Jewish Voice Ministries International (JVMI) is well-established, $30+ million global evangelical ministry dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah to the Jewish people first, reaching them through humanitarian aid, outreach events, evangelistic performing arts events, children’s education and discipleship programs, and the planting and empowering of indigenously-led local Messianic Jewish congregations around the world. They also engage with Christians and key Christian leaders/influencers concerning Israel and the importance of the Jewish people.
Their new Chief Marketing & Development Officer will serve on the Executive Leadership Team and lead the organization’s work in fundraising, marketing, communications, mid and major donor development, broadcast media, and customer service.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Jewish Voice Ministries International has been operating as a ministry for more than five decades. The ministry was founded by Louis Kaplan in 1967 as Jewish Voice Broadcasts (JVB). Jonathan Bernis became their CEO at the time of Kaplan’s passing in 1999. Jonathan's ministry at the time, Hear O' Israel Ministries and JVB merged to become Jewish Voice Ministries International in 2001. Since then, the organization has grown dramatically in both size and reach.
CORE PURPOSE
Romans 11:26 is the premise of their Core Purpose and explains Why They Exist, which is:
TO TRANSFORM LIVES AND SEE ALL ISRAEL SAVED.
MISSION
Their Mission explains What They Do to their employees and supporters.
WE PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO THE JEW FIRST, GROW THE MESSIANIC JEWISH
COMMUNITY AND ENGAGE THE CHURCH CONCERNING ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE.
CORE VALUES
Their Core Values explain How They Behave. They depict the qualities, attributes and behavior of the most successful and thriving employees and the type of employees JVMI wants to attract to their work culture.
Service–Minded
Pursuing Excellence
Proactive Team Player
JVMI is based in Phoenix, Arizona, with both a 55,600 sq ft headquarters building and a separate television/podcasting studio two blocks away. Under the guidance of a 7-member Board of Directors, President & CEO Jonathan Bernis and his Executive Leadership Team guide JVMI’s 65 employees (plus nine in their Ethiopian office) and their $30+ million annual budget.
The ministry currently has nearly 100,000 active donors (known as “partners”), while major donors (just under 400) account for about ten percent of revenues and mid-majors for another 23%. In addition, there are nearly 17,000 monthly donors and quite a number of one-time or periodic donors. Revenue has declined slightly in the past two years after 2020 and 2021 proved to be JVMI’s biggest years ever.
HOW THEY ACCOMPLISH THEIR MISSION
In simple terms, JVMI is about sharing Yeshua with Jewish people and their neighbors, particularly where no one else is reaching and even where ethnic or religious persecution can occur. They start by meeting physical or perceived needs to build trust and have a transformative impact in the target community, and to create a platform to introduce the Gospel and then plant and grow congregations. The model is that JVMI decreases while the local presence increases—ultimately training and empowering Messianic Jewish believers to reach their own communities.
Here’s an overview of the methodology JVMI uses to reach Jewish communities around the world:
Learn — of a community claiming Jewish origins.
Explore & Validate — the legitimacy of the claim.
Discover — a particular community need.
Meet the Need — which opens the door to share the Gospel.
Determine — the ability to plant local faith communities.
Identify, Train & Empower — indigenous national and local leaders.
Release — indigenous ministry which impacts their own people and nation.
Connect — national ministries with the Church and the international Messianic Jewish community.
Current programs include:
Scattered Jewish Community Outreach (“All Tribes in Ten”)
Using their long-term, proven model of meeting physical or perceived needs as a means to introduce the Gospel and then plant and grow congregations. In addition to Israel, there are viable local—and indigenously led—Messianic congregations currently in Ethiopia (65) and Zimbabwe (170), as well as new work in Zambia (currently 2 congregations), and exploratory efforts underway in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East (Muslim areas where scattered Jewish communities live).
Outside Ministry Support
JVMI commits 10¢ of every dollar raised to supporting partners organizations around the world who’s mission aligns closely with Jewish Voice, primarily in Israel (80+), Ukraine/East Europe (40) and South America (2).
Training Indigenous Leaders
A long-term commitment to congregation and leader development, which also includes children’s programs, well-drilling, economic development, and other programs.
Relevant Bible-Based Content
Jewish Voice provides relevant, Bible-based content for the Church in the West about its Jewish roots and continuing responsibility for the salvation of Jewish people.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
JVMI’s donors/partners are very passionate and feel very connected to the ministry, the outreach work and reaching Jewish people with the Gospel of Yeshua. Many are especially connected to Jonathan from his television show, Jewish Voice with Jonathan Bernis. Their programs and outreach are proven, solid and effective, with new areas being opened in the most recent years. But there has been a lack of new, innovative approaches, which over the long haul, could have a detrimental effect on fundraising.
The ministry is stable and solid—and blessed with a very strong financial underpinning—but the concern is that, if left unaddressed, without further growth into new areas of ministry and without finding new and effective ways to communicate missional progress to donors, people may perceive JVMI to be a ‘legacy’ organization (sustaining old program models with no ‘new vision’ or ‘new growth.’ They are in need of, and are aggressively pursuing, breaking new ground into new unreached Jewish communities, and are also in need of new marketing and fundraising vision (telling the story in a fresh and compelling way to the various segments of its donor base)..
The staff at JVMI believes strongly in Romans 1:16, and there is a great sense of camaraderie among a team that is supportive of the work, as well as those who have become advocates and those who are truly champions of the cause. About 10-15% of the current team are Jewish believers in Jesus. There is a time of prayer each morning and a gathering for prayer and worship every Wednesday. Jewish Voice has been certified by BCWI as a “Best Christian Workplace” for seven years running.
The Executive Leadership Team is honest, open, intense, and close-knit, and there is desire for more risk-taking and an innovative spirit among the ELT and the staff in general. Leadership has made and are continuing to make proactive efforts to “un-silo” the organization, and the entire team is more aligned than they have been in years.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The ideal candidate will have a strong and dynamic relationship with Yeshua (Jesus) as personal Lord and Savior and demonstrates spiritual disciplines that are built into his or her daily life. Strongly motivated doing Kingdom work, they are both highly strategic toward the achievement of high-level goals as well as tactical in dealing with the details of job execution and impact to staff; someone with a strong sense of urgency, initiative and competitive drive to get things done.
At the same time, he or she understands and cares for people well and uses that understanding effectively in influencing, engaging, equipping, and empowering their team toward successful outcomes. They are a confident and venturesome “doer” and decision-maker with sound judgment and stewardship principles. Phrases like collaborative high achiever, strategic innovator, good listener, proactive with strong sense of urgency, and focused on goals and the people needed to get there would apply to this person.
This servant leader may currently be serving as a key marketing or development executive at another significant nonprofit, or could be from a successful business development, marketing and team leadership background in the corporate world with a demonstrated heart for missions and for the Messianic culture/story.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Chief Marketing & Development Officer
Reports to: Vice President of Global Ministry Affairs with dotted line reporting to President & CEO
Member of: Executive Leadership Team
Direct Reports: Marketing, Philanthropy, Broadcast, Partner Service, Executive Assistant
Location: Phoenix, AZ area
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Marketing & Development Officer (CMDO) is responsible for leading the strategic direction and management of all internal and external marketing, philanthropy and communications functions for JVMI (US, UK and Canada) focused on partner acquisition, cultivation, and engagement in order to achieve the furtherance of its mission and the accomplishment of ministry objectives. He or she formulates and directs strategic initiatives to increase overall brand awareness and impact and increase partner awareness and engagement with the ministry, its missions and vision, while ensuring consistent branding and communication across all channels.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CMDO leads a staff of 30. Responsibilities also include interviewing, hiring, training and developing plans for staff; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising, rewarding and correcting employee performance, compensation recommendations; resolving problems; and kingdom culture dynamics.
The current team reporting to the CMDO is comprised of:
Philanthropy (Dept Director [open] with direct reports— 6 development, 1 church, 1 admin)
Partner Services (Dept manager with 5 direct reports for inbound and outbound calling and office reception)
Database (Database Architect and Full Stack Developer with 3 direct reports handling technology, software, Virtuous and add-ons/integration)
Broadcast (1 Supervising Producer with two direct reports—2 editors, plus freelancers)
Marketing (Director of Marketing with direct reports—Project Manager, Email Specialist, Web Specialist, Writer, Graphic Designer, Social Media Coordinator)
RESPONSIBILITIES
Establish fundraising goals in conjunction with all respective departments as well as formulating marketing and communications strategies toward achievement.
Drive activities and strategies toward new partner acquisition through campaigns, digital presence, web, broadcast television, and other means using ROI as a measurement of success and good stewardship.
Translate ministry initiatives into marketing and fundraising plans, establish clear and measurable benchmark metrics for marketing, fundraising and communications programs, and accurately evaluate and communicate progress to SLT and board.
Partner with CEO, Executive Leadership Team and other leaders in setting organizational-level communication priorities and oversee communications activities, including coordination of resources, budgeting and planning.
Create an integrated marketing, media and communications strategy to elevate the ministry’s brand visibility and drive prospective engagement.
Develop/evolve a social media strategy to better engage organic followers and social media influencers.
Effectively utilize external media, advertising, contractors, fundraising vendors and partners, as needed, managing them to a pre-determined level of performance.
Manage all department budgets including timely and accurate review of budget results, variance reports and budget preparation.
Develop and execute strategies to increase percentage of gross contribution revenue coming from major and mega partners from 15% of base to 25% with continuing year over year increase once achieved.
Develop Mega Gifts Officer roles and hire additional staff as needed, holding each accountable to established moves management goals.
Plan and conduct annual special projects, campaigns and events (including targeted attendees) to support ministry objectives, further engage partners with the ministry’s mission.
Identify and maximize grant opportunities.
Develop the Planned and Estate Giving programs to enact a sustainable model with measurable results and year over year improvements.
Develop departmental budgets in conjunction with VP-GMA and Finance; oversee and manage final approved budget appropriately, including timely and accurate review of results and variance reports.
Facilitate a departmental culture that cultivates connections with existing partners toward retention and further support of the ministry as well as engages new partners with high giving potential.
Formulate effective methodologies to keep staff informed of all programs that can effectively be communicated to partners.
Identify and monitor metrics to ensure effective contact with partners occurs on a regular schedule and is consistent with established standards and goals.
Promote a culture of high performance, accountability, quality, creativity, and a commitment to the ministry’s mission.
Oversee timely distribution of partner receipts and recognition of major gifts within established guidelines, ensuring follow up and appreciation are communicated.
Ensure proper training and usage of SOP/Policy/Work instructions for job functions, as well as supporting team members.
Demonstrate pursuit of operational excellence being proactive in making enhancements and/or identifying/preventing risks or potential problems.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Strong Christian or Messianic Jewish beliefs with a heart for missions, developing relationships and outreach.
Must have a church or congregation membership with an established relationship with the respective Pastor or Rabbi.
Agreement to uphold the ministry in prayer and to JVMI’s Tenets of Faith, Habits, Lifestyle and Moral Integrity Standards, Core Purpose, Mission Statement, Core Values, Unity Statement and Social Agreement.
Must be committed to the mission of Jewish Voice at “Advocate” level moving toward “Champion.”
Able to translate the overall ministry strategy into day-to-day execution, providing coaching and feedback to leaders, teams and support teams.
Able to motivate and lead a high-performance team; attract, recruit and retain qualified members of the team; provide mentoring for career development.
Able to collaborate effectively across departments and provide strategic direction for growth, innovation and furtherance of the organization’s mission.
Able to communicate concisely and effectively to provide context, motivate teams, and share information.
Able to engage key stakeholders in the decision-making process and execution of plans through high levels of interaction with executives.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or similar field; MBA or similar advanced degree strongly preferred.
Minimum of ten plus (10+) years of relevant marketing, development (including major donors), and communications leadership experience managing multiple departments.
Senior-level management experience with proven record of success including progressive responsibility and talent development.
Extensive experience in managing, coaching and inspiring direct reports.
Significant nonprofit leadership experience; international experience preferred.
Experience and proven ability to create powerful and compelling written, visual, digital and oral communications that effectively convey key concepts, ideas and information to a variety of audiences—including executive management and board—across a variety of formats.
Proven skills at establishing and cultivating strong relationships with peers, across different levels of the organization as well as external contacts.
Strong organizational skills, project management background and deadline driven work ethic.
Ability to assess and forecast the needs of the department and proactively make decisions in a changing environment, anticipating future needs.
Strong financial acumen; must understand the components driving P&L and G&A management.
Ability to access, analyze and discern data (via CRM platforms, Excel, Google Analytics, and other metrics) in order to adjust ongoing campaigns and strategies. Familiarity with Virtuous, WealthEngine and/or DonorSearch a plus.
Other duties as assigned.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: In the $150,000 range, depending on experience.
Benefits: Full benefits package, including medical, (at reduced premium for dependents), H.S.A with employer contributions, employer-paid dental, vision, STD/LTD and life insurance. Supplemental or add’l benefits available.
Vacation: Four (4) weeks annually.
Relocation: Up to $10,000.
Travel: 25-30%, mostly domestic.
To learn more about the ministry of JVMI, please visit their website at www.jewishvoice.org. You may also view and download their 2022 Ministry Impact Report here.
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you sense this role and organization could be a good fit for you, please click on the APPLY NOW button below. If you know someone who may have an interest, please use the social media share and email buttons at the top.