Summary of Position: The Director provides strategic leadership, execution, and oversight of Wesley Seminary’s prison-based theological education initiatives, including the development and delivery of accredited academic programs, certificates, and publications. This role integrates academic leadership, fundraising, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration to build and lead a scalable, high-impact institute. In addition, the Director cultivates partnerships with correctional institutions, chaplains, seminary stakeholders, and clergy, and hosts training events and learning opportunities that advance theological education and leadership capacity within correctional communities.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Execution
- Translate strategic direction into executable plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables
- Ensure the SPI progresses from idea to active implementation with momentum and clarity
- Lead scalable institute model for statewide/national expansion
- Drive performance outcomes (enrollment, retention, coordination, logistics, completion)
- Program Development
- Oversee undergraduate and graduate degree pathways, certificates, and cohort models
- Ensure academic rigor, theological integrity, and contextual relevance within correctional environments
- Curriculum & Resource Development
- Develop and oversee contextualized curriculum and academic resources tailored to correctional environments
- Contribute to the creation of scholarly and practical resources that support prison-based ministry and leadership development
- Events, Training, and Thought Leadership
- Design and host training events, workshops, and learning experiences for chaplains, correctional staff, clergy, and other stakeholders
- Contribute to broader conversations on prison-based theological education through speaking, writing, and collaborative initiatives
- Promote awareness of the role of theological education in developing leadership within correctional communities
- Fundraising & Financial Stewardship
- Partner with Advancement to secure donor and grant funding
- Develop a sustainable financial model that includes Pell funding
- Serve as a storyteller and advocate for the institute’s mission and impact to donors
- Budget & Operations
- Manage budget, forecasting, and financial performance
- Oversee staffing and program operations
- Partnerships & Representation
- Serve as liaison with IDOC, CHE/IPEP, churches, chaplains, and educational partners
- Represent the Seminary in local, state, and national conversations related to prison ministry and correctional education
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Align Admissions, Marketing, Advancement, Finance, and Faculty
- Drive shared execution and communication in coordination with Strategic Innovations
- Compliance & Accreditation
- Oversee PEP approval, accreditation, and reporting
- Ensure data tracking and regulatory compliance
- Student Formation
- Lead holistic formation: spiritual, academic, leadership, and reentry
- Ensure strong mentoring and cohort experience
- Other Responsibilities
- Fulfill additional responsibilities, consistent with the scope and purpose of the role
- Provide leadership and supervision to any part-time or full-time:
- Faculty
- Assistant Dean
- Academic Program Directors
- Faculty Administrative Assistant
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.
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Education
- Master’s degree in theology, ministry, religious studies, or a closely related field
- Terminal degree (Ph.D., Th.D., Ed.D., D.Min., or equivalent), preferred
Experience
- Ten or more (10+) years of demonstrated experience launching or scaling initiatives, programs, products, or platforms
- Proven ability to drive execution from zero to launch to sustainability
- Entrepreneurial or startup experience, leading complex, outcome-driven initiatives
- Experience working with pastors, churches, ministry organizations, or higher education
- Proficiency in curriculum development and program assessment
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Required Skills
- Deep Christian faith aligned with the mission and values of Wesley Seminary and The Wesleyan Church
- Collaborative, relational, and servant-hearted leadership style
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Commitment to Kingdom diversity, global Christianity, and accessible theological education
- Visionary and innovative mindset balanced with academic rigor and integrity
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IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement
IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.
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LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
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