Area Planning Manager - US Central Area

The Area Planning Manager (APM) is a critical role, supporting the Area Presidency and DTA (reports to the DTA). This is a senior independent contributor working on the most complex projects within the area. As assigned by the DTA, they may assist with the area's temporal affairs operations. The position works cooperatively with all departments (temporal and ecclesiastical) and the Area Presidency. They act as staff to the DTA and, by extension, serve General Authorities in any task assigned. They are accountable for performing data analysis to inform strategic direction in the area. 

An APM coordinates the development of Area Functional Plans with departments to ensure focus and resources are dedicated to the area priorities determined by Area Presidencies. Additionally, the APM identifies opportunities to enhance ecclesiastical and operational performance based on detailed analysis of data and trends. After priority opportunities and insights are generated, the APM leads projects to design and test solutions.

General: 

Maintains strict confidentiality about the work done on a daily basis. 

Prepares and reviews presentations for General Authorities and Church committees. 

Works on projects, as assigned by the DTA and Area Presidency. 

Manages relationships and resolves complex issues in an appropriate way by understanding operational functions at all levels and how various functions interact with each other.   

Strategy and Analysis:

Supports the Area Presidency in identifying area priorities. 

Prepares for needs, opportunities, and improvements to realize ecclesiastical vision and priorities. 

Provides quality information in a timely manner to help guide management and governing councils in their decision-making.

 Conducts research or partners with CRD to perform needed research related to projects and requests. 

Provides high-level analysis and justified recommendations on issues of high sensitivity. 

Provides critical review of annual plans and projects, ensuring compliance to policies, processes, and guidelines.   

Area Functional Plans:

 Coordinates the development of the Area Functional Plan (AFP) under the direction of the DTA and Area Presidency in partnership with departments. 

Provides feedback to ensure plans are strong strategic documents focused on area priorities. ·      

• Helps ensure implementation of AFPs in the area (could include tracking, consulting, etc.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional experience or master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience. 
• Proactive, self-starter mindset to manage multiple projects simultaneously, often with some ambiguity. 
• Experience presenting to executives. 
• Skilled in MS Office programs. 
• Proven ability to work as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues across departments to achieve project objectives. 
• Excellent verbal communication skills and diplomacy to deal with challenging issues. 
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to take complex issues and present them in a simple and clear manner, especially through PPT. 
• Proven strategy and analytical skills. 
• The ability to grasp complex and interrelated details and look ahead to find solutions for current and future issues.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Presiding Bishopric department operations preferred (e.g. Meetinghouse Facilities, Finance and Records, Welfare and Self-reliance, Materials Management, and/or Global Services). 
• Experience with a strategy consulting firm or internal strategy group preferred. 
• Familiarity with other analytical software (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI) is beneficial. 
• Proven ability to effectively interface with local priesthood leaders who have great demands on their time.