Director, Planning & Design

The Gideons International • Nashville, TN

2d

About The Position

The Director of Planning & Design provides strategic leadership for the division responsible for developing and overseeing annual and multi-year campaigns that equip members to successfully support Ministry Programs as defined in the Operations Manual and directed by the International Cabinet and Executive Committee. Plans also include other efforts to support membership, receipts, and placements goals. This role drives the comprehensive campaign planning process by overseeing communication strategy, creation and updates of support resources, and the development of integrated marketing plans that supports ministry leaders and members to effectively fulfill programs that advance the mission of the Association. The plans designed under this team are implemented through the other Ministry Programs teams, equipping them to support members, donors, and Friends with excellence. The Director ensures that all campaign plans, services, projects, and initiatives - including those related to the six International Programs and the five Core Programs of the Auxiliary - are fully aligned with ministry expectations and provide practical, ministry-focused support to Gideons and Auxiliary members in the USA, National Associations, and International Countries. This includes integrating efforts in project management, process improvement, and change management to strengthen clarity, consistency, and coordination across all Ministry Programs. Success in this position requires strong collaboration, communications, and team-building skills across all Headquarters teams for optimal operational alignment. Management experience is critical for both direct reports and other staff where there is no formal authority. Strong team skills are needed for day-to-day coaching that leads to effective long-term plan execution within the Planning & Design team and through other partnering teams within Ministry Programs and Headquarters as a whole. Deep understanding is necessary of the objectives and processes needed for members to successfully fulfill the activities related to Membership Programs and other efforts that support membership, receipts, and placements goals. Working in close partnership with the Sr. Director, Ministry Programs, as well as cross-divisional leaders and specialized roles within Planning & Design, the Director fosters a collaborative environment that enhances communication, improves operational alignment, and ensures timely execution of major initiatives. The Director leads efforts to improve program clarity, strengthen cross-departmental coordination, and enhance communication efforts, resulting in ministry leaders being better equipped to provide the best possible membership experience for all Gideons and Auxiliary worldwide.

Requirements

• Understanding of the six International Programs and the five Core Programs of the Auxiliary
• Proven critical thinking ability and discernment skills of members needs and alignment with ministry activities.
• Demonstrate team leadership and management experience.
• Strategic planning experience.
• Understanding of marketing and communications.
• Project management disciplines with proven ability to plan, prioritize, and perform complex work in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional behavior and ability to effectively represent The Gideons International with integrity and poise, interpersonal and presentation skills, discernment, and professional appearance
• Spiritual maturity and understanding of biblical stewardship.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to articulate Biblical stewardship and Christian worldview.
• Proven ability to plan, prioritize, and perform multiple complex projects in a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong sense of discretion with confidential information.
• Proven, focused, and self-motivated starter; able to work independently.
• Strong technology skills including proficiency in widely used software applications, especially Microsoft Office applications and customer relationship management (CRM) software.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, members, donors, and vendors.
• A Bachelor’s Degree is required
• 5-10 years of managing teams that execute multifaceted plans
• Successful completion of a drug and background screen

Nice To Haves

• Professional experience in a Protestant, evangelical ministry setting
• Experience working in a staff capacity with membership association
• Experience with The Gideons International in a leadership role related to member programs.
• Experience in planning and designing marketing campaigns and support resource development.

Responsibilities

• Divisional Leadership Provide overall leadership for the Planning & Design division, ensuring strong collaboration, refined processes, and effective support for ministry leaders serving members worldwide. Coordinate the work of strategists, specialists, analysts, and program coordinators to support organization-wide initiatives and ensure unified execution. Partner with other divisions to ensure shared understanding of program goals, plans, and timelines, strengthening organizational alignment and execution. Serve as a central point of alignment for program-related communication and coordination across divisions, fostering clear communication, consistent processes, and cohesive implementation of Ministry Programs. Ensure new team members are thoroughly onboarded and successfully integrated into divisional workflows.
• Strategic Planning Direct the development of comprehensive annual and multi-year campaign plans that encompass all support services, projects, and initiatives related to the six International Programs and the five Core Programs of the Auxiliary. Lead the development of integrating support products, resources, and tools that strengthen the ability of members to fulfill their goals. Provide strategic leadership to ensure all Ministry Programs initiatives align with the Operations Manual and direction from the International Cabinet and Executive Committee.
• Program Analysis & Reporting Oversee program analysis, evaluation, and reporting processes to ensure timely delivery of accurate data and actionable insights. Translate evaluation outcomes and ministry needs into informed recommendations that guide program improvements and organizational decisions. Provide senior leadership with strategic insights, reports, and analysis related to program performance, progress, and effectiveness.
• Communication Strategy Direct the development and execution of communication, promotional, and training updates that support program launches, enhance engagement, and unify program execution. Guide the creation of communication resources and messaging frameworks that clearly convey program priorities and strengthen leader and member understanding. Ensure all communication materials maintain consistency of voice, clarity of information, and alignment with the ministry’s mission. Oversee communication content to ensure it reflects ministry policies and objectives while encouraging spiritual engagement among members and donors.
• Project Management & Execution Promote the implementation of project management standards, tools, and methodologies that support structured planning and effective cross-divisional coordination. Oversee multi-phase projects from concept through completion, ensuring timely execution, excellence in deliverables, and strong collaboration across teams. Monitor project timelines, risks, and performance indicators, providing leadership and solutions to maintain momentum and quality.
• Program Support & Member Experience Provide Support Services and other frontline teams with accurate, timely, and clear details regarding program campaign plans, enabling them to effectively assist leaders, members, and donors. Identify opportunities to enhance program clarity, accessibility, and usability for members across the USA, National Associations, and International Countries. Ensure all program materials and communication resources are accurate, accessible, and aligned with ministry objectives to support a high-quality membership experience.
• Staff Devotions Participate in daily morning staff devotions. Serve by praying and reading Scripture in support of devotion leaders on a rotating basis.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees