Dean of the School of Theology & Ministry + LPU Seminary

Description

DEPARTMENT: 100 – Academics / STATUS: Full-Time / CLASSIFICATION: Exempt / RANK: Faculty /  DATE LAST UPDATED: December 2025

Life Pacific University (LPU) seeks candidates for a full-time faculty position to be the next Dean of STM LPU Seminary. LPU’s STM Seminary, host all our Bible, Ministry, Worship, and Leadership majors and our graduate MA in Theological Studies, Masters in Divinity, MA in Strategic Leadership and Doctor in Ministry programs. For over 100 years Life Pacific University has educated a diverse student body for service to God in the Church, the workplace, and the world. The University is looking for a dean who shares this mission and has a heart to lead our effort to serve our churches and ministries prepare the present and future generation of leaders.

The preferred start-date for this full-time position is June 1st, 2026. This position IS NOT REMOTE, and the dean is expected to be present at the San Dimas campus.

PURPOSE

The Dean of the School of Theology & Ministry   (DSTM) LPU Seminary is responsible for leading and advancing the academic (traditional and non-traditional) functions of the School of Theology & Ministry (STM) and LPU Seminary.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The DSTM must possess a deep commitment to biblical integration in higher education and the values and doctrines of the   Foursquare Church. This role requires creatively leading innovation, championing enrollment, managing faculty chair/directors, partnering in the development and improvement of academic programs, support with accreditation processes, particularly ATS. The DSTM facilitates the work and coordination of the programs and departments in the STM, including involvement in the hiring of new adjunct faculty, interdepartmental communication, supervision of academic assessment, and faculty annual performance reviews. In addition, the DSTM will director/chair one program closely to his/her expertise. The position holds academic faculty status and rank. The DSTM reports to the Provost/VPAA and sits in the Provost Council/APCR.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves on Provost’s Council and ex-officio member of all faculty committees in the STM, and in on other campus committees as needed.
• Leads all the departments and faculty within the STM and LPU Seminary (with exception of LPU Global/Hispanic).
• Engages in long- and short- range academic program development planning, particularly as it relates to the STM and the Seminary.
• Assists in the completion of all government and accreditation reports, particularly as they relate to the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
• Informs the Provost and the Provost’s Council, faculty/department concerns and recommendations.
• Champions enrollment for all the STM and Seminary programs. at professional meetings.
• Represents the University at special events and strategic Foursquare functions as related to   the responsibilities of the office.
• Sets the ministry tone for all ministry and seminary degree programs.
• Oversees faculty within the school and seminary, course and curriculum of current and new programs, development of new programs, adjunct faculty hiring, educational   development, faculty and educational effectiveness, assessment, program   review, and other academic areas for the STM.
• Directs/chairs a program or department within the STM & Seminary.
• Carries out or supervises other projects as directed by the Provost/VPAA.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Terminal degree in an appropriate discipline (Preferred). 
• At least 5 years’ experience in higher education with evidence of high-level administrative ability.
• Advanced leadership skills—ability to supervise, delegate, and track projects to completion while handling interruptions, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal and interviewing skills
• Demonstrated competency in the classroom. 
• Computer knowledge/skills: working knowledge of Windows-based computers; quick learner; desirable but not mandatory to know Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher.
• Excellent communication and writing ability
• Experienced in budget development, monitoring, and maintenance
• A self-starter, personable, detail-oriented and goal-oriented
• Knowledgeable and experienced in education and educational assessment practices.
• Committed to establishing and maintaining positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and the general   constituency of Life Pacific.
• Demonstrated culturally competent communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with and engaging diverse students and colleagues
• Demonstrated Christian faith consistent with Life Pacific’s Pentecostal/Charismatic and Wesleyan Arminian stance (must be able to sign Life Pacific’s Statement of Faith and align with its position on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity).
• Must be licensed in the Foursquare Church or willing/eligible to undergo licensing in Foursquare upon hire.

NOTE: 

Though not required, this position is optionally eligible for appointment as a Foursquare minister under certain conditions. If appointed as a minister, the employee will be available to provide pastoral care and prayer. In addition, s/he may be called upon to perform sacerdotal duties upon request of the University.

This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to revision when necessary.

Candidates must be Christian believers holding a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective and will be required to adhere to the University’s statement of faith and mission.

No person shall be denied employment at Life Pacific University on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, except as may be permitted by law.