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Moravian University (www.moravian.edu), the nation’s sixth oldest college institution and the fastest-growing university in the region, seeks a Vice President and Dean for the School of Theology. The Vice President and Dean for the School of Theology sits on the President’s Cabinet and shares in the governance of the school with the President and other senior administrators in all aspects of the School’s life and operations. The Vice President and Dean is responsible for overseeing the educational life of the School and helps articulate faculty and student perspectives and concerns. The VP/Dean leads faculty and staff to prepare students to serve in diverse socioeconomic, intercultural, and interfaith populations and within a multicultural context.

Two seminaries comprise the School of Theology, one in Bethlehem and one in Lancaster. Both are regional ecumenical and interfaith institutions; the Seminary in Bethlehem is one of only two fully accredited Moravian Seminaries globally and serves as a resource for the Moravian Church in North America and worldwide Moravian Unity, while the Seminary in Lancaster is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and serves a diverse ecumenical student body.

The successful candidate has a thorough understanding of theological seminaries and their role in leading and shaping faith and culture; a collaborative leadership style that nourishes the professional development of the faculty and staff; a dedication to a diverse student population and their successes; and deep convictions and hope rooted in and committed to the heritage, life, and mission of the Moravian church.

The successful candidate shows agility in the face of the changing landscapes of theological education and culture and respect for and dedication to celebrating diversity and promoting equity and the inclusion of cross-cultural distinctions. The successful candidate is also willing to take reasonable risks to achieve/develop strategic goals and position the School of Theology for a healthy and robust future; builds consensus through understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives, and advocates for students, faculty, and staff; serves as a model and champion for academic excellence and life-long learning by demonstrating a passion for teaching, learning, research, and professional activities; and is gifted in cultivating a sense of community and fellowship.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, support and assist with education programs, design of curriculum, faculty work and development, assessment of educational and program effectiveness.
• Manage the School of Theology budget.
• Oversee all aspects of the students’ educational experience, formation, personal development and vocational discernment.
• Monitor and develop reports to external foundations who may from time to time be supporting programs at the seminary.
• Represent or speak for the School of Theology with the Unity Board of the Worldwide Moravian Church and its standing committees, Moravian University events, and the wider church community.
• Maintain a significant public profile to promote the seminary’s mission and values, including interfacing with ecclesial constituencies, particularly the Moravian Church in America.
• Teach at least one course per academic year in one of the degree programs.
• Instruct in non-degree programs as needed.
• Maintain accreditation with ATS and other accrediting bodies and ensure all educational programs comply with relevant regulations and accreditation standards.
• Oversee the proper management of student loan funds disbursed through the Admissions office.
• Provide theological and missiological leadership by staying abreast of local and global issues related to theological education and the Moravian Church mission.
• Provide leadership for fundraising activities in collaboration with the Development Office, including donor relations, gifts, grants, etc.
• Collaborate with the President and Provost to prepare for accreditation activities and required reports.
• Other duties as assigned by the President or their designee.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A member of the Moravian Church is strongly preferred with a demonstrated strong commitment to Moravian theology and values.
• Demonstrated record of effective teaching.
• Terminal doctoral degree (e.g. PhD, ThD, DMin, EdD) with demonstrated expertise in Theological or Religious Studies.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience.
• Spiritual maturity and history of involvement in the life of the church.
• Understanding of trends in church life and theological education in North America.
• Demonstrated skills in communication, leadership, organization, and financial and project manager.

Moravian University is committed to its mission to prepare individuals for reflective lives and leadership in a world of change. To achieve these ideals, it is dedicated to fostering an educational and professional environment that is enriched by individuals of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.  Vision: A Moravian education is one where students learn through experiential means in order to be producers of new knowledge. Moravian students work together practicing leadership, teamwork, community support, and reflection in order to significantly contribute to a more equitable and just future society.

Moravian University offers students a private education they will not find anywhere else: personal attention and preparation for life with a record of success longer than our nation’s history. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and offering undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend liberal arts with professional programs, Moravian University has been preparing students for reflective lives, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change since 1742. Moravian University, a master’s comprehensive university, is a member of the New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), a national consortium of selective, small to mid-size independent colleges and universities dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement. The University is also a member of the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC), a six-college consortium in the Lehigh Valley.  Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how the Moravian University focus on education for all prepares its students for life-long success.

Moravian University is being assisted by Hyatt – Fennell, Executive Search. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should be submitted via email to Moravian@hyatt-fennell.com. Applications include a letter of interest, a current résumé/cv, and contact information for five professional references, submitted in separate documents. The position will remain open until filled. All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential.

Moravian University aspires to be a welcoming community that embraces and values the diversity of all members of the campus community. Deep respect for others is fundamental to the Moravian University community. Moravian University does not discriminate against any person based on actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the requirements of Title IX, Moravian University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational program and activity, including employment.