Operations & Communications Manager, Board of Lectureship - New

 Department:                Board of Lectureship 

SUMMARY

In 1906, Mary Baker Eddy charged the members of the Christian Science Board of Directors (CSBD) with “...help[ing] the Lecturers in whatever way they can” (Accession: L00512). Today, the Manager of the Board of Lectureship [BoL] is largely responsible for helping the CSBD fulfill this charge. The Operations & Communications Manager in turn, reports directly to the Manager of BoL, supporting the implementation of the CSBD’s vision for how to best fulfill the requirements related to lecturing found in the Church Manual and Mary Baker Eddy’s other writings. On behalf of the Manager, this position helps drive the strategic and business operations of the department. This support includes representing the department as product owner on cross-functional teams and inter-department initiatives, and may include research and strategic planning in regard to lecturer training, as well as support for members and branches in the field.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Metaphysical Support. Makes appropriate time daily to pray in support of the lecture activity globally and responds prayerfully to specific needs that arise. 
2. Operations. Will utilize strong capacity to strategically map out, coordinate, refine, and communicate overall operations of the BoL office, especially in regard to work conducted in conjunction with other departments at TMC assisting with BoL media projects, technology development, on-line strategies, promotional materials, and branch church support.
   • Will serve as Product Owner on cross-functional teams (CFTs), which includes such responsibilities as:
     • Managing the “Backlog” of BoL projects in collaboration with the BoL Manager.
     • Proactively communicating the scope of work of CSBD-approved projects with managers of “service departments” and CFT members.
     • Developing “epic briefs” with Project Management Office and “creative briefs” with subject matter experts in collaboration with BoL Manager.
   • Will liaise with PDSG and oversee any/all design & promotions work needed for the department.
3. Field Support. Works to develop and oversee the implementation of communication plans, informational webinars, surveys, and social media efforts in support of the BoL office’s communication with the global Christian Science field.
4. Branch Support and Communications. Partners with Manager in developing BoL field communications with branches globally, providing information about lecturers, lectures, procedures for requesting a lecture, promotional materials, media interviews and website content. Responds to questions, concerns, criticisms from the field, and works to uplift and heal thought and share Mrs. Eddy’s vision of the purpose of Christian Science lectures.
5. Lecturer Training.  Assists in identifying and developing training activities for both new and seasoned lecturers by working with the Manager to identify areas where lecturers could benefit from further development (e.g. prison lectures, lectures in medical classrooms and religious institutions, and interviews with media). Researches area-specific experts, programs, and articles and thinking about how these might adapt to the BoL, to help with the continual improvement of special skill sets on the BoL.
   
   • Will coordinate user testing efforts to help lecture-related content become more publicly accessible.
6. Media Communications. Researches interview opportunities for lecturers. Works with branches to identify media outlets in their communities, and to secure interviews with those outlets. Helps to prepare lecturers for interviews.
   • Oversees, trains, and assists BoL Media Coordinators globally in their work to identify interview opportunities for lecturers.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS

Reporting Relationships

Supervision:   Reports to Manager of Board of Lectureship
Supervises:     Remote Forms Processor 
                         BoL Media Coordinators (independent contractors) 

Regular Contacts
Broadcast & Multimedia Production Services; Public Media; Promotion & Design Services Group; Committee on Publication; Church Activities, Treasurer’s Office; Office of the General Counsel; Office of the Clerk, including International Service Department; Customer Care Center; Treasurer’s Office; Office of the Chief Information Officer.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience
College degree and/or equivalent experience preferred. Familiarity with branch church work and lecture process. 5 - 8 years experience with project management or business administration.

Knowledge/Skills
The incumbent should have clear and capable metaphysics, as well as outstanding communication, facilitation, planning, organization, and general management skills. Strong analytical skills, an eye for detail, and flexibility are needed, as well as research and analysis skills, including development and delivery of actionable presentations. Knowledge of planning, budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and procedures will be helpful. Confidentiality is a top priority. Familiarity with Agile practices / project management preferred.

A practical understanding of Christian Science healing. Needs to be patient, humble, open to new ideas and new ways of communicating, intuitive, a creative thinker, and self-directed problem solver. Works well with others on a team, and is flexible in approach to processes. Values and demonstrates commitment to both spirit and letter, but will always rely on the spirit as the ultimate guide. Problem solver, peacemaker, looks for common ground within diverse views and helps groups work together effectively.  Someone who respects and values the commitment lecturers make, and wants to support the lecture experience by helping to develop inspiring and professional materials that communicate the lecture message. 

Technology Skills
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Google systems is required.  Knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Trello, and Slack are also helpful. Facility with websites.

Work Environment
This position regularly works in an office environment.

Engagement with Christian Science
Candidates need a healing, embracing, binding-up-the-broken-hearted mentality / capacity. Must understand the need to approach everything through prayer and an expectation of healing and progress. Membership in The Mother Church and Primary Class instruction required.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.