MAJOR DUTIES: Leads the strategic and daily operations for the VBS unit. Supervises VBS product planning, manuscript acquisition, editorial development, marketing and business planning of Vacation Bible School resources—both published programs and acquired programs—to serve the United Methodist Church and other markets. Leads the VBS team in developing and implementing an annual publishing, marketing and promotional plan for the VBS unit to assure achievement of financial budgets, targets and objectives for sales, expenses, cost of goods, inventory levels and net contribution. Works with the marketing manager to plan and implement competitive promotion and sales campaigns for internally produced and marketed programs as well as outside VBS programs marketed by Cokesbury. Leads in the theme and content development process for VBS and related programs. Leads the editorial team in monitoring the theological quality and consistency of the Bible stories and texts within Vacation Bible School resources, looking for both compatibility with United Methodist teachings and breadth that allows a broader use by other mainline denominations. Directs the editing of manuscripts and manages their development through the editorial production process by analyzing structure and content, comparing formats and appeal to competitor products, and appraising and improving readability and format.
REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor’s degree in business, English, journalism, communications and/or religion. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to make presentations and lead workshops. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to manage a large cross-functional team. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of children’s church programs, preferably Vacation Bible School. Current or previous participation in Christian education programs within a local congregation is preferred.
Positions within the state of Tennessee may require a preemployment drug screening in accordance with the UMPH policy on Alcohol/Drug Testing and the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace Program.
Employment Office, Human Resources Division, The United Methodist Publishing House
201 Eighth Avenue South, P.O. Box 801, Nashville, TN 37202
Phone: (615) 749-6535; Fax: (615) 749-6704