Programs Manager

Duties:

Perform duties and responsibilities including, but not limited to:

1. Program Design
   1. Lead the strategic development and refinement of program design including goals, objectives, and strategies that align with the overall vision and mission of the ministry
   2. Define program parameters and manage changes as strategies evolve, ensuring strong alignment with ministry objectives and the needs of US Ministries and International Ministries
   3. Evaluate and select external vendors and service providers, determining appropriate partnerships to support program development while ensuring cost effectiveness and quality
   4. Support and resource volunteers through clearly defined roles, training, digital tools, and field ready support to ensure an excellent experience for staff, volunteers, and program recipients across US and International programs
2. Program Resource and Project Management
   1. Provide strategic direction to instructional designers, SMEs, translators, vendors, and contractors in the development of ministry program resources including guides, curricula, training and marketing materials.
   2. Oversee the development and collection of a comprehensive suite of program resources that equip staff, volunteers, donors, and program recipients across US Ministries and International Ministries
   3. Allocate resources to individual projects while monitoring spending and timelines
   4. Collaborate with vendors on product and resource development including specifications, standards, sampling, testing, and evaluation to ensure alignment with Joni and Friends requirements
3. Training & Equipping Ministry Leaders
   1. Develop training strategies, learning frameworks and materials that meet the needs of programs across US Ministries and International Ministries
   2. Define learning objectives, select effective training methods, and produce materials for classroom, online, and experiential formats
   3. Partner with Marketing and IT to implement digital engagement strategies, manage updated online resources, and ensure tools are responsive to field needs
   4. Advocate for and manage adoption of essential systems such as CRM tools, event registration, point of sale tools, and training platforms, identifying emerging solutions that strengthen field execution
4. Internal Communication
   1. Establish and manage internal communication channels to ensure clear, timely, and effective information sharing throughout program development and implementation
   2. Serve as a primary liaison with field teams, volunteers, and key stakeholders to understand needs, relay information, and ensure program expectations are met for both US Ministries and International Ministries
   3. In partnership with CID leadership, support program evaluation efforts and the development of a program monitoring culture, ensuring that deliverables meet quality standards and align with ministry goals
   4. Continuously monitor and improve program quality through feedback loops, evaluations, and assessment of knowledge or skill gaps within field teams
5. Ministry Leadership Development & Guidance
   1. Hold regular one-on-one meetings to review projects, goals, expectations, and performance
   2. Support professional growth by identifying development opportunities and closing skill gaps
   3. Collaborate with staff to create meaningful and measurable goals
   4. Conduct performance evaluations and foster a positive and collaborative team culture
6. Other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor to support department and organizational needs

Qualifi cations:

• 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
• 3-5 years of program, training, or operations experience required
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent knowledge and experience
• Experience developing programs, training resources, curriculum, or ministry program materials required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly across diverse audiences including staff, volunteers, vendors, and ministry partners
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail
• Experience managing vendors, contracts and external service providers preferred
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into practical tools, training, and resources for field implementation
• Understanding of Christian ministry and specifically Joni and Friends is desirable

Physical Requirements:

This position primarily involves sedentary work in an office setting. The employee must be able to sit for extended periods, operate a computer and other standard office equipment, communicate clearly in person and over the phone, and occasionally stand, walk, bend, or reach to access files and supplies. The role may also require occasionally lifting or carrying items up to 20 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compensation : $67,000 - $75,000 per year. This is a hybrid position working in the Agoura Hills office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Wednesday and Friday are remote workdays. We will not consider candidates who wish to be remote.

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).