Description

LJA Mission Statement:

The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body.

Located in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Lake Junaluska is a faith-based non profit ministry with historic connection to The United Methodist Church and plays a vital role by providing a location for training, gathering and personal renewal.  Each year Lake Junaluska will host over 200,000 guests who are engaged in spiritual training, recreation or renewal events and activities.  Our guests include religious, non-profit and secular groups.  We are also a residential and vacation community.

Position Summary: 

The Program Development Manager is a pivotal role responsible for reinforcing and enhancing programs that align with the organization's mission and vision. Reporting to the Director of Program Ministry, this position combines strategic planning, market research, and cross-departmental collaboration to deliver impactful ministry initiatives. This role supports the organization’s long-term goals by driving program development, cultivating partnerships, and promoting community engagement.

This role is ideal for a dynamic individual passionate about ministry programs, skilled in strategic planning, and adept at building relationships across diverse groups. It offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact by bringing innovative ideas to life and enhancing the organization’s outreach and mission.

Essential Functions:

Program Development and Support (40%)

• Lead the planning, coordination, and enhancement of programs in collaboration with the Director of Program Ministry.

• Manage all stages of program projects using appropriate software, from initial planning and budgeting to implementation and final reporting.

• Establish roadmaps and timelines for program development, balancing priorities, customer needs, and available resources.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for new ministry groups, fostering relationships and understanding their goals.

• Represent the organization at external events to network and promote programs, including United Methodist and other strategic opportunities.

• Provide on-site leadership for key events, managing logistics, volunteer coordination, and teaching responsibilities.

Market Research (30%)

• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify trends and competitive opportunities.

• Develop and recommend program enhancements and new initiatives aligned with organizational goals.

• Assist in creating marketing strategies, plans, and content that reflect the organization’s brand and mission.

• Create routine reports, dashboards, and measurement tools for operational data presentation. 

Communication and Collaboration (30%)

• Partner with the Sales team to develop sales forecasts and pricing strategies.

• Work with various internal departments to execute engagement strategies that advance the organization's priorities.

• Maintain strong communication with ministry partners, gathering feedback and aligning programs to meet their needs.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, and finance) to ensure the seamless implementation of programs.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A Bachelor’s degree required, higher degree preferred. 

• Strong background in Christian hospitality, and thorough knowledge of the United Methodist structure preferred.

• Must possess excellent hospitality skills and a strong desire to foster an attitude of Christian hospitality to “exceed guest expectations”.

• 3-5 years of progressive program management experience with a proven record of success achieving or exceeding ambitious revenue targets.

• Exemplary strategic thinking, proactivity, prioritization, development and use of effective operational systems, project and team management.

• Comprehensive management skills and experience preferred, including short and long-term planning and evaluation, oral and written communication, marketing and financial management, organizational behavior and development. 

• Computer skills required, with experience in digital content marketing, data analysis, and project management software(s) preferred.

• Excellent planning, organizational, goal oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

• Knowledge and experience in the nature and dimensions of market research, program ministry standards and program development techniques, including face-to-face solicitation, proposal writing, special events, telephone solicitation, and direct mail.

• Excellent listener who engages and develops rapport quickly with the ability to build long-term relationships with a wide range of constituents.

• Flexible and adaptable work style with the ability to work nights and weekends, and/or travel when necessary.

Performance/Success Factors

• Be punctual to work and other related functions.

• Perform well in a team environment.

• Complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner.

• Ability to prioritize daily tasks and events.

• Ability to motivate volunteers and maximize their involvement in fundraising efforts. 

• Perform routine duties with minimal supervision.

• Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

• Strives for excellence in all tasks and duties and fosters an attitude of “exceeding guest expectations”.

• Able to work independently but operate within LJA policy guidelines using independent judgment.

Working conditions

• Light to moderate physical activity performing non-strenuous administrative type work

• Well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation with quiet to moderate noise

• Physical demands: able to lift up to 25 pounds, manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items 

• Manual dexterity to perceive attributes of objects and materials 

• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel; frequently moves about, able to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods 

• At times, be outdoors in all weather conditions

• Vision: must be able to see close, have good vision to perform daily duties

• Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   Monday through Friday, nights, weekend, holiday, and travel as required.

Lake Junaluska is an Equal Opportunity Employer