The School of Theology and Seminary (SOT/Sem) at Saint John’s University invites applications for the full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Project Director for its Obsculta Preaching Initiative.
The successful candidate will demonstrate ability to facilitate the major components of the grant and be able to teach a variety of courses related to the grant’s goals and SOT/Sem curriculum within the context of global Catholicism. Initial review of complete applications will begin April 26 and will continue until the position is filled. 
The Project Director for the Obsculta Preaching Initiative will direct the successful implementation of Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary’s (SOT/Sem) Lilly Endowment Compelling Preaching grant. The director will facilitate three critical phases of grant work: (1) research and development of a preaching method grounded in shared lectio and Benedictine spirituality; (2) coordination of preaching companioning groups; and (3) curricular assessment and development of new opportunities for homiletic formation in the SOT/Sem’s pastoral ministry curriculum. The director may also have the opportunity to teach graduate courses in the SOT/Sem in a field suited to support of the grant and/or the school’s wider ministry curriculum.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons. 

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program.For further information regarding CSB and SJU, visithttp://www.csbsju.edu/about.

• Facilitate listening sessions, scholarly inquiry, and constructive proposals that articulate a “Collegeville” approach to the theology and practice of preaching
  1. Informed by monastic spirituality
  2. Shared lectio

• Listen to and network with compelling preachers formed in the Catholic, Benedictine tradition.
• Produce resources (e.g., books, articles, online curricula, social media posts, symposium) to share SOT/Sem theology and method of preaching more broadly.
• Organize and facilitate a series of preaching companion groups who engage the Collegeville preaching method as part of their preaching preparation.
• Collaborate with SOT Director of Liturgy and Coordinator of Prayer and Worship on forming preachers for SOT community liturgies.
• Supervise the grant’s graduate student intern(s).
• Facilitate the grant’s $1.25 million budget.
• Work with the Dean to organize faculty course releases related to the grant.
• Coordinate a curricular overview of the SOT/Sem’s approach to preaching and expand its formation opportunities for homiletics formation.
• Ensure the successful execution of the Sixty-Second Sermon program. 
• Engage in professional development about Catholic and Benedictine principles related to preaching.
• Maintain communications and collaborative relationships with campus partners such as Saint John’s Abbey, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University Campus Ministry, and Liturgical Press.
• Potentially teach 1-3 graduate courses per academic year in theology; at least one course should engage the practice and methodology of preaching rooted in the Collegeville method.

• PhD, DMin, or equivalent with background in effective preaching (or their equivalents by August 30, 2024)
• Familiarity with Catholic and ecumenical understandings of liturgical preaching
• Experience teaching in a college or graduate theological setting
• Demonstrable ability to develop and execute programmatic goals consistent with those of the research and companioning phases of the “Obsculta Preaching Grant.”
• Openness to practicing values around intercultural humility 
• A commitment diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice set within Catholic Social Teaching and Benedictine values.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations. 
• Significant keyboard and computer use, prolong sitting, and occasional standing. 

Travel Requirements:

• Some local/regional travel in support of grant activities. 
• Some national travel for grant supported conferences. 

 Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply" above. Applicants are asked to provide the following materials:

1. Cover letter (addressing aptitude for directing the grant and teaching graduate courses in theology/ministry teaching as well as resonance with the SOT/Sem’s mission, including its commitment to intercultural ministry with diverse student populations)
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Statement of teaching philosophy that includes discussion of a commitments to diversity, justice, inclusion, and equity
4. Copy of graduate school transcripts
5. Three reference contacts

If you require an accommodation to participate in the Saint John's University hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-2508 or employment@csbsju.edu.It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John’s also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.