The Evangelical Press Association (EPA) has opened a national search for its next Executive Director, a key leadership role responsible for strengthening the association’s membership, programs, annual convention, awards contest, and long-term financial sustainability.
The new Executive Director is expected to begin service on January 1, 2027, succeeding Lamar Keener, who has chosen to conclude his tenure in the role after many years of faithful service to EPA.
Keener has served on EPA’s staff since June 2012 and as Executive Director since January 15, 2015. During his tenure, he has helped sustain EPA’s commitment to professional excellence, member service, and meaningful connection among evangelical publishers and communicators.
“EPA is deeply grateful for Lamar Keener’s steady leadership and faithful service,” said Dwight Widaman, President of the EPA Board of Directors. “As we prepare for this next season, we are seeking a leader who understands association management, values Christian communication, and can help EPA serve its members with clarity, professionalism, and vision.”
EPA exists to provide inspiration, instruction, and networking to strengthen evangelical periodicals and Christian communicators. The next Executive Director will lead the day-to-day work of that mission through membership recruitment and retention, convention planning, educational programming, communications, fundraising, financial management, and administrative operations.
This is a highly autonomous, hands-on leadership position within a small nonprofit association. The Executive Director will work closely with the EPA Board of Directors while also managing the practical operations required to serve members well, sustain essential programs, and strengthen the association’s public presence.
A Leadership Opportunity for a Changing Communications Environment
EPA’s members serve readers through periodicals, publications, and related communication print and digital channels in a rapidly changing media environment. The next Executive Director should appreciate EPA’s historic commitment to evangelical publishing while bringing the operational discipline, relational strength, and communication skill needed to serve members effectively today.
The position requires a leader who can think strategically and execute practically. Primary measures of success will include membership growth and retention, convention participation and profitability, revenue growth, member engagement, and sound financial stewardship.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Organizational leadership and strategic planning: advancing EPA’s mission, supporting the Board, managing annual planning, and strengthening long-term sustainability.
- Membership growth and member services: recruiting, retaining, and engaging members through useful benefits, communications, resources, events, affinity groups, and online community.
- Convention, programs, and awards: planning and executing the annual convention, professional development programming, sponsorship opportunities, and the annual awards contest.
- Fundraising and revenue development: cultivating donors, sponsors, exhibitors, grants, scholarships, and other sustainable revenue streams
- Financial and administrative management: overseeing budgeting, accounting, reporting, compliance, vendor relationships, systems, records, and organizational stewardship.
- Communications, marketing, and technology: representing EPA publicly, strengthening awareness of member value, maintaining websites and digital platforms, and developing clear member communications.
- Governance and organizational support: maintaining official records, supporting Board meetings, coordinating elections and officer transitions, and helping ensure alignment with bylaws and policies.
Candidate Profile
EPA is seeking a mature, self-directed Christian leader who agrees with EPA’s Statement of Faith and demonstrates a courteous, Christlike attitude in relationships inside and outside the association. The preferred candidate will bring strong organizational, project management, communication, fundraising, and association-management skills, along with familiarity with journalism, periodicals, digital delivery platforms, nonprofit associations, conferences, and revenue development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing their relevant leadership experience, association or nonprofit management background, fundraising experience, and understanding of Christian media and communication to admin@evangelicalpress.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
A detailed job description is available here. For questions about the position or application process, email admin@evangelicalpress.com.
About the Evangelical Press Association
The Evangelical Press Association exists to provide inspiration, instruction, and networking to strengthen evangelical periodicals. Through professional development, member connection, training, and recognition, EPA serves evangelical publications and communicators committed to excellence, accuracy, fairness, and Christian conviction. Learn more at evangelicalpress.com.
Posted July 2, 2026
