<div><strong>ABOUT THE ROLE</strong></div><div>The ideal candidate is both a hands-on practitioner and culture-builder: someone equally comfortable facilitating a design sprint with a ministry team and presenting pilot outcomes to the Senior Leadership Team or Innovation Advisory Council. They bring a proven track record in human-centered design and agile innovation methods, ideally in a nonprofit or mission-driven context, and have the resourcefulness to build programs with limited staff and the relational credibility to work across theological traditions, generational contexts, and departmental boundaries.</div><div><br></div><div>This leader oversees a small team while extending organizational reach by identifying, training, and coordinating innovation champions embedded across ABS departments and cultivating external relationships that fuel ABS&rsquo; innovation pipeline. The Senior Director collaborates closely with the Insights, Ministry Technology, and Content Development teams as key partners in research, digital product development, and prototyping.</div><div><br></div><div>This is a role for a builder. The Senior Director will oversee their team, recruit and coach innovation champions across departments, and cultivate external partnerships that fuel a disciplined innovation pipeline. In collaboration with others, this leader will ensure that ABS&rsquo; innovation work is grounded in audience research, integrated with digital product development, and aligned with the organization&rsquo;s strategic priorities.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>POSITION PROFILE</strong></div><div>Title: Senior Director of Innovation Practice<br>Department: Insights and Innovation<br>Reports to: Chief Innovation Officer</div><div><br></div><div><strong>JOB SUMMARY</strong></div><div>The Senior Director of Innovation Practice leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of innovation methodology across American Bible Society. Reporting to the Chief Innovation Officer, this role carries a dual mandate: internally, building ABS&rsquo; capacity to listen deeply, prototype rapidly, and make insight-driven decisions across every department; externally, identifying, testing, funding, and scaling new approaches to Bible access, engagement, and advocacy, particularly for emerging generations and churches across traditions.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>KEY RESPONSIBILITIES</strong></div><ul><li><strong>Innovation Methodology.</strong> Own and continuously refine ABS&rsquo; unified innovation methodology, including human-centered design, agile prototyping, and validated learning practices. Build and maintain an internal Innovation Resource Hub of templates, tools, and case studies that equip staff across the organization.</li><li><strong>Innovation Training and Facilitation.</strong> Design and lead training cohorts that build innovation capacity across ABS departments. Personally facilitate design sprints, listening sessions, and prototyping workshops, equipping teams to apply innovation methods to their own ministry challenges.</li><li><strong>Innovation Champion Network.</strong> Identify, recruit, and coach innovation champions on each ABS team, providing ongoing support and coordination to ensure innovation projects across the organization maintain momentum, quality, and alignment with strategic priorities.</li><li><strong>Innovation Pipeline Management.</strong> Manage the full lifecycle of innovation initiatives, from identifying unmet needs and emerging opportunities through designing pilots, running rapid test cycles, and making evidence-based decisions to scale, iterate, or stop. Manage the innovation practice budget, including pilot funding, contractor engagements, and training program costs.</li><li><strong>External Innovation Discovery and Partnerships.</strong> Develop and manage the external channels through which ABS identifies and funds promising innovations, including academic partnerships, the innovation grant program, and the Innovation Advisory Council. Scout emerging technologies, ministry models, and potential collaborators that advance Bible access, engagement, and advocacy.</li><li><strong>Audience Listening and Insight Integration.</strong> Partner with the Insights team to establish and sustain regular listening cycles with emerging generations, churches across traditions, and ministry partners. Ensure audience insight is documented, accessible, and actively integrated into innovation priorities, product design, and strategic decision-making.</li><li><strong>Supporter Development.</strong> Proactively build and deepen relationships with stakeholders and donors connected to Innovation work, securing appropriate pilot/experimental support and collaborating with Development/Marketing as opportunities emerge.</li><li><strong>Team Leadership.</strong> Directly supervise a small team, setting clear goals and fostering a culture of humility, curiosity, and disciplined experimentation. Assess staffing needs over time and make recommendations for team growth aligned with strategic priorities.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>QUALIFICATIONS</strong></div><div><strong>Education</strong></div><ul><li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree required.</li><li>Master&rsquo;s degree in a relevant field (design, organizational leadership, nonprofit management, ministry, business, or related discipline) preferred.</li></ul><div><strong>Experience</strong></div><ul><li>A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in innovation, human-centered design, organizational change, or related fields.</li><li>At least 5 years in a nonprofit, faith-based, or mission-driven organization strongly preferred.</li><li>Demonstrated experience leading innovation training programs and facilitating design thinking or agile processes with cross-functional teams.</li><li>Experience managing a portfolio of pilots or projects from concept through evaluation.</li><li>Experience managing budgets and working with senior leadership and external stakeholders.</li><li>Prior supervisory experience required.</li></ul><div><strong>Technical Skills</strong></div><ul><li>Proficiency in human-centered design methodologies (design thinking, service design, or equivalent).</li><li>Familiarity with agile and lean startup frameworks for rapid prototyping and validated learning.</li><li>Competence in project and portfolio management tools.</li><li>Ability to interpret and apply audience research, analytics, and evaluation data to inform innovation decisions.</li><li>Familiarity with how digital products are developed, including an understanding of product development lifecycles, UX/UI processes, and how research and user insight inform technology decisions.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>KEY COMPETENCIES</strong></div><ul><li>Exceptional facilitation and training skills, with the ability to make innovation methods accessible to staff at all levels of experience and digital fluency.</li><li>Strong relational intelligence and the ability to build trust across theological traditions, generational contexts, and departmental boundaries.</li><li>Comfort operating with ambiguity, limited resources, and evolving priorities, able to bootstrap, improvise, and build the plane while flying it.</li><li>Strategic thinking balanced with hands-on execution; equally comfortable presenting to the Innovation Advisory Council and running a Post-it-note workshop with a ministry team.</li><li>Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to translate complex innovation concepts into clear, mission-aligned language for diverse audiences.</li><li>Deep commitment to stewardship, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>All ABS staff must demonstrate the following skills:</strong></div><ul><li>Demonstrate desire and ability to support organizational biblical and religious goals and participate in regular work-related spiritual activities without reservation.</li><li>Have a personal passion for and belief in the Word of God, its ability to transform lives, and the mission of American Bible Society.</li><li>Demonstrate alignment with the vision, mission, and values of American Bible Society.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>All staff must demonstrate the following skills at a level fitting their role:</strong></div><ul><li>Communication Skills; Strategic Communication: Expert in persuasive communication, adept at public speaking, and able to influence senior stakeholders.</li><li>Teamwork and Collaboration; Cross-Functional Collaboration: Leads teams effectively, builds strong team dynamics, and fosters a collaborative organizational culture.</li><li>Cultural Competence and Inclusion; Inclusive Leadership: Promotes inclusivity and addresses biases within the team.</li><li>Service Orientation; Service Strategy: Develops service-centric strategies, drives service recipient satisfaction, and ensures organizational alignment with service expectations.</li><li>Adaptability and Flexibility; Strategic Change Management: Leads change initiatives, drives innovation, and helps the organization navigate through significant changes.</li><li>Time Management and Organization; Efficient Coordination: Prioritizes tasks, manages multiple projects, and ensures team deadlines are met.</li><li>Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking; Analytical Problem Solving: Analyzes complex problems, develops solutions, and makes decisions independently.</li><li>Leadership and Initiative; Team Leadership: Guides, supports and leads team members to achieve goals, engage in cross-company collaboration and pivot when needed to achieve strategic change.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>All people managers must demonstrate the following skills at a level fitting their role:</strong></div><ul><li>Strategic Thinking and Decision Making: Strategic Alignment: Develops plans that align with team objectives and organizational goals.</li><li>Continuous Learning and Development: Team Development: Encourages and supports team members&rsquo; professional development.</li><li>Innovation and Creativity: Strategic Innovation: Drives organizational change through creative and forward-thinking strategies.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>Minimum Spiritual and Personal Commitment:</strong></div><ul><li>Demonstrate a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.</li><li>Identify with and participate in a Christian church and proactively seek to grow in their Christian faith.</li><li>Actively participate in organizational prayer, devotional times, and organization-wide events.</li><li>Maintain an exemplary standard of Christian ethics, behavior, and conduct within ABS and in their public and private life outside of ABS and always seek to uphold ABS Standards of Conduct and Affirmation of Biblical Community.</li><li>Demonstrate Christian maturity in all interactions as displayed by good judgment based on biblical values and principles.</li><li>Actively incorporate their faith in all aspects of their daily work.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>SALARY &amp; BENEFITS</strong></div><div>Salary: Commensurate with experience; details discussed in personal interviews.</div><div>Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and other benefits; details discussed in interviews. These include:</div><ul><li>Medical, Dental, Vision (2 options through CIGNA)</li><li>Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability</li><li>403(b) 5% contribution and up to a 3% match</li><li>Vacation, varies by level (15-30 days)</li><li>12 Paid Holidays</li><li>6 Sick Days</li><li>2 Personal Days</li><li>Health Fitness Reimbursement Policy: ABS will reimburse 50% of your gym membership up to $250 in a 12-month period.</li><li>As well as additional benefits outlined in the Benefits Summary package.</li></ul><div>Travel: Up to 30%, primarily domestic, for meetings, convenings, partner engagements, and Innovation Advisory Council gatherings.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT</strong></div><div>Ability to work on a computer for extended periods, conduct meetings by telephone and online (e.g., Teams), travel domestically and internationally for meetings, convenings, and partner engagements and lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., training materials, event supplies).</div><div><br></div><div>American Bible Society is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities and ensuring a workplace free from discrimination. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to participate in the application process and perform the essential functions of their job.</div><div><br></div><div>Office Location: ABS Headquarters (Philadelphia). If Remote: USA location.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Additional Information:</strong></div><ul><li>Background Check: Candidates must pass a background check as a condition of employment. This may include criminal history, credit check, and verification of employment and education history.</li><li>Reference Checks: Employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference checks.</li><li>Eligibility to Work: Candidates must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.</li><li>Affirmation of Biblical Community: Candidates must sign and agree to uphold this affirmation as a condition of employment.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION</strong></div><div>Founded in 1816 by visionaries including John Jay, Elias Boudinot, and Francis Scott Key, American Bible Society has been at the forefront of Bible innovation, from pioneering raised-letter Bibles for the blind in 1843, to scripting and helping launch the JESUS Film in 1970, to helping launch the Digital Bible Library that powers Scripture apps like YouVersion.</div><div><br></div><div>Today, ABS serves as a trusted, interconfessional ministry partner, working across Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions to strengthen Scripture engagement in the USA and worldwide. ABS&rsquo; flagship research initiative, the State of the Bible, now in its 16th year, provides the United States&rsquo; most comprehensive annual study of Bible engagement.</div><div><br></div><div>That research reveals both the challenge and the promise of the current moment: while meaningful Bible engagement has trended downward over the past decade, a &ldquo;Movable Middle&rdquo; of more than 70 million Americans remains open to Scripture but unsure where to begin. Recently, Bible usage has shown signs of recovery, especially among younger Americans.</div><div><br></div><div>People everywhere are longing for meaning, truth, and hope. And yet, many face barriers to engaging with the true source of abundant life, the living Word of God. Whether it be language, availability, misunderstanding, fear, or even apathy standing in their way, ABS believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience the Bible&rsquo;s power and relevance for themselves.</div>

Senior Director of Innovation Practice

<div><strong>About Biblica</strong></div><div><br></div><div>For more than 200 years, Biblica has helped people beyond the reach of God's Word discover the love of Jesus Christ. Our Mission is clear: The Bible for everyone, everywhere to experience the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible is at the heart of Biblica's mission. We are captivated, challenged, and inspired by this extraordinary collection of books. We believe the Bible is God's truth and God's story. In everything we do, we seek to honor Christ and the everlasting Word of God. By joining the Biblica team, you'll have the opportunity to serve in a ministry that is advancing God's Kingdom to the ends of the earth. We desire to serve God by bringing our gifts, talents, and experiences together to make a difference around the world, living out the Great Commission.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>Job Summary</strong></div><div><br></div><div>The Director of Innovation Operations leads the operational execution of Biblica's innovation lifecycle, from activation through scaling, moving innovations from prototype into sustainable, scalable products. The role ensures that Digital Innovation (DI) efforts deliver measurable impact aligned with organizational priorities such as Last Mile First (LMF). This leader provides the administrative backbone for digital products that have moved past the prototype stage and proven themselves worth continuing.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The Director serves as the primary point of accountability for product outcomes, coordinating priorities with the rest of Digital Innovation as well as external partners. This is a brand-new area of Biblica’s Innovation division, and therefore, the role will be critical in defining success for this new area.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>This is a hands-on role, not primarily a people management role. While much of the execution capacity flows through partner resources, the Director is also a direct contributor, personally optimizing the tools, workflows, and systems that enable products to perform and scale. Success in this role demands operational excellence, strategic thinking, and a willingness to personally execute key operational and technical work.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Duties and Responsibilities</strong></div><ul><li>Lead execution of innovation efforts from validated prototype through full production and scale.</li><li>Personally ensure effective transition and operationalization of products moving from initial innovation phases into ongoing support.</li><li>Serve as the primary point of accountability and direction for the external execution partner that resources this function. Define and maintain the scopes of work, priorities, deliverables, acceptance criteria, operating cadence, and timelines for partner-led activities.</li><li>Separately, manage Independent Contractor (ICA) relationships critical to the success of Innovation Operations.</li><li>Directly work on and provide administrative, operational, and systems support for digital products (e.g., apps, AI tools, emerging platforms), not just oversee them. Drive continuous improvement through hands-on analysis, testing, and iteration.</li><li>Serve as a member of Biblica’s Innovation Leadership Team, contributing to Biblica’s Innovation Strategy.</li><li>Align innovation operations with Biblica’s strategic priorities, especially Last Mile First (LMF). Translate strategy into executable systems, often building those systems directly.</li><li>Increase efficiency by reducing maintenance burden and enabling scalable operations.</li><li>Manage and oversee the Innovation Operations Department budget.</li><li>Evaluate departmental needs and recommend potential growth pathways for department effectiveness.</li><li>Participate in daily prayer and devotions and occasionally lead staff gatherings to highlight strategic ministry partnerships as requested.</li><li>Signing authority of $5,000.</li><li>Other duties as required.</li></ul><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>Required Skills/Abilities</strong></div><ul><li>Proven ability to direct, coordinate, and get high-quality results from external partners or vendors as the primary execution channel. Comfortable holding partners accountable to quality, timelines, and budgets while maintaining a strong, productive working relationship.</li><li>Skilled at translating strategy into clear scopes of work, deliverables, and acceptance criteria for external resources.</li><li>Proven ability to lead while also contributing as an individual operator. Comfortable owning both strategy and execution in a lean-team environment.</li><li>Able to create new systems, optimize systems and processes, and see and implement areas of improvement.</li><li>Hands-on experience with modern AI platforms (e.g., LLMs, copilots, workflow automation tools). Familiarity with AI agents and agent-based workflows (e.g., orchestration tools such as OpenClaw or similar). Ability to identify and implement opportunities to replace manual processes with AI-enabled solutions.</li><li>Results-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects while maintaining high quality.</li><li>Strong organizational skills with a bias toward action and ownership.</li><li>Ability to build and optimize processes in resource-constrained environments.</li><li>Comfortable operating as part of a remote team, maintaining strong communication and accountability.</li><li>Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.</li></ul><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>Education and Experience</strong></div><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in Business, Technology, Technical Operations, or related field preferred.</li><li>Five years of experience in technical software management, IT management, operations management, or related fields.</li></ul><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>Physical Requirements&nbsp;</strong></div><ul><li>Able to work remotely with minimal supervision</li><li>Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer</li><li>Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times</li><li>Ability to travel to various locations locally, regionally, and globally. Current passport required.&nbsp;</li><li>The ability for up to 20% overnight travel to various locations locally, regionally, and globally</li></ul><div><strong><br></strong><br></div><div><strong>Competencies</strong></div><ul><li>Strong personal commitment to Christ and Biblica’s Purpose, Mission Statement, and Statement of Faith, with no personal or professional conflicts with the Christian philosophy of Biblica</li><li>Takes full ownership of outcomes, proactively identifying gaps and acting without waiting for direction in a lean, high-autonomy environment.</li><li>Quickly learns and applies new tools, technologies, and concepts, especially in rapidly evolving areas such as AI and automation.</li><li>Approaches complex and ambiguous challenges with strong critical thinking, developing practical solutions where limited structure exists.</li><li>Collaborates effectively across teams, demonstrating flexibility, humility, and a calm, steady presence under pressure.</li></ul><div><strong><br></strong><br></div><div><strong>FLSA Classification</strong></div><ul><li>Exempt - U.S.&nbsp;</li><li>N/A International</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>Salary/Hours/Benefits</strong></div><ul><li>Full-Time: 40 hours per week</li><li>Salary range: $91,000 - $112,000 (U.S.), <strong>determined by region, qualifications, and experience.</strong></li><li>Grade Level: 600</li><li>Biblica complies with all state-mandated Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) programs, providing eligible employees with paid leave for qualifying family members and medical reasons in accordance with state laws.</li><li>Biblica offers competitive benefits and compensation packages to Biblica employees, including but not limited to 11 paid holidays, flexible paid time off (FPTO), 8.5 days sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 403b, etc.</li></ul>

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