Summary of Position: The President of Wesley Seminary (WS) holds primary responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of Wesley Seminary at IWU. The President of Wesley Seminary reports directly to the President of Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) and serves as a member of President’s Executive Cabinet; works with the Chair of the WS Board and reports to the WS Board for operational and strategic initiative implementation; and serves on IWU Board Committees as directed by the President of IWU.
Duties and Responsibilities
Build strategic relationships for Wesley Seminary with all sectors of The Wesleyan Church, sister theologically Wesleyan denominations, as well as with other churches, pastors, ministry institutions and constituencies. The president of the seminary will represent the seminary to all of these institutions and constituencies.
As president of the seminary, a primary management task will be ensuring collaboration with other university departments such as Enrollment Management and Marketing, University Relations (FundRaising), Financial Affairs, Information Technologies, and Operations to support the operational needs of the seminary.
The president of the seminary will have decision-making authority over and be responsible for the budget and fiscal health of the seminary.
The president of the seminary will lead the strategic planning for and oversight of program development, enrollment management, marketing and fundraising strategies within the seminary.
The president of the seminary will direct the hiring, supervision, and training of seminary personnel.
The president of the seminary will foster effective collaboration with other senior administrative team members. The seminary president will have both internal and external responsibilities.
“Internal” responsibilities (about 30-40% of time):
In the broader University – Executive Council, University Cabinet, Global Initiatives Committee, Ministerial Education Coordinating Council, Board of Trustee participation, Non-Res Cabinet, contributions to further the goals of the University strategic plan.
In the seminary – supervision of Dean, Coordinator of Operations and Director of Latino Latina Education; collaboration with the Marketing Team; identification of potential faculty; and partnership with the Wesley Seminary Board.
“External” responsibilities (about 60-70% of time):
Identification and formation of strategic partners (denominations, organizations, local churches etc.).
Cultivation of referral sources (denominational executives, key influencers, etc.)
IWU and Seminary Board initiatives in serving The Wesleyan Church according to prioritized signature service areas (church multiplication, church revitalization, ethnic & multiethnic ministry, international education, church partnerships).
Fund-raising strategies and donor development in partnership with University Advancement (which also includes relating to a growing number of seminary alumni).
The president of the seminary will ensure continued accreditation by The Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission.
Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
Education
An earned academic terminal degree (i.e, Ph.D., Th.D.) in higher education administration, ministry, adult education, leadership, or a related field is required.
Ministerial Ordination is preferred. If ordination is outside The Wesleyan Church (TWC), moving credentials to TWC will be contractually required.
Experience
The successful candidate will be one who demonstrates a combination of 10 years of successful leadership experience in a successful higher education and/or theological education leadership with a regionally accredited institution, substantial local church or ministry organization. Ordination is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead a seminary or higher education program in fulfilling its mission by fully integrating faith, learning and best ministry practices.
Demonstrated ability to lead a significant church or ministry organization.
Experience with the creation and implementation of degree programs using non-traditional designs and multiple delivery modalities.
Experience with the accreditation of non-traditional professional programs, and creating and maintaining compliance with state authorizing agencies.
Required Skills
The successful candidate will be a person of outstanding leadership ability, high character, and have significant ministry leadership experience and appropriate academic credentials to fill this crucial position.
The successful candidate will possess a personal, vital relationship with Jesus Christ, either belong to or be willing to join a local congregation of The Wesleyan Church, and be in full agreement with the doctrine and practice of The Wesleyan Church.
The University seeks a colleague who will continue to build on the University’s strong commitment to be a learning community friendly to and affirming of a diverse faculty and student body.
The ability to relate collegially across the University and work in a structure committed to collaboration and cooperation is critical for success.
A commitment to foster continued innovation, enrollment growth, and academic quality and service to the advancement of The Wesleyan Church and the broader global church body. Will also demonstrate familiarity with the unique nature, characteristics, and issues currently facing Seminaries and ministry education programs.