Appointment of Director of Fundraising and Marketing Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations. - Psalm 119.89
Bible Society is passionate for a world where everyone has access to the Bible and can recognise its value for them, their families and communities. We believe that God s revelation to human beings through the Scriptures continues to be of vital importance for every generation, and society. We believe that the Bible is more than a book it can feed the spiritual health of every individual, provide life-giving wisdom for every sphere of society, and help all of us live in fruitful relationship with the environment we share. We believe that as people engage with the Bible, lives can change, for good. We do not dictate. Our aim is to see every individual and community equipped to discover for themselves the value of the Bible. In a rapidly changing world, nationally and internationally, the types of need and opportunity are almost limitless. Cultural changes are happening with increasing speed, and globalisation is rapidly changing the way people connect. This calls for Bible Society to be increasingly responsive, creative and entrepreneurial. The Bible is communication, and digital media gives us extraordinary new opportunities to engage with everyone everywhere in locally relevant and accessible ways. The task of translating, producing and distributing the Bible in every heart language in the world remains significant. The task of advocating for the Bible in every culture, and of helping every individual to engage with it, is even greater. We are filled with excitement about the possibilities, and a deep sense of hope about the value that the Bible can bring for all. We see a growing unity in the body of Christ around this value, and a growing need for the Bible s message of reconciliation and peace in an increasingly fractious world. We believe that we have a unique opportunity to rise to this challenge. We are based in the home of the global English language whilst also having a rich history of valuing and supporting local cultures and churches. We have extraordinary global connections, and we have a long history of valuing the contribution of diverse spiritual approaches within the body of Christ. Bible Society is now recruiting a Director of Fundraising and Marketing who is committed to following Jesus, is a lover of the Bible and able to develop strategies to grow income and inspire audiences off and online. We are seeking a Director of Fundraising and Marketing who is able to think and act innovatively and strategically, and lead a team that excels in raising funds and in enthusing supporters to offer the Bible to the world in a contemporary context. He or she will be able to demonstrate a track record of growing income and the impact of a brand. He or she will have a servant-hearted authenticity, and a management style that leads through building and empowering a team. He or she will be digitally engaged and savvy at building a presence and community online as well as relational and skilled at building relationships and engaging externally. Following the recent appointment of Paul S Williams, Research Professor of Marketplace Theology at Regent College, as the new Chief Executive of Bible Society (to assume the role in September 2016) there is a great sense of excitement and expectation of a new season of innovation and confidence in the power of the Bible. Please do consider whether you might invest your passions and gifts to help us realise our desire to see the world blessed through engagement with the Bible. 2
About Bible Society Thomas Charles, William Wilberforce and others established The British and Foreign Bible Society, now referred to as Bible Society, in 1804. Our patron is HM the Queen, and our President is the Right Revd Richard Chartres, Bishop of London. Bible Society was established as being and remains lay led. We work in fellowship with and serve the whole church irrespective of denominational or theological tradition. When we publish the Bible we do so without sectarian comment. Our approach is one of inviting conversation. Now operating under a Royal Charter, our charitable object is simply to encourage the wider circulation or use of the Bible. We completed a review of our governance structure during 2015 with the benefit of professional advice. We are keen to do more to help both the saints in the street and the emerging generations, whether or not connected to church, engage with and appreciate the value of the Bible, both for them individually and for society. Much of our national advocacy work has traditionally been through the media, education, the arts and politics. For example, the think-tank, Theos, is part of Bible Society s family and has an effective and distinctive voice in the public arena. Open the Book, which through more than 12,500 volunteers delivers Bible stories to over 2,000 primary schools, is also a key Bible Society programme. We are active in Westminster, including each year helping to deliver the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast. We run a competition called The Pitch that inspires film-makers to create innovative short films based on a character, theme or story in the Bible. Globally, Bible Society is the founder of the global Bible Society movement, now known as the United Bible Societies fellowship and referred to as UBS. Bible Society remains a significant servant of that fellowship, and much of our international work is delivered by working through or in partnership with UBS. The UBS fellowship is one of the world s leading Christian organisations, with national offices and operations in over 200 countries. This ensures both global interconnection and local ownership. Bible Society has particularly strong connections in China, the Middle East and Africa, whilst also operating elsewhere. We are affiliated with Amity Printing, the largest Bible printing factory in the world based in Nanjing (140 million Bibles in over 100 languages over the last 30 years, half of which have been distributed within China). We have recently commissioned Amity to print the first highquality study Bible in Chinese. We are working closely with colleagues in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan to meet the growing needs there at this difficult time. We are supporting numerous projects to translate the Bible into local heart languages. We have recently concluded a successful African leadership conference in Malawi, and we are delivering increasing numbers of Bibles for highly successful work that is reducing recidivism rates in a number of African prisons. These are just examples of our multi-faceted international work. 3
Context Global trends show that the world is becoming a less, not more, secular place. Christianity is growing all over the world, particularly in China and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa where the demand for Bibles is increasing at an exponential rate. At home, 7% of the national adult population describe themselves as Christian and Bible engaged, with a further 6% as Church going but unengaged with the Bible. Approximately a further 55% of the adult population describe themselves as spiritually open. It is against this dynamic backdrop that Bible Society has a wealth of opportunities to respond to the growing demand for the Bible around the world and invite individuals to engage with what it has to say in their own lives. Bible Society is a thriving and stable organisation with committed and talented staff. James Catford, who led the organisation and oversaw a period of sustained growth over 14 years, stepped down at the end of last year. Paul S Williams, Research Professor of Marketplace Theology and Leadership at Regent College, has just been announced as the next Chief Executive of Bible Society. He will take up the position in September this year. Paul was formerly Chief Economist and Head of International Research for DTZ plc, a London-based multinational real estate consulting and investment-banking group, and has worked as an economic policy advisor for the European Commission and numerous national and city governments. More recently he was the visionary behind ReFrame, a 10-week course that blends world-class teaching with real-life examples of Christians in various professions wrestling with and succeeding in applying their faith to their professional and personal lives. News of Paul s appointment has been welcomed with great excitement within and outside the organisation. With a passion for communicating the relevance, power and salience of Scripture for living vibrantly it is anticipated that Paul will cast a compelling vision and will lead the organisation into a new season of creativity and growth. Our income last financial year was over 19million, with approximately 11m of that total raised in voluntary income which represents a significant increase on the previous year. We give thanks to the Lord, our loyal supporter base and the customers of our commercial arm for enabling us to increase our income against a challenging economic backdrop. After a period of extensive consultation we have just launched a revised and refreshed brand and are poised to roll out a three-year awareness raising campaign aimed at increasing understanding and support amongst Bible engaged Christian audiences nationwide. We believe there is a significant opportunity for the new Director of Fundraising and Marketing to help Bible Society increase its income as it continues to improve the focus, delivery and communication of its strategy and as it accesses potential new donor audiences in this country. Bible Society is committed to the spiritual foundations laid by our founders over 200 years ago. We are looking for a Director of Fundraising and Marketing who has had experience of developing and delivering income growth and increased brand effectiveness someone who has a joy in exercising the kind of leadership that can consolidate past achievements, be ambitious for the future, and then lead others forward in that vision. 4
Role Description The Director of Fundraising and Marketing will join a strong team in seeing Bible Society grow and strengthen its impact. It will be the particular responsibility of the Director to: Vision and Strategy Lead the development and delivery of a multi-disciplinary fundraising strategy that will deliver ambitious growth targets over the coming years while complying with best practice in fundraising and data protection. Ensure that Bible Society has developed brand and marketing strategies (off and online) that enable it to engage more effectively and broadly with its target audiences. Spearhead the development and delivery of a dynamic digital strategy for Bible Society. Champion personally, internally and externally, Bible Society s founding principles and the unique value of the Bible for individuals, families and communities. Ensure that the team is encouraged and equipped to be innovative and creative in all that they do. Leadership Provide leadership and inspire a team of over 30 staff with the mission of Bible Society, embedding the values of Bible Society in the culture and working practices of the team. Develop, coach and empower the Team Leaders, ensuring that they have the resources necessary to excel in their roles and encourage them to draw out and nurture the gifts and talents in each individual team member. Ensure that the Leadership Team are kept abreast of relevant trends in Fundraising, Marketing and all things digital nationally and globally. Partner with the International Programme Manager and other staff to agree the grants made to other national Bible Societies. Play a leading role in helping further foster a thriving culture of cross-organisational working and collaboration. Representation Build positive relationships with high net worth individuals, senior leaders in church and society, ensuring that the reputation of Bible Society is confidently, humbly and honestly promoted and managed. Personally represent Bible Society at conferences, donor-led events, field visits and in the public arena. It is expected that this role would demand 20-30 days travel a year. Stewardship Ensure that Bible Society has in place adequate policies and procedures to evaluate and manage financial and brand risks, and to ensure compliance with all legal, fundraising and data protection regulatory requirements. Develop and manage budgets, re-forecasting and phasing as required. Assist the Leadership Team by providing sufficient financial information so as to enable them to regularly assess the levels of income generated and evaluate the management of risk. Bear witness to a personal Christian faith and contribute to creating an environment of expectation that the Lord is at work in and through the work of Bible Society. 5
Person Specification Fundraising and Marketing Educated to degree level or equivalent, including postgraduate qualifications in Fundraising or Marketing. Significant experience in senior management of a fundraising or marketing function or significant senior experience in a field that would give clearly transferable skills. A demonstrable and impressive track record of achieving significant income growth by engaging effectively with diverse donor audiences, as well as evidence of success in brand development and creating effective marketing strategies. Proven experience of achieving results through digital channels and through innovative and creative fundraising and marketing solutions. Able and skilled at analysing data and extrapolating donor trends and insights. A deep understanding of fundraising techniques, brand management, strategic marketing and the changing landscape of data protection and regulatory compliance issues in the Third Sector. A customer -centric mind-set and outlook. Leadership and Management Strong leader, skilled and experienced in managing a large team, taking initiative, conveying passion, embedding attitudinal change, and coaching for success. Operationally confident with experience of managing sizeable budgets and someone who is invigorated and motivated by achieving financial targets. Able to think and plan strategically. Proven experience of influencing at a senior level, combined with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills. Demonstrable ability to work and deliver success in creative partnership with others. Communication and external relationships Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience of representing an organisation to a wide range of audiences, including gravitas when presenting. Able and willing to travel nationally as well as internationally, when required, with the legally required documentation e.g. passport and full driving licence. Faith Active Christian faith and a passionate concern to see greater use and understanding of the Bible by Christians and wider society. Knowledge of the UK Church landscape and an ability to work across the Church spectrum without denominational bias. 6
Personal Attributes The Selection Panel believes that character and behaviour are as important as competence, and that it is important for the Director of Fundraising and Marketing to have, develop and model a number of personal attributes. Consequently they believe that the Fundraising and Marketing team will thrive being led by a Director who: Is a follower of Jesus, who can think and act non-denominationally and is passionate about Bible Society s vision. Inspires through vision and enables others to maximise their own potential. Is emotionally intelligent, empathetic and gifted in drawing out dreams and ideas in others. Develops and empowers others, leading through team, sharing ideas and celebrating success collectively. Is motivational, innovative, entrepreneurial and encouraging of creativity. Is outward looking, a good communicator, level headed, tenacious and quietly confident. Is ambitious to see Bible Society grow and prosper and experienced at blending trust in God with human endeavour. 7
How to Apply Bible Society is working with Macaulay Search on this important appointment. The package will be circa 72,000 dependent on qualifications and experience and will include pension contribution and other benefits. The role will be based at our Head Office at Trinity Business Centre, Swindon. However, consideration will be given to candidates who are based in London or elsewhere who are willing to spend at least three days per week in Swindon where the Fundraising and Marketing team is located. Applications should be sent by email to mark.powys-smith@macaulaysearch.com and must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 17 May 2016. Your application should comprise: A mandatory covering note of not more than two pages outlining your motivation and relevant experience for the role. Please do mention your fit with the Christian faith and motivation we seek in our Director of Fundraising and Marketing. Christian faith is an Occupational Requirement for this position. A full CV, including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held and relevant achievements. The shortlist meeting will take place towards the end of May. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first round interview on Tuesday 7 June. A selection of shortlisted candidates will then be invited to final interview on Wednesday 15 June. You can expect to hear from us after 24 May. The successful candidate will be expected to take up the post of Director of Fundraising and Marketing as soon as is reasonably possible. 8