Research and Development Specialist bei Intervarsity
Intervarsity · Lisle, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Hybrid
- Professional
- Optionales Büro in Lisle
Work Location:
Lisle, IL - Intervarsity PressSchedule:
Full timeTo advance the purpose of InterVarsity Press, the Research and Development Specialist will be responsible for coordinating strategic initiatives that expand the reach and impact of the Press through research, partnership development, and special market engagement. Reporting directly to the President and Publisher, with functional collaboration with the Vice President of Editorial and the Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity, the Research & Development Manager will serve as a cross-functional leader who drives mission driven progress and growth opportunities in alignment with IVP’s mission and strategic goals.This role will oversee research and development for emerging products Including the IVP Kids anchor product, cultivate and manage strategic partnerships that advance ministry objectives, and identify and secure grant opportunities that strengthen organizational sustainability. Accountable for delivering measurable outcomes and ensuring excellence in execution, this position plays a key role in the continued development and expansion of IVP’s ministry and market presence.
Supervised by: President and Publisher (Direct Supervision)
Secondary Reporting: VP, Editorial (Functional Collaboration)
VP, Sales, Marketing, & Publicity (Functional Collaboration)
Supervise others: No
Status: Full time (30-32 hrs/week)/Salaried, Exempt
Pay: $38,000-$40,000 annually
Location: InterVarsity Press (Lisle, IL) or Hybrid/Remote Agreement by arrangement (InterVarsity Press is not currently able to employ in Missouri, California, or outside the United States)
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Personal:
Be a maturing disciple of Jesus Christ: growing in love for God, God's Word, God's people of every ethnicity and culture, and God's purposes in the world.
Market Research & Project Development
Lead research for the IVP Kids anchor product(s), including market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and customer insights, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, growth goals, and publishing vision.
Create and execute a plan to complete the editorial work on the IVP Kids anchor product(s).
Research and develop other high-impact projects in collaboration with the President and Publisher and the Publishing Leadership Team.
Track strategic outcomes.
Special Markets & Partnership Management
Build, manage, and expand relationships with strategic partners such as IVCF, Christian Post, and other special market organizations.
Identify new partnership opportunities that enhance reach, visibility, and revenue potential.
Serve as the primary liaison for partnership planning and execution, including proposals, agreements, and relationship stewardship.
Collaborate with Sales and Marketing leadership to maximize partnership synergies and ensure brand consistency across market segments.
Grant Development & Management
Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
Partner with Finance and Strategic Initiatives to draft and submit proposals and work with IVCF donor services as needed, manage timelines, and steward and manage funder relationships.
Monitor and report on grant-funded projects to ensure compliance, impact, and sustainability.
Cross-Departmental Coordination
Act as a central coordination point across Editorial, Marketing, Sales, and Finance teams to ensure seamless execution of cross-departmental projects.
Facilitate communication and accountability across departments, promoting a spirit of collaboration and shared ownership of cross-departmental projects.
Provide executive leadership with research, data analysis, and actionable recommendations that inform strategic decisions.
Track and regularly report progress, highlighting areas of under-performance proactively, and always with remediation plans.
Professional Growth and Development:
Stay up to date on industry trends and innovations in book publishing, product development, and customer engagement to continually improve marketing and development strategies and tactics.
Attend training events and conferences to remain current in the above areas, as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Annually affirm InterVarsity’s Statement of Faith.
Bachelor’s degree and/or relevant work experience required, master’s degree in business, communications, or related field advantageous.
Minimum 5 years of strategic partnerships, publishing, marketing or related experience with a demonstrated track record of accomplishments.
Familiarity with InterVarsity Press and its titles, authors, and other publishing partners is preferred.
Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and project management skills, and the ability to translate ideas into results.
Experience with digital analytic tools, including reporting and making recommendations based on findings.
Strong and demonstrated success utilizing research, analytical, and grant-writing abilities.
Ability to create a fun, inspirational culture of success and accountability while fostering a shared understanding of goals, objectives, and purpose.
Comprehensive, contemporary understanding of how to leverage traditional and digital marketing channels for partnership development.
Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution, and the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Strong collaboration skills, able to lead change, and motivate individuals even when not directly supervising.
Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, work independently, and collaboratively with a team.
Superior oral and written communication skills.
Motivated and detail oriented.
Demonstrated ability and commitment to work in a diverse team environment.
Be a contributing member of the IVP community.
Flexibility to attend the Urbana Student Missions Conference every six years, Dec 27-Jan 1, and National Staff Conference every three years (the year after Urbana), approximately Jan 2-7.
Research and Development Specialist – Grade 6, Exempt
The Research and Development Specialist will be responsible for all of the above responsibilities and will have at least 5 years of experience. The incumbent will have involvement in leading and overseeing the required areas, and managing project flows between teams.
Senior Research and Development Specialist – Grade 7, Exempt
The Senior Research and Development Specialist will be responsible for all of the above responsibilities and will have at least 8 years of experience. This role will have expanded scope and responsibility beyond the Research and Development Specialist. The incumbent will have greater experience and expertise in leading and overseeing the required areas, and managing project flows between teams.
External Candidates: Please visit the Careers Hub at ivpress.com/jobs-and-internships to complete your online application.
For Internal Candidates Only: Please apply through the Jobs Hub on Workday.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive benefits package, including health care and retirement savings with a match. Eligibility is based on employee type and hours worked. Benefits include the following:
403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
403(b) matching contributions
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discounts
Flexible work schedule
Flexible spending accounts
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance
Equal Employment Opportunity:
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA is both an equal opportunity employer and a faith-based religious organization. We conduct hiring without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, marital status, parental status, membership in any labor organization, political ideology, or disability of an otherwise qualified individual. The status of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA as an equal opportunity employer does not prevent the organization from hiring staff based on their religious beliefs so that all staff share the same religious commitment. Pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 702 (42 U.S.C. 2000e 1(a)) InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA has the right to, and does, hire only candidates who agree with InterVarsity’s Statement of Agreement: Purpose and Doctrinal Basis because InterVarsity believes that each and every staff plays a vital role in advancing InterVarsity’s mission and purposes.
