Vision
We long to see the gospel of Jesus shared and the kingdom of God expressed in the Greater Austin Metropolitan area.
We hope this will include churches, ministries, leaders, and disciples unified in a collaborative, yet diverse approach that impacts the metropolitan area with the love of Christ and the hope of the resurrection that overflows to the nations.
Our Mission
The Greater Austin Mission Society exists to serve, connect, and support churches, ministries, non-profits, leaders, and disciples in Austin. Its goal is to work together with disciples, leaders, churches, and ministries to advance the gospel, care for the marginalized, and equip leaders for effective service locally and globally.
Director of Research
Overview
The Director of Research serves as a bridge between data and discipleship, equipping the Greater Austin Mission Society with the research, tools, and strategy needed to discern the Spirit’s movement and support faithful gospel ministry across the Austin metro.
This role combines analytical skill with spiritual attentiveness. It supports churches, ministries, and leaders by synthesizing citywide data, maintaining a dynamic database of ministries, and producing briefings that foster prayer, collaboration, and mission clarity. The ideal candidate brings technical depth, a missionary heart, and a desire to see “on earth as it is in heaven” in Austin and beyond.
Responsibilities
City Research and Data Stewardship
- Maintain and continually update the Church & Ministry Database for the Austin MSA.
- Gather, organize, and synthesize demographic, geographic, and spiritual data (e.g., U.S. Census, Barna, Pew, internal audits).
- Collaborate with partner organizations to align and integrate research platforms, reducing duplication of effort.
Strategic Briefing Development
- Produce concise, timely research briefings on neighborhoods, demographics, and ministry opportunity areas.
- Support partner churches and ministries with custom reports to inform prayer, outreach, and planting strategies.
- Translate complex data into accessible, action-oriented insights for church and nonprofit leaders.
Discernment Support and Strategic Projects
- Identify gaps in gospel presence across the region and recommend engagement initiatives.
- Contribute research, writing, and visual insights to publications, including the State of the City report.
- Track outcomes of strategic projects, supporting a learning posture for citywide engagement.
Relational Collaboration and Technical Bridge-Building
- Serve as a translator between volunteer technical teams (e.g., software developers, analysts) and ministry leaders.
- Help shape collaborative projects that integrate data and discernment for kingdom purposes.
- Participate in team prayer and discernment rhythms, contributing both strategic and spiritual insights.
Qualifications
- Deep love for Jesus and alignment with the vision, mission, values, and theological convictions of the Greater Austin Mission Society.
- Experience with data analysis, research, systems thinking, or leading technical teams.
- Cross-cultural awareness and a heart for the lost, the marginalized, and the local church.
- Strong communication skills, particularly the ability to make technical insights clear and practical.
- Capacity to self-manage, collaborate across diverse teams, and balance flexibility with follow-through.
Core Alignment
This role supports the Society’s core values:
- Seek First the Kingdom – We trust data only matters when it helps us follow Jesus more faithfully.
- Share the Gospel – We use research to illuminate mission fields and proclaim Christ.
- Serve the Least of These – We analyze with a lens toward justice, poverty, and spiritual need.
- Simple Generosity – We freely offer insight and share tools to build others up.
- Start Churches & Support Workers – We deploy insight to equip the sent and shepherd the weary.
Sample Year-One Projects
- Finalize and manage the Greater Austin Church and Ministry Database.
- Prepare regional briefings to equip church planters, missionaries, and pastors.
- Contribute to the State of the City: 2026 report with updated data and analysis.
- Collaborate with the tech volunteers to improve user experience for the ministry mapping tool.
- Partner with prayer and evangelism teams to align research with grassroots ministry.
Additional Details
- This role can flex based on season and capacity (volunteer, support-raised, part-time, or full-time).
- Participation in monthly team prayer and quarterly strategy gatherings is encouraged.
- Ideal for a technically-minded, Spirit-led follower of Jesus who desires to see the city renewed.
Next Steps
Click on the "Interest Form" to make your interest known to the leadership of Greater Austin Mission Society.
