Director, Betsey Stockton Center For Black Church Studies

DIRECTOR, BETSEY STOCKTON CENTER FOR BLACK CHURCH STUDIES

Princeton Theological Seminary invites application for the position of Director of the Betsey Stockton Center for Black Church Studies. We seek a dynamic and visionary administrative colleague who can work effectively and creatively at the intersection of pastoral leadership in the Black Church and academic formation in the theological academy.

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Director will provide strategic, programmatic, and administrative leadership for the Betsey Stockton Center for Black Church Studies. They will expose PTS students, alumni, and partners to the traditions of scholarship, worship, prayer, and protest that have animated Black Protestantism and enriched American Democracy; enhance the formative experience of PTS students (especially those with lived experience in and callings to serve in the Black Church); participate in national conversations about Black Church practice and leadership; contribute to programmatic activity arising from the Seminary’s Slavery Audit; and participate to the ongoing conversation about the Slavery Audit in the life of the Seminary.

This is a 12 months/year postion; in-person, and exempt; with regular PTS office hours that can be flexible and variable based on programming needs.

A letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three recommenders should be emailed to: apply.bsc4bcs@ptsem.edu

Salary range: $100,000-110,000. Benefits include: Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Defined Benefit Pension (403b).

Those wishing to submit nominations for this position are invited to contact John R. Bowlin, Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, at academic.dean@ptsem.edu  .

Princeton Theological Seminary is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership and Program Development (50%)

·        Direct the activities of the Betsey Stockton Center for Black Church Studies, determine its priorities annually, and serve as its primary administrator.

·        Organize a national conference focused on the development of leadership in the Black Church and related ministerial contexts. This is currently accomplished through the Black Theology Leadership Institute.

·        Organize events (in person and online) and develop digital content for the pastoral formation, professional development, and personal enrichment of PTS students, alums, and leaders in the Black Church.

·        Draft, propose, and oversee the Center’s annual budget.

·        Seek strategic grants or other mission-aligned funding opportunities that advance the mission of the Center.

Campus Engagement and Collaboration (30%)

·        Mentor and provide regular vocational and pastoral care for PTS students, particularly those formed in and/or called to the Black Church. Serve as advisor to the Association of Black Seminarians.

·        Convene opportunities for students create community on campus, to worship, and to connect, learn, and network with regional and national leaders in the Black Church context.

·        Work collegially with advancement and alumni relations offices at the seminary for the purposes of recruiting and strengthening relationships with alumni serving in the Black Church and related contexts.

·        Ensure compliance with institutional policies and best practices in fiscal management and fundraising initiatives.

·        Serve on committees and task forces as appointed by the President or as a designee of the Associate Academic Dean.

External Partnerships (20%)

·        Cultivate strategic relationships and partnerships with pastors, scholars, and community leaders in the Black Church tradition.

·        Serve as a representative in the Universities Studying Slavery consortium and contribute to ongoing continuing education efforts related to this work.

Fulfill other responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

●      Master of Divinity or equivalent from an ATS accredited theological school, with lived experience in the Black Church context, is required. PhD or DMin in theology, church history, homiletics, practical theology or a related field is highly recommended.

●      Minimum of 5 years of experience in pastoral leadership, academic administration, theological education, or research center leadership.

●      Strong proficiency in planning and executing academic conferences, public lectures, and research initiatives.

●      Knowledge of identifying and securing external funding, including grants, donor engagement, and institutional partnerships.

●      Ability to work collaboratively.

●      Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.

This description reflects the essential functions of the position, and it does not restrict tasks that may be assigned or changed at any time.