Director, Disability and Mental Health Storytelling Initiative

A humblecollegefounded before Texas was a stateBaylornow stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions just 52 of which are private universities.

Since 2011 Baylor has been named as one of the nations Great Colleges to Work For. Great Colleges to Work For is one of the countrys largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey conducted by ModernThink is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.

What We Are Looking For

Baylor University is seeking a visionary highly capable collaborative and passionate Director to lead our national storytelling initiative. This is a rare opportunity for a leader who can bring strategic clarity and deep empathy to the work of stewarding powerful stories guiding creative partnerships and translating best practices into a movement that reshapes how churches imagine and practice life together. The ideal candidate is energized by complexity rather than overwhelmed by it. They are equally at home managing timelines and budgets as they are working with creatives and scholars. They bring initiative creativity and disciplined follow-through to move from big-picture vision to day-to-day execution. We are looking for someone whose Christian faith animates their leadership who is committed to belonging and who is eager to help us tell stories that are transformative for the Church. The Director will serve as the connective leader of this multi-partner initiative responsible for day-to-day decision making grant reporting and overall implementation. This position is full-time in person and housed within theBaylor Center for Disability and Flourishingin partnership with the Program for the Future Church and other campus collaborators.

A Bachelors degree and five years of relevant work experience are required. A Masters degreeand eight years of relevant work experience are preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of one another. Degree preferred in a relevant field such as:

• Communication Journalism or Media Studies
• Organizational Leadership or Nonprofit Management
• Public Affairs Public Policy or Social Impact
• Theology Ministry or Religious Studies
• Disability or Mental Health

Additional preferred experience/skills include:

• Prior experience successfully leading a large-scale project
• Personal and/or professional experience related to disability and/or mental health
• Implementing social impact or media campaigns
• Work in church/parachurch ministries
• Experience managing externally funded projects (foundation or grant-funded preferred)
• Experience working across academic nonprofit and/or faith-based contexts
• Experience translating research lived experience or complex ideas into public-facing narratives
• Grant experience or expertise
• Knowledge of disability and/or mental health in faith or community contexts
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks while meeting deadlines
• Confidence and ability to speak to and with diverse audiences
• Excellent written communication
• Familiarity with budgeting processes and systems
• Strong organizational skills
• Understanding of vendor and partner management
• Passion for seeing faith communities become places of inclusion and belonging for children adults and families impacted by disability and mental health challenges

All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

About the Project

Baylor University is launching The Whole Body Project a new Storytelling Initiative funded byLilly Endowment Inc. A 5-year initiative The Whole Body Projectwill showcase transformative stories of vibrant faith and mutual flourishing in Christian congregations when those with and without disabilities or mental health challenges move from exclusion and isolation to mutual belonging by worshipping learning serving leading and living life together. Through a first-of-its-kind national impact campaignrooted in research supported by deep partnerships and sustained through practical resource pathwaysthis unique initiative seeks to inspire and equip tens of thousands of church leaders members and families to reimagine and pursue faithful life together.

This project is a collaborative effort across five Baylor centers and departments bringing together partners throughout the university and across the nation. It is led by Co-Principal InvestigatorsErik CarterDustin Benac andJason Le Shana. Collaborating centers include theBaylor Center for Disability and Flourishing theProgram for the Future Church theCenter for Church and Community Impact theDunn Center for Christian Music Studies and theInstitute for Faith and Learning. The Executive Summaryandpress releaseprovide additional detail on the project.

What You Will Do

• Strategically leads the overall implementation and integration of all aspects of The Whole Body Project
• Provide leadership for daily operational functions while serving as the central point of contact
• Direct all aspects of the branded storytelling campaign convene partners and stakeholders to drive shared initiatives
• Manage timelines and deliverables to ensure project activities are executed on schedule within budget of high quality and aligned to strategic outcomes
• Work closely with external and internal partners to execute the initiative including collaborating with our creative partners to capture brand and widely disseminate an impact-driven storytelling campaign
• Drive strong integration between storytelling assets resource development dissemination strategy and evaluation efforts
• Oversee all project timelines
• Supervise project staff and coordinate contractors
• Draft initial grant reports in order to meet funders reporting deadlines
• Coordinate a team to develop church resources in partnership with Co-Principal Investigators
• Foster collaboration across multiple Baylor centers to ensure shared vision role clarity and aligned execution
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylors mission
• Ability to comply with university policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical dental and vision insurance generous time off tuition remission and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your familys wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more go toBaylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more aboutBaylorand our strategic visionBaylor in Deeds. Also explore our great hometown ofWacoand the many opportunities toengage locally. If you are new to Central TexasThis is Waco!