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OVERVIEW
Established in 1816, American Bible Society (ABS) a $76 million Philadelphia, PA faith-based nonprofit is dedicated to the mission of making the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message.
They seek a Chief Marketing Officer to work closely with the President/CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to steer the newly reconfigured Marketing department. The CMO will craft and execute strategic plans that inspire individuals and churches to engage deeply with the Bible and the Bible Cause. From raising awareness and managing the ABS brand to fostering engagement across various channels, they'll ensure every initiative aligns with ABS strategic goals and global partnerships. Leadership would prefer this role to work out of the Philadelphia office, but remote/hybrid options are available.
HISTORY
American Bible Society is a 208-year-old organization located in the heart of historic
Philadelphia on Independence Mall. Founded by many of our nation’s founders, its early
days are a “Who’s Who” of American history. Their first president was Elias Boudinot,
who had served as president of the Continental Congress from 1782 to 1783. John Jay,
the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was named president in 1821, and Francis
Scott Key, the writer of our National Anthem, was a vice president from 1817 until his
death in 1843. For centuries, its core mission has been to ensure that the Bible was
available in languages and formats that were understandable and affordable.
Founded to help people experience God through the Bible, ABS remains committed to
doing so today. Based on their three ministry pillars—Bible Advocacy, Bible Access, and
Bible Engagement—ABS translates the Bible, distributes the Bible, engages people with
the Bible, helps hurting people find restoration through the Bible, and advocates for the
Bible’s message of hope here in America and around the world. Through the Church
and a global network of over 150 local Bible Societies, ABS carries the Bible's message
of hope to where it is needed most.
HOW THEY ACCOMPLISH THEIR MISSION
Bible Access
ABS supports the translation and distribution of the Bible with the aim of placing God’s Word into the hands and hearts of all people searching for truth. Since the organization’s founding, it has distributed more than 6.9 billion Bibles around the world. Often, their Bible distribution ministry leads them to the frontlines of conflict, war, terrorism, natural disasters, and other humanitarian crises. And while the overwhelming majority of Bibles they share are free, many of the more than 150 local Bible Societies with whom they partner sustain their ministry through the sale of low-cost Bibles and Scripture resources.
Bible Engagement
ABS engages people with the Bible by providing resources and experiences that help people live out the truths of Scripture. They provide daily devotionals, prayer guides, Bible stories, teachings, and resources uniquely tailored to a beautifully diverse audience of seekers. For example, their Bible resources are contextualized for everyone from U.S. Military and Veterans to orphans and displaced children desperate to know the love of God. Their Trauma Healing ministry uses Bible engagement to help hurting people work through their pain in light of the Gospel. Through engagement with the promises of God’s Word in safe, small group settings, people experiencing trauma give their pain to Christ and begin the journey of reclaiming their joy. ABS’ research shows that engaging with the Bible truly transforms lives, making us more generous, more empathetic, more loving toward our neighbors, and more hopeful about our future.
Bible Advocacy
ABS helps individuals and ministries advocate for the Bible as the living Word of God and our surest source of truth. They believe the Bible’s message of love should guide each of us in our personal lives and relationships, and that the Bible’s call for justice should serve as the foundation of every civil institution. They honor America’s heritage of faith and celebrate the Bible’s role in inspiring the men and women who founded our great nation. They come alongside all those who champion the Bible cause in America and around the world, uplifting the Bible in the public sphere, and advancing conversations around the Bible wherever people are searching for truth.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE ORGANIZATION
Led by their new CEO, Jennifer Holloran the organization has 130 full-time staff, 60% of
whom are located at their Philadelphia headquarters. Their FY2025 budget is
approximately $76 million. Roughly 51% is donor revenue and 49% is non-donor (or
earned) revenue.
The Marketing Budget will be just under $2 million. Their 16-member Board of Directors uses a modified form of policy governance and has six committees: Executive, Governance, Finance, Audit, Impact (Ministry), and Advancement. The CEO is the only employee of the Board and she hires and leads the staff and day-to-day operations to manage the ministry.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
The American Bible Society enjoys more than two centuries of legacy and long-term loyalty among staff and donors in fulfilling its mission. They have a solid base of financial resources (particularly through their Founders Fund), and employ a talented, creative, and resourceful staff with notable skills and experience and emotional intelligence who enjoy collaborating with one another. The staff is a deeply personal and caring community of people who have learned to support one another through very challenging work and personal circumstances.
Most of all, this is a prime moment for a marketing leader who believes strongly in the
power of God’s Word to make a difference. The organization has realigned marketing to
be its own department and recognized its ability to add value in four areas– brand, product, project/partnership, and audience/program.. ABS has been working to clarify its organizational identity and focus. While this work is in progress, and not yet complete,
hat gives the CMO an opportunity to speak into the definition–helping both those inside
and outside the ministry get clear on the value ABS uniquely provides and how to communicate that.
This role, and this timing, presents an opportunity for a humble yet confident marketing
leader to bring admired approaches alongside a humble, learning posture. The ideal candidate can as part of the SLT define the essence of who ABS is, make it clear inside and outside the organization, and make it shine for Kingdom impact. ABS has been undergoing significant change, including the restructuring of their departments and teams in mid-2023, and the development of a new strategic plan with realignment under the three new ministry pillars: Bible Advocacy, Bible Access, and Bible Engagement. Since her arrival this Winter, the new CEO has provided clear direction and structure for the leadership team, a team that expressed confidence in her leadership. She and the team share a realistic appraisal of ABS’ significant impact and the work needed to make this next season strong.
After a tumultuous season of executive leadership transition, the current Senior Leadership Team expresses a univocal admiration for the decisive, intelligent, servant-minded leadership they see in the new CEO, Dr. Jennifer Holloran. Similarly, the board, after a season of being more hands-on, is moving toward more fully entrusting management to the CEO and her team. The addition of a professional, experienced marketing leader will help write an exciting chapter in the storied history of the American Bible Society.
POSITION PROFILE
Position Title: Chief Marketing Officer
Reports to: President & CEO
Direct Reports:
Serves on: Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Purpose/ Position Objective:
The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) works closely with the President/CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to provide leadership over the ABS Marketing department. The CMO is responsible for the collaborative development of strategic plans for the Marketing department to engage individuals and churches in the work of Bible advocacy, access, and engagement. This responsibility includes ensuring short-term and long-term goals across the depth of the marketing funnel from awareness and brand management to audience engagement within specific channels, and always within alignment with the strategic goals of ABS and our global collaborative partnerships working in Bible advocacy, access, and engagement.
Minimum Spiritual and Personal Commitment:
Demonstrate a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.
Identify with and participate in a Christian church and proactively seek to grow
in their Christian faith.
Actively participate in organizational prayer, devotional times, and organization-
wide events.
Maintain an exemplary standard of Christian ethics, behavior, and conduct
within ABS and in their public and private life outside of ABS and always uphold
ABS’ Standards of Conduct and ABS’ Affirmation of Biblical Community.
Demonstrate Christian maturity in all interactions as displayed by good
judgment based on biblical values and principles.
Actively incorporate their faith in all aspects of their daily work.
Job Responsibilities
As part of the Senior Leadership Team, Champion organizational culture,
mission, vision, goals, strategies, and values within the Marketing department
and establish departmental behavioral norms accordingly.
Provide spiritual and motivational leadership within ABS and create a healthy
environment to promote staff development and growth and mentor direct reports
and future leaders. Speak on spiritual topics, model godly behaviors, and live
out healthy and biblical spiritual rhythms.
Work with the ABS Senior Leadership Team in planning strategy and
establishing work methods and policies to achieve the goals and
objectives of ABS in its relationship with partners.
Carry out change initiatives and ensure accountability among staff within
their area(s) of responsibility.
Supports the President/CEO as required on all other Board requests and
requirements.
Oversee strategy, operations, and budgeting for the Marketing department,
identifying and resolving problems, allocating resources, and setting high
internal customer service standards throughout these functions.
Support, promote, and ensure operational alignment with ABS’ vision,
mission, and values. Foster a biblical approach to marketing and ensure that marketing is executed in alignment with the organizational
strategic plan.
Analyze marketing trends, develop and oversee marketing analytics, and
share appropriate information from and potential responses to trends with
the relevant staff and teams.
Plan and implement strategies to engage the U.S. Church in support of
the organization and its partners. In collaboration with departments of the
organization, monitor and make recommendations to improve constituent
satisfaction.
Provide leadership across all departments of the organization to develop
and manage brand identity and standards across web, digital, print, and other forms of media.
Align and integrate all channels of digital, web,
print, video, and social media to extend the reach of American Bible Society to meet, and ideally, exceed ministry and fundraising goals.
Proactively identify and address marketing issues that affect the well-
being and efficacy of the organization. Establish performance measures,
monitor activities and results, and address issues that may hamper
growth and success.
Maintain accountability and ensure compliance with all regulations, laws, and
the code of ethics for marketing professionals.
Represent ABS and consult with other like-minded organizations and partners in
marketing. Work closely with the Ministry Insights, Partnerships, and
Development teams to ensure accurate communication of organizational needs,
impact, and stories.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Coordinate direct and indirect supervisory
responsibilities for up to 10 staff following the ministry’s policies and applicable
laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning and directing
work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining staff, gathering
feedback, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Demonstrates desire and ability to support organizational biblical and
religious goals and participate in regular work-related spiritual activities
without reservation.
Personal passion for and belief in the Word of God, its ability to transform
lives, and the mission of American Bible Society.
Demonstrated alignment with the vision, mission, and values of American
Bible Society.
Able to articulate marketing strategy from a theological and ministry
perspective.
Teachable, avid learner, team player, willing to consider others before self.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively
across diverse interests, contexts, and Christian communities.
Places a high value on diverse participation in the Bible Cause and has
experience working in diverse environments. Relates well among diverse groups with potentially conflicting strategic interests.
Exhibits a high level of credibility and integrity.
Demonstrated ability to think creatively and execute new ideas.
Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills. Able to relate to people
at all levels of positions and from diverse and interconfessional
backgrounds, adjusting communication style as needed.
Knowledgeable about and committed to staying on top of marketing trends
and regulations and their potential application to ABS’ key organizational goals.
Strong skills in leading and managing change, developing workable
implementation plans, communicating change effectively, preparing and supporting those affected by change, monitoring transition, holding the
team accountable, and evaluating results.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in marketing or business administration, plus at least ten
years of related experience in progressively responsible leadership
positions in marketing, or an equivalent combination of relevant education,
training, and experience.
Nonprofit marketing management or church leadership experience
preferred. Previous marketing experience on a regional, national, and
international scale helpful.
Understanding of and enthusiasm toward ABS’ vision, mission, values, and
strategies. Able to communicate and generate excitement about mission,
history, vision, programs, and organizational strengths.
Minimum of ten years of professional experience in managing projects and
teams.
Proven track record of success in marketing, with a preference for proven
experience in a combination of brand, product, and project marketing. Must
be steeped in current and emerging marketing best practices.
Must have
the breadth of experience to devise communications and strategies across
the areas of branding, story-based messaging, advocacy, and marketing, as
well as knowledge and support of fundraising.
Experienced in managing organizational change and turning strategy into
operational objectives.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in ambiguity, with flexibility for
the unexpected.
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Pardot, Salesforce, and/or other similar
software/platforms.
Working Conditions: Office located in Old City Philadelphia. U.S. and international
Travel required. Core Hours: 8:30 – 5:00.
Special Requirement: Background checks are required after a conditional job offer is
made. A background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: Around $200k, based on experience and education.
Benefits: An attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, FSA,
AD&STD, LTD, life insurance and 403(b) contributions.
Vacation: Thirty (30) days per year.
Relocation: A relocation package will be provided in accordance with the ABS
Executive Relocation Policy.
Travel: Up to one-third (33%).
To learn more about the work of American Bible Society, please visit their website at
www.americanbible.org. To download their most recent Annual Stewardship Report,
click here. You can also read or download their latest 2024 State of the Bible report.
ABOUT PHILADELPHIA, PA
American Bible Society’s state-of-the-art headquarters is located on Market Street in
historic Center City, Philadelphia, PA, GQ Magazine's "City of the Year!" Philly has been listed as one of America's "Most Fun" cities, as well as the Top 100 cities of the world!
A very walkable city, Philly boasts vocational diversity featuring STEM disciplines, as well as vibrant educational institutions like Drexel, University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University, not to mention Westminster Seminary, Cairn University and Eastern University among prominent Christian institutions. Designated as a "First World Heritage City" Philly is a major historical site, with nationally recognized attractions such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.
Philadelphia is also an avid sports town, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, the 76ers, the Phillies, and the Flyers. To add to the celebration, Philadelphia is also home to world-class food. It's a city of neighborhoods—each one specializing in something different—from meatballs in red gravy to the well-known “Philly Cheesesteak.” The land William Penn designed as a place of freedom has welcomed waves of immigrants from various regions in its 339-year history, and it shows in its rich tapestry of local cuisine and culture.