WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THIS ROLE.
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is a global Christian nonprofit organization founded in 1945 whose vision is to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ. They pursue that vision through their mission of serving together to bring help, hope, and healing through aviation.
The new Chief People Officer serves on the Executive Leadership Team and leads the organization’s People group, which includes HR & Benefits, Mobilization & Onboarding, Learning & Development, Member Care, and Volunteers. The CPO plays a vital part in MAF’s ministry which seeks to impact isolated people in developing parts of the world with the gospel and transportation support to address core needs like healthcare, education, disaster relief, food, and clean water.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
At the end of World War II, several veteran pilots in the US and UK dreamed of a way they could use their flying skills to reach isolated people with the Gospel. MAF was founded a few years later, and for nearly 80 years now, men and women have been using aviation to share Christ’s love in the most remote places on earth.
People living in isolation are cut off from the outside world by either geographic barriers—like jungles, mountains and deserts—or by social, political or religious barriers, with little to no access to health care, education, supplies, and the hope of the gospel.
MAF team members and airplanes serve in the rugged, difficult places of the world that others can’t reach, or choose not to. From the jungles of Africa to the interior of Borneo, MAF transports Bible translators, doctors, aid workers, the sick and injured, and local evangelists called to take God’s love to their own people.
Each year, MAF’s airplanes provide aviation services to more than 400 mission agencies, churches and humanitarian organizations around the world. Without MAF, many of these organizations would be unable to reach the people they serve. Through these partnerships, MAF connects isolated people with vital services and goods while sharing the love of Christ in a tangible way. Organizations served include Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing, Cru, Reach Beyond, Partners in Health, Compassion International, World Relief, Moody, Ethnos 360 and MAF International (based in Ashford, UK).
MAF is headquartered at its 20-acre campus in Nampa, Idaho—just outside of Boise—with 38,000+ sq ft of office space and three large airplane hangers adjacent to Nampa Municipal Airport, where both pilot and maintenance training is done. Under the oversight of a 14-member Board of Directors, David Holsten has been the ministry’s President & CEO for the past 5+ years. David is a 23-year veteran of MAF, having served in the field in Indonesia prior to moving to Nampa. He is joined by a seven-member Executive Leadership Team that includes Aviation Operations, Finance, People, Advancement, Global Impact, Safety & Quality, and Information Technology.
Their 2023 budget is $56 million and is continuing to increase year-over-year. Currently, about 41% comes from organizational donors (major and middle donors, direct mail, digital, sustainer program, foundations, and planned giving); 34% from missionary staff support, 19% from fees for services from flight operations, and 6% from other sources. The People Group budget is approximately $4.5 million of that total.
The organization has about 600 employees (including HQ staff, ex-pats in the field and Nationals), with about 145 located in Nampa. They have field offices are in DRC, Haiti, Kalimantan, Jakarta, Lesotho, Papua, Mozambique, Ecuador, and four restricted access nations. Click here for more information.
HOW THEY ACCOMPLISH THEIR MISSION
MAF engages with like-minded partners, local believers, humanitarian organizations, and government entities to provide aviation services to reach the lost in need of the gospel, support local communities, and deliver vital services. Through an intentional focus on these five areas of focus, MAF knows that they are working towards achieving their vision and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Searching for new disciples by bringing gospel awareness so isolated people have an opportunity to hear about Jesus.
Supporting existing followers and disciple-makers by coming alongside believers, including evangelists, missionaries, churches, Bible translators, and other kingdom workers.
Strengthening the capacity and talent of national staff by taking intentional steps to further the education and development of MAF’s local overseas employees.
Serving people’s core needs by providing access to food, clean water, health care, education, and other necessities.
Stewarding creation as a reflection of God’s love for mankind by supporting projects related to agriculture, conservation, wildlife, and other areas of God’s creation.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
MAF is well-known and well-respected throughout the global missions world. The organization is healthy, resilient and excited about the future—understanding that there have been and will be unique challenges that must be faced in the difficult places they are called to work. As a team, they are working hard to do things right, and standing on a solid foundation. There is a mutual respect for one another and a deep commitment to the mission and work…a true sense of “fellowship,” as their name describes.
As an organization, they strive to, as one member of the ELT put it, “honor the past, protect the culture, and embrace change.” They are working to discover the next generation of men and women who are willing to go to hard places to do hard things, and are pursuing continual improvement…exploring new and better ways of doing what they do.
In this role, MAF is looking for an experienced HR Professional; someone with a deep understanding of policies, compliance and legalities, but just as deep of an understanding of staff care and handling people-related issues well. Although not required, someone with overseas field experience would be a plus, but at the very least, he or she must have a global perspective and cross-cultural understanding and empathy. This individual will be relationally gifted and demonstrate collaborative leadership. They must bring accountability and checks and balances, be spiritually mature, and be a team developer and trust-builder; an executor who also listens well. Terms like collaborative, courageous, consistent, and communicator will apply to this leader.
So where is this person now? They may be in a HR-related leadership role at a global ministry organization, or they could be serving at a globally-focused company with a personal, demonstrated heart for missions.
POSITION PROFILE
Title: Vice President & Chief People Officer
Reports to: President & CEO
Serves on: Executive Leadership Team
Direct Reports: Director of Human Resources, Director of Onboarding, Director of Learning & Development, Manager of Travel & Furlough, Director of Employee Relations
Location: Nampa/Boise, Idaho area
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief People Officer serves on the Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for strategic direction, developmental input, and supervisory oversight of the functions carried out by our People Group. Those functions include Mobilization and Onboarding, Learning and Development, HR & Benefits, Member Care, and Volunteers. The role interfaces with the board of MAF and requires strong communication, cultural understanding, and engagement with staff as HR-related policies and practices are developed and implemented. The position requires a professional understanding of HR disciplines as well as the unique complexities that surround ministry within international and cross-cultural environments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Strategic Leadership
Collaborates with Executive Leadership Team across a wide range of areas such as: development and implementation of strategic plans, participation in regular meetings together, coordination of enterprise-level decisions and activities, staff communiques, etc.
Ensures that HR best practices are implemented across the organization.
Develops, implements, and evaluates personnel structures, policies, and systems to ensure they serve the organization as guided by our Statement of Faith, Vision & Mission, Values, Code of Conduct, and Strategic Plan.
Provides strategic direction, developmental input, and supervisory oversight to direct reports, holding them accountable to agreed upon goals, policies, and outcomes.
Develops a deep understanding of organizational culture through regular engagement with staff, both US-based and overseas.
Oversees the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel who are competent to pursue the organization's vision and mission. Pursues strategies to increase diversity through engagement with minority populations committed to global missions.
Collaborates with board members serving on People Committee and engages with the full board during periodic meetings.
Networks with industry peers, other organizations, and affinity groups to support the work of MAF and to develop and maintain an understanding of current industry trends.
Collaborates with organizational leaders to address complex people-related matters. Partners with legal counsel as needed.
In coordination with organizational leaders and legal counsel, oversees organizational policies and legal compliance.
Oversees leadership development and learning programs. Directs and evaluates career counseling and planning for proper placement of staff.
Administration
Serves as a member of the Candidate Committee.
Ensures proper handling of inter-agency on-loan agreements, staff terminations, coaching, package preparation, and legal compliance.
Facilitates regular meetings with direct reports and other members of the People group.
In coordination with CFO, ensures employment benefit plans are being properly administered.
Employs analytics to monitor enterprise-level workforce trends and ensures succession plans are in place for key roles within People group.
Ensures that Health and Wellness considerations and a robust Benefits Plan are in place for staff.
Supervisory functions.
Budget responsibilities.
Spiritual
Ensures a viable spiritual context in all areas of people interaction, guided by Biblical principles and the organization's Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct.
Models godly behavior and embraces spiritual disciplines.
Provides opportunities and accountability for on-going spiritual development with the members of the People group.
Approaches problems through prayer and input from those involved with issue(s) and counsel from internal and external advisors.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree with a Human Resources emphasis required, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five (5) years in a Human Resources or related field, 10 years preferred, including director-level experience required.
Five (5) years of experience in negotiation and administration of employee benefits programs, including healthcare, retirement, and disability preferred.
Five (5) years of experience serving overseas and/or mission organization experience strongly preferred.
Experience managing an annual budget of $1 million or more.
COMPETENCIES
Building collaborative relationships.
Acts to align own unit's goals with the strategic direction of the organization.
Personal credibility.
Forward thinking.
Willing to make decisions in difficult or ambiguous situations, when time is critical.
Makes tough decisions.
Managing change.
Identifies and promptly tackles problems.
Can maneuver through complex political situations effectively and calmly.
Works cooperatively with others.
SKILLS
Advanced knowledge/understanding of Federal, State, and Local law and legislation affecting the workplace.
Advanced ability in establishing credibility and being decisive in peer, subordinate, and superior interactions and relationships.
SPHR, GPHR, or SHRM-SCP certification upon hire preferred.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: Competitive, based on experience.
Benefits: Medical (basic or HDHP), dental and vision insurance; 403(b) plan with up to 5% employer match; paid parental leave; life insurance; STD & LTD. Vacation and sick leave accrual begin at date of hire; ten (10) paid holidays per year, plus two (2) personal days. The total benefits package increases total compensation by an average of ~$35,000 per staff member per year.
Vacation: Vacation for ELT member is 20 days (1-2 years with MAF), 25 days (3-9 years), 30 days (10+ years).
Relocation: Yes, negotiable.
Travel: Approximately 2-3 international trips and 3-4 domestic trips per year.
ABOUT THE TREASURE VALLEY, IDAHO AREA
From the remote desert of the Owyhee Mountains, to expanding vineyards and family-run farms, to bustling metropolitan areas ringed by national forest, there is no other place in Idaho—or perhaps even the Northwest—that contains the diversity of the Treasure Valley, which includes Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Eagle. National rankings and publications consistently show everyone from millennials to retirees think it’s a desirable area to live, and it is consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing in the nation. The region is home to nearly 750,000 people, but is projected to grow to over one million by 2040. In addition, it is the third-largest metro area in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle and Portland.
Boise is Idaho’s capital and largest city, and is the third-largest in the Northwest (behind Seattle and Portland). It is the cultural hub of the Treasure Valley, featuring everything from art museums and touring Broadway shows, to an eclectic mix of local restaurants and craft breweries. Historic neighborhoods like Boise’s North End and East End are known for their exquisitely restored Craftsman and Victorian homes surrounded by mature trees.
The Treasure Valley may be best known for the high quality of living it offers residents. The abundance of recreation and entertainment opportunities available at your fingertips are almost too numerous to describe. Residents who love the outdoors can hike, bike or run the 25-mile long Boise River Greenbelt, which offers shade and stunning views of the Boise River throughout. The 200-plus mile Ridge to Rivers Trail System, with its breathtaking panoramic views of the valley, is also not to be missed. You’re about 45 minutes from winter skiing, and for music lovers, there’s the Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series and Treefort Festival. It is also home to Boise State University, a perennial college football power.
The median home price is $417,000 in the Valley, $392,000 in Nampa (Zillow), and the schools are ranked the best in the state.
You can learn more about the ministry of MAF at www.maf.org. Download their 2022 Annual Ministry Report here, and watch a short video celebrating their 75th Anniversary here.
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THIS ROLE.