A search has begun for an executive director to lead Anabaptist World Inc., the independent journalistic ministry being formed by The Mennonite Inc. and Mennonite World Review Inc., presenting a unique opportunity for an individual to shape a new era of Anabaptist journalism.
The successful candidate will serve as chief executive officer of the nonprofit to be formed in September by the merger of TMI and MWR Inc.
The new executive director will bring broad, incisive vision to Anabaptist World Inc. and will be responsible for strategic planning, content strategy, denominational relationships and revenue generation. The executive director will write articles for the print magazine and website and more. The individual is expected to maintain a commitment to independent journalistic integrity, Anabaptist-Mennonite values, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
The new executive director will lead the Anabaptist World Inc. staff in consultation with editor Paul Schrag, who will lead the production of content for the organization’s print and digital platforms, Anabaptist World magazine and Anabaptistworld.org. Schrag currently is editor of Mennonite World Review and publisher of MWR Inc.
The individual is expected to start June 1, or as soon as possible thereafter. While Anabaptist World Inc. will retain the MWR Inc. office in Newton, Kan., the new executive director can work remotely.
To read the full job description and learn more about how to apply, click here. The search committee will begin reviewing applications April 8.
The search committee is composed of Dawn Araujo-Hawkins of Kansas City, Missouri; Hans Houshower of Bluffton, Ohio; Melody Pannell of Harrisonburg, Virginia; Marathana Prothro of Bluffton, Ohio; and Marty Troyer of Houston, all of whom are members of the predecessor organizations’ boards. Prothro is chairing the search committee. Pannell will be board president of Anabaptist World Inc.
“We anticipate a strong pool of candidates that may or may not reflect what Mennonite or Anabaptist CEOs have historically looked like,” Prothro says. “Just as we’re open to seasoned leaders who have been around the block a time or two, we’re also open to emerging leaders who share our values and are eager to bring fresh perspectives to the world of Anabaptist storytelling. If you’re a person who reads the job description, meets the qualifications and feels called to this opportunity, I say go for it – apply now.”
Sheldon C. Good, the current executive director of TMI, who had been slated to lead Anabaptist World Inc., has resigned to pursue other opportunities. He will continue to lead TMI until Anabaptist World Inc. begins Sept. 1 and, until then, participate in development of the new organization and its platforms.
Schrag expressed appreciation for Good’s role in the merger exploration and implementation over the past two years.
“Sheldon has been an excellent partner who played a key role in clearing some unexpected hurdles on this journey,” Schrag says. “His vision for the future of Anabaptist journalism has shaped the merger in significant ways, and I am grateful for his enthusiasm and dedication to this transformative project.”
Good says, “It has been an honor to lead The Mennonite Inc. these past two years and to help provide direction and vision for the creation of Anabaptist World. I’m grateful for this opportunity to have served as executive director and also for another opportunity as I move forward with my career. I deeply believe independent Anabaptist-Mennonite journalism is needed now more than ever, and I am excited to see Anabaptist World live into its goal of providing a forum where Mennonites and anyone interested in Anabaptism can explore faith and culture.”
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