Religion News Association seeks new director
The Religion News Association (RNA) is looking for an energetic, forward-thinking Director of Operations to help lead the 75-year-old organization into the future. RNA offers flexible hours and a remote working environment as well as the opportunity to work alongside a volunteer board fully committed to the organization's success.
Since 1949, RNA has been the premier professional association for people who report on religion in the news media. Our mission is to equip journalists throughout the world with the tools and resources they need to cover religion with balance, accuracy and insight. We envision a global community of journalists who elevate religious literacy in the news media.
POSITION DETAILS: The Director will work with the RNA Board to lead the organization, with primary responsibility for:
Serving and increasing RNA's membership.
Organizing and planning RNA's annual conference and other events (e.g., awards ceremonies, webinars).
Marketing and administering RNA's annual Excellence in Religion Reporting Awards contest, serving as the primary point of contact for support staff (e.g., advertising sales contractor, business manager).
Building and streamlining internal systems to enhance RNA's effectiveness in serving its membership.
Carrying out fiscal tasks and managing the organization's budget.
Pursuing new funding opportunities in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
Overseeing the organization's web presence (website, social media, monthly e-newsletter).
Other tasks as agreed to with, or assigned by, the RNA Board.
EXPERIENCE: Applicants for the position should have:
Minimum of two years’ experience in a non-profit operation, preferably in a field related to journalism and/or religion.
A keen interest in religion news.
A value for diversity and inclusion, and the ability to work across teams and engage a variety of stakeholders.
Exceptional strategic, analytical, organizational and decision-making skills with an appreciation for, and attention to, detail.
Demonstrated experience in soliciting gifts with a track record of building donor relationships.
Enthusiastic, self-starter capabilities with the ability to work under pressure (e.g., deadlines, being the main point of contact for the organization, etc.)
Willingness and capacity to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth and work independently with moderate supervision.
Excellent relationship-building skills, both externally and internally, and the ability to publicly represent the organization and manage interpersonal conflict.
Flexibility and the ability to make thoughtful independent decisions in a fast-paced newsworld environment.
Persuasive and articulate communications and active listening skills.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook), Email (Campaign Monitor) and other web-based services (AWS, Stripe, Squarespace, Zoom, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
SCHEDULE: The work schedule is flexible, but the Director should be generally available Monday through Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm (U.S. EDT), with additional work hours necessary to meet the requirements of the position from time-to-time (e.g., during RNA's annual conference or in the lead-up to major events). This could encompass evening hours and weekend work. The position is remote and there are no strict requirements for the candidate to live in any particular location. The vast majority of the work will be conducted virtually, with in-person arrangements required intermittently. Travel funds will be made available for the Director when in-person work is required.
SALARY: The salary range for this position is $60,000 – $65,000, based on experience.
BENEFITS: As a contracted position, RNA is able to provide the following benefits:
A remote, flexible work environment with the ability to pursue side-projects.
Growth opportunities based on paid time-off and holidays.
A supplement for medical, dental & vision insurance.
Discretionary funds for the hiring of support staff.
Travel funds for RNA's annual conference.
Commissions commensurate to the acquisition of new funding.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS: We are committed to an inclusive workplace and actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values and reflect our organization's membership. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Please send a resume (max two pages) and one-page cover letter addressed to Ken Chitwood, President of RNA at religionreportpresident@gmail.com. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2024. Submissions will be reviewed and considered as received, with interviews in March and a start date in April 2024.