Resource Developer, Congregational Resources, Augsburg Fortress Publishers (Hybrid Work Model)

Resource Developer, Congregational Resources, Augsburg Fortress Publishers (Hybrid Work Model)

Are you an ELCA pastor, deacon, or undergraduate, graduate, or seminary instructor who finds joy in sharing and deepening scriptural and theological knowledge and interpretation using a Lutheran lens with congregants, learners, and colleagues?

Would you thrive as part of a team that is collaborative, enthusiastic, and flexible in its development of resources that enhance congregational life in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and beyond?

Does your skill set include excellent written communication, editorial experience, Bible study development and leadership, preparing or recognizing effective Lutheran liturgical preaching, and familiarity with the breadth of Christian devotional practice?

Are you plugged in to networks of Lutheran pastors, deacons, writers, teachers, musicians, and other leaders from which you could draw and cultivate outstanding creative contributors to our resources?

If you appreciate the power of a well-crafted sermon or devotion; have experienced, led, or written heart-expanding Bible study; and are “all in” with the gifts that a Lutheran expression of the gospel offers to the world; the Resource Developer position on the Congregational Team at Augsburg Fortress Publishers may be just the job for you.

Augsburg Fortress Publishers (AFP) is a multimedia company composed of five vital, creative imprints: Augsburg Fortress, Sparkhouse, Fortress Press, Beaming Books and Broadleaf Books. We are the publishing ministry for the ELCA and create resources for spiritual growth and development, for Christian worship and faith formation, and for academic study and professional development. AFP strives to create an environment of inclusiveness, equity, and respect for all regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, nation of origin, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Individuals who are committed to contributing meaningfully to diversity and inclusion in publishing are encouraged to apply.

The Congregational Team (comprised of two imprints: Augsburg Fortress and Sparkhouse) is hiring a Resource Developer to join its team of developers/editors, marketers, and designers who publish and market a wide variety of resources annually for worship and music, faith formation, devotional life, and Bible study to support the ministries of faith communities in communicating the good news of God’s liberating grace.

The Resource Developer leads or co-leads the development and editorial processes for our existing portfolio of annual resources such as devotionals and lectionary-based preaching helps, quarterly subscription devotionals, and ongoing Bible study releases; and proposes and develops new adult study and faith formation resources. The person in this position can support and develop creative contributors, develop and maintain an annual editorial workflow, suggest product and process improvements, and provide input to the systems that support our webstore. Because of the pace, volume, and variety of projects, this position demands a person who knows how to manage schedules, meet or exceed deadlines, anticipate and solve problems, and effectively communicate with stakeholders. Deliberate onboarding, training as needed, and ongoing professional support will ensure the person hired for this position has the tools they need to succeed and thrive in this role.

The Resource Developer reports to the Publisher, Congregational Resources and is part of our hybrid work model, requiring residence in the Twin Cities. This position involves working onsite at our Minneapolis office 2-3 days a week.

The Resource Developer holds these responsibilities:

1. Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with a broad and diverse pool of writers and other creative partners to acquire material of high quality for devotional, preaching, and adult study resources.

• Develops talent pools to cultivate creative partners that understand tone and attributes needed for particular projects and brands
• Leads development of briefings for creative partners such as writers, artists, and designers that will ensure a proper execution of project development
• Monitors and provides feedback to creative partners as they work to fulfill approved descriptions and specifications
• Reviews and edits creative partners’ work for customer focus, quality of content, and fulfillment of project goals and brand attributes
• Seeks out and monitors the work of additional outside contributors, such as freelance editors, necessary to complete the development of a project

1. Participates in customer focused strategic planning for devotional, preaching, and adult study and faith formation resources to seek innovation in meeting the needs of customers.

• Prepares proposals for resources grounded in customer needs and research in consultation with other Congregational Team members; seeks breakthrough products and services for congregational and other ministry settings
• Coordinates the work of project teams for specific projects
• Responds to customers’ inquiries regarding current and future resources; gathers suggestions and ideas from customers
• Maintains current knowledge of competitor resources from other publishers
• Participates in periodic strategic planning for resources and in the ongoing shaping of marketing plans, strategies, and activities
• Contributes to the creation of annual product development budgets and monitors selected budget line items to ensure accurate spend

1. Keeps current with issues and societal trends, especially in the area of adult faith formation, and effectively applies that information to planning and design of new resources.

• Represents AFP, as mutually agreed, in the context of organizations and events
• Travels to at least one event annually to staff the booth where Augsburg Fortress and Sparkhouse resources are sold
• Maintains knowledge of current theological and liturgical issues in the ELCA
• Observes and evaluates the effectiveness of congregational resources (Augsburg Fortress, Sparkhouse, and others) in actual use
• Identifies and participates in professional development opportunities suitable to the position

1. Offers support to and performs other duties as assigned by the Publisher

Desired education and experience:

• M.A. in theology, religion, English, or other closely related field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a professional role in a congregational setting, preferably within an ELCA context; ELCA rostered minister status desirable.
• Experience in religious publishing, editing, or related media fields, as well as experience with developing congregational worship and/or faith formation resources, is desirable.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to speak, write, and edit with clarity, precision, and enthusiasm.
• Ability to develop schedules for and manage simultaneous projects with attention to detail and accuracy, avid follow-up, and adherence to deadlines.
• Ability to evaluate creative work to ensure alignment with overall goals.
• Familiarity with basic editorial workflow.
• Familiarity with the Microsoft 365 suite, or a demonstrated interest in and ability to learn new digital tools quickly and well.
• Familiarity with the church year and the Revised Common Lectionary.
• Familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) 18th Edition.
• Ability and willingness to learn and use Augsburg Fortress house style guide.
• Highly organized approach to all editorial tasks to ensure schedules, files, and expectations are in good order.
• Deep commitment to building high-trust relationships amongst Congregational Team members and cross functional colleagues.
• Knowledge of and commitment to Christian doctrine, heritage, constituency, and mission, especially as understood and practiced across the diverse communities of the ELCA.
• Knowledge of and commitment to guiding principles for worship in the ELCA as articulated and demonstrated in The Use of the Means of Grace (1997) and Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), and their implications for resource development carried out by the ELCA’s publishing ministry.

The salary range for this position is $58,000 - $63,000 annually. The offered starting salary will be based on the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data for this position. 

Augsburg Fortress Publishers offers a competitive salary and a full list of benefits, including health, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible savings account, retirement plan, supplemental life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance, and other voluntary plans. Company paid benefits provided are short-term and long-term disability, and basic life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance. Time off plans include vacation, sick, volunteer, bereavement, and paid parenting leave.

Please include your resume, cover letter, and references with your application. Apply using the specified link: https://bit.ly/41YT5xn

Augsburg Fortress Publishers offers a pre-tax transportation program, and no-cost gym access locally. You will join a collaborative and creative hybrid work environment, with a talented group of 76 individuals who have a passion for their work. The corporate headquarters is located in the North Loop, Minneapolis with adjacent access to Light Rail and Metro Transit bus lines.