Area Director

Joni and Friends•Matthews, NC

13d•$78,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Area Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating the annual Area Ministry strategic plan, operating budget, and development plan to support ministry growth and organizational priorities. This role involves establishing measurable ministry objectives, monitoring key performance indicators, and evaluating outcomes to maximize ministry effectiveness. The Director provides oversight of Area Ministry operations, ensuring sound financial management, biblical stewardship of resources, and compliance with organizational policies. A key aspect of this role is leading fundraising strategies to achieve annual revenue goals and support long-term ministry sustainability, including strategic oversight of donor cultivation, stewardship, solicitation, and engagement. The Director will cultivate relationships with donors, churches, businesses, foundations, community organizations, and ministry partners to expand financial support and ministry opportunities, partnering with Development and Marketing teams to maximize campaign effectiveness. Additionally, the role focuses on staff and volunteer leadership development, recruiting, developing, and leading high-performing teams, coaching staff, and building an Area Team for strategic guidance. Fostering a Christ-centered culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and servant leadership is essential. The Area Director also serves as the primary representative of Joni and Friends within the ministry area, increasing awareness through public speaking, networking, and community engagement, and cultivating strategic partnerships with various organizations to expand ministry impact and Gospel outreach. Spiritual leadership is integral, modeling servant leadership and fostering a workplace culture rooted in core values and the Four Pillars of Culture, ensuring all local ministry programs reflect the mission, vision, and biblical commission of Joni and Friends. Other duties may be assigned by the Regional Director.

Requirements

Must possess a vibrant personal relationship with Jesus Christ, agree with the Joni and Friends statement of faith, have an active commitment to a local church body.
Bachelor’s degree.
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.
Passion for and familiarity with disability ministry, accessibility, or related outreach efforts.
Excellent oral, written, and public speaking abilities; comfortable engaging church leaders, major donors, and community groups.
Proficiency in standard business software (Microsoft 365, CRM databases).
Willingness to travel domestically/internationally and work evenings/weekends as required.
Must have a valid driver’s license and passport.
Ability 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.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items such as boxes, signage, or supplies up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel to domestic and international locations, ranging from shorter trips to more extensive stays.
Maintain professionalism, safety awareness, and flexibility while adapting to different environments and schedules.
Model Joni and Friends’ Christian beliefs and practices to advance our gospel mission during working hours and nonworking hours.
Support fellow staff and volunteers at Joni and Friends in following Christ, by praying for each other, sharing Scripture and setting an example of how to live 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 our Values.
Actively attend a church that has a statement of faith that does not contradict Joni and Friends’ Statement of Faith.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate the annual Area Ministry strategic plan, operating budget, and development plan.
Establish measurable ministry objectives, monitor key performance indicators, evaluate outcomes, and implement improvements.
Provide oversight of Area Ministry operations, ensuring sound financial management, biblical stewardship of resources, and compliance with organizational policies.
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.
Partner with the Development and Marketing teams to maximize campaign effectiveness, donor engagement, and community awareness.
Recruit, develop, and lead high-performing staff and volunteer leaders.
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.
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.
Strengthen relationships with community stakeholders to identify collaborative opportunities.
Lead local participation in domestic and international Joni and Friends ministry programs and initiatives.
Model servant leadership through integrity, humility, prayer, and faithful stewardship.
Foster a workplace culture rooted in our core values and the Four Pillars of Culture.
Ensure all local ministry programs reflect the mission, vision, and biblical commission of Joni and Friends.
Encourage the spiritual growth and development of staff and volunteer leaders.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Regional Director.