Director of Strategic Initiative

International Fellowship of Christians & Jews, Inc•Chicago, IL

3d•$125,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Fellowship is an organization of bridge builders whose vision is that Jews and Christians will reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and replace it with a relationship marked by dialogue, understanding, respect and cooperation. Together we are able to help more than a million Jews in need each year. Our success is built on a culture that celebrates the differences in who we are, what we have experienced, and how we think. (Chicago/Hybrid) The Director of Strategic Initiative leads the vision, strategy, and execution of a high-impact initiative designed to strengthen biblical understanding and engagement across the evangelical church. This role oversees content development, partnerships, and operational systems to build a scalable platform that reaches and equips pastors, ministry leaders, and believers. The Director is accountable for driving growth, ensuring alignment with theological principles, and delivering measurable impact. This position reports to the US CEO and Global Chief Operating Officer. This position is based in our Chicago headquarters.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in ministry, nonprofit, media, or related field.
Proven experience leading complex initiatives from concept through execution.
Experience managing cross-functional teams, vendors, or agencies is required.
Deep understanding of Christian faith, Scripture, and evangelical church dynamics
Strategic planning and execution expertise
Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills
Experience in digital media, content strategy, or platform development
Budget and operational management skills
Knowledge of both Jewish and Christian beliefs with the ability to empathize with the strongly held religious and/or political belief systems of both.
Must be passionate about the ministry of IFCJ and comfortable with prayer requests.
Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline
Ability to lead through influence and across functions
High level of organizational and project management capability
Strong relational leadership and partnership-building skills
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Theology, Ministry, Business, Communications, or related field is preferred.
Faith-based or ministry organization, content or media ecosystems or audience development and existing relationships within evangelical or ministry networks and fundraising or donor engagement exposure is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the long-term vision, roadmap, and growth strategy for the initiative.
Translate mission into measurable goals, milestones, and annual operating plans.
Identify opportunities to expand influence, reach new audiences, and deepen impact across the church.
Ensure all efforts remain aligned with a Scripture-first theological framework.
Work with partners to maintain biblical alignment and brand integrity
Oversee editorial standards, brand voice, audience engagement, and content performance.
Lead the implementation of the content strategy including video, podcasts, articles, courses, live events, social media, and digital campaigns.
Build systems to distribute content through trusted voices, strategic partners, and ministry networks.
Oversee key partnerships and lead cross-functional planning and execution of strategic initiatives from concept through launch and optimization.
Build project timelines, workstreams, accountability systems, and reporting cadences to ensure timely delivery.
Coordinate internal teams, contractors, stakeholders, and vendors across multiple concurrent priorities.
Anticipate risks, solve bottlenecks, and maintain momentum toward organizational goals.
Cultivate relationships with pastors, ministry leaders, creators, scholars, donors, churches, and aligned organizations.
Identify, onboard, and manage external agencies, consultants, production partners, and freelance talent.
Oversee agency scopes of work, budgets, deliverables, timelines, and performance standards.
Recruit respected voices and ambassadors to amplify the mission.
Represent the initiative publicly through meetings, events, interviews, and speaking engagements.
Build and lead a high-performing internal team and external contractors/agencies.
Establish budgets, workflows, KPIs, reporting systems, and accountability structures.
Ensure operational excellence while scaling sustainably.
Collaborate with partners on the development and implementation of strategies to reach pastors, church leaders, and everyday believers on a scale.
Use data and audience insights to refine messaging and increase engagement.
Measure spiritual, educational, and organizational impact over time.