Operations Manager-Appalachia

Seeking applicants to manage and oversee field operations for Praying Pelican Missions’ ministry in the Appalachia Region. Recruit, plan, and lead Christian mission teams while identifying new processes to advance PPM's global and regional goals. Ideal candidates will have strong administrative skills, proven management experience, and live local to the assigned region.

Applications will be accepted until midnight on August 9, 2026.

SUMMARY

As an Operations Manager at Praying Pelican Missions (PPM), you will oversee field operations for your assigned region, ensuring all work aligns with our mission of partnering with the local Church to advance the Gospel. Rooted in a commitment to PPM’s values and statement of faith, you will provide spiritual leadership and foster a culture of partnership. You will be responsible for end-to-end operational success, including financial oversight, mission planning, logistics, and staff recruitment and supervision. Additionally, you will drive strategic growth by developing new processes, cultivating key partner relationships, and leading mission teams to ensure a top-quality, Christ-centered experience. By working closely with organizational leadership and stakeholders, you will effectively advance PPM’s regional and overall mission goals while maintaining the highest standards of integrity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Missions Recruiting & Consulting

Provide vision and leadership in day-to-day recruitment and consulting activities to prepare and equip Christians in their walk with Christ.

• Meet or exceed assigned recruiting, call/contact, and renewal goals.
• Model administrative leadership and maintain a proper work ethic.
• Coordinate trip setup with Location Leaders, ensuring all details are finalized and communication with teams is timely.
• Attend all scheduled conference calls, recruiting meetings, and training.

Trip Leadership & Field Operations

Provide mission teams with a top-quality, Christ-centered experience, maintaining professional representation for PPM with partners and organizations.

• Ensure safety and security protocols are strictly followed, including incident response options.
• Strategically lead trips and maintain a presence on the field, particularly for large or logistically difficult teams.
• Exercise fiscal responsibility in the use of available resources and manage location budgeting.
• Assess and report on the physical, emotional, or spiritual concerns of staff in the field, including seasonal and full-time members.

Partner Advocacy & Location Delegations

Maintain monthly relationship connections with host pastors and conduct face-to-face meetings with key ministry leaders.

• Network to add new pastors and partners while casting the PPM vision.
• Oversee local hiring and training initiatives in partnership with the Operations department.
• Negotiate key food, lodging, and transportation costs annually to ensure budget management.
• Manage expense reports within one week of a trip ending and ensure the Roots database is updated promptly.
• Coordinate yearly location staff and pastor conferences and manage staff vacation schedules to ensure "on call" coverage.

Position Management 

Further develop initiative and spiritual, interpersonal and organizational skills to equip you to partner with PPM in furthering the Kingdom of God and serving our Lord Jesus Christ.  

• Be an advocate for Praying Pelican Missions and its employees. Promote a positive image of PPM, build trust and rapport with all staff members, and be an affirming and encouraging team member at all times. 
• Serve as primary contact for identified areas of expertise and leadership as an Operations Coordinator.
• Spend time daily in prayer and in scripture for PPM and all the avenues PPM covers. 
• Attend all major PPM staff events, including the spring conference, department meetings, training events and mandatory all-staff meetings. 
• Participate in a yearly review meeting with supervisor.  
• Meet regularly with supervisor to enhance communications and allow for input and coordination to promote success with assigned Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).  Complete monthly performance reporting as directed.
• Regularly lead L10 meetings for your assigned location staff, providing accountability for goals and KPIs to be achieved.
• Participate in regularly scheduled Foundation and Prayer calls.
• Respond to all communication with coworkers via internal messaging system promptly.

Church Sponsorship & Fundraising

Develop and encourage support for the Church Sponsorship program and priorities through strong Christian witness among colleagues, mission participants, ministry partners, and the general public.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage assigned location staff, overseeing volunteers and seasonal staff who serve part-time in the location.
• Assign and direct work while reporting any concerns regarding staff ability or actions in fulfilling responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must maintain a personal relationship with and be a consistent witness for Jesus Christ.

• Leadership & Management: Proven management and leadership experience; strong relational skills with the ability to interact with diverse educational, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Operational & Administrative: Excellent planning and organizational skills; proficiency in Google Docs or Microsoft Office suite; financial management experience preferred.
• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree or 4 to 6 years of related work experience; 12 credit hours of college-level Biblical studies strongly preferred.
• Professional Flexibility: Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to field sites; capable of working in a diverse team and pressured environment; must possess a valid driver’s license.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: 

• $49,000/year annual salary
• Competitive PTO plan and company holidays
• Employer Paid Long-Term Disability and Term Life Insurance
• Retirement plan w/employer match
• Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement and Counseling Benefit

ABOUT PPM
PPM MISSION: To build up, encourage, and assist the local Church in reaching and serving their communities for Christ. 

GUIDING VISION: To see a united global Church reaching its fullest potential for the glory of God.

DISTINCTIVE OBJECTIVES OF PPM:

• GENUINE PARTNERSHIPS: We are wholly invested in the communities in which we serve, providing a connecting point for the global Church.
• LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS: We build lasting relationships with local churches and ministries, partnering alongside them 365 days a year.
• SUSTAINABLE MINISTRY: We operate under the authority and direction of the local Church, ensuring that the ministry we do leads to a healthy and lasting impact for the Kingdom.