Develop leadership capacity and succession within staff and volunteer teams to strengthen long-term ministry effectiveness.
• Community Partnerships & Engagement
  • Serve as the primary representative of Joni and Friends within the ministry area, increasing awareness through public speaking, networking, and community engagement.
  • Cultivate strategic partnerships with churches, disability-serving organizations, civic leaders, businesses, and community organizations to expand ministry impact and Gospel outreach.
  • Strengthen relationships with community stakeholders to identify collaborative opportunities that advance Area Ministry objectives.
  • Lead local participation in domestic and international Joni and Friends ministry programs and initiatives.
• Spiritual Leadership & Ministry Integration
  • Model servant leadership through integrity, humility, prayer, and faithful stewardship.
  • Foster a workplace culture rooted in core values and the Four Pillars of Culture.
  • Ensure all local ministry programs reflect the mission, vision, and biblical commission of Joni and Friends while honoring the God-given dignity of every person living with disability.
  • Encourage the spiritual growth and development of staff and volunteer leaders.
• Other duties and projects as assigned by the Regional Director to support department and ministry needs.

Requirements

• Spiritual Commitment
  • Must possess a vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ, agree with the Joni and Friends statement of faith, and have an active commitment to a local church body.
• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree and minimum 5 years of progressive organizational leadership, operations management, or executive non-profit management.
  • Proven track record in fund development, gift solicitation, and fiscal management for budgets exceeding $400,000.
  • Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, change management, and data-supported operational execution.
  • Strong track record of recruiting, equipping, and leading both professional staff and volunteer leadership teams.
• Disability Engagement
  • Passion for and familiarity with disability ministry, accessibility, or related outreach efforts.
• Communication & Public Relations
  • Excellent oral, written, and public speaking abilities; comfortable engaging church leaders, major donors, and community groups.
• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in standard business software (Microsoft 365, CRM databases).
• Travel
  • Willingness to travel domestically/internationally and work evenings/weekends as required; must have a valid driver’s license and passport.

Physical Requirements

This position involves both sedentary office work and occasional physical activity during and in preparation of 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.
• Stand or walk for extended periods, bend, reach, carry materials, move equipment, and set up or break down event spaces during events.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull items such as boxes, signage, or supplies up to 25 pounds.
• Travel to domestic and international locations, ranging from shorter trips to more extensive stays.

Work is primarily performed in an office setting but also includes offsite environments such as hotels, conference centers, and outreach 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.

Employee Ministry Engagement

Joni and Friends is a Christ-centered community, and all employees are expected to:

• Model Joni and Friends’ Christian beliefs and practices to advance the gospel mission during working hours and nonworking hours.
• Support fellow staff and volunteers in following Christ by praying for each other, sharing Scripture, and setting an example of a faithful Christian life.
• Engage in the lives of people living with disabilities with love, dignity, and in a manner that commends and proclaims the gospel.
• Participate or lead in prayer and worship during meetings, events, and outreaches.
• Affirm the Joni and Friends Statement of Faith annually and not engage in any conduct or promote any religious beliefs inconsistent with such beliefs.
• Uphold and advance Joni and Friends’ Mission and Vision through a focus on core values.
• Actively attend a church that has a statement of faith that does not contradict Joni and Friends’ Statement of Faith.

Employment at Joni and Friends is considered not only a job but a ministry and a calling from God.

Pay

$78,000 - $90,000 per year (exempt).

Schedule

Office hours are 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday are in-office days, and Wednesday and Friday are remote work days.