Project Director - Seminary Extended: Strengthening Pastoral Leadership

Purpose:

Union Presbyterian Seminary seeks a dynamic and collaborative Project Director to

lead Seminary Extended, an innovative partnership with Louisville Presbyterian

Theological Seminary and Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary. Supported by

the Lilly Endowment, this initiative strengthens both local church leadership and

theological education sustainability through three integrated strategies:

• A Seminary for Every Congregation (embedded congregational leadership

development)

• Shared faculty and courses

• A joint Doctor of Ministry in Adaptive Leadership

The Project Director will oversee the initiative, reporting to the Vice President for

Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness. The director will also coordinate the A Seminary

for Every Congregation strategy, advancing leadership formation directly within

congregational contexts.

This role calls for a leader who can inspire collaboration across institutions and guide a

project that equips churches and sustains theological education for the future.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Strategic Leadership and Project Direction

• Articulate and advance overall strategic vision Seminary Extended and ensure

project coherence across three strategies: A Seminary for Every Congregation,

Shared Faculty and Courses, and the Joint Doctor of Ministry in Adaptive

Leadership

• Chair the Seminary Extended Advisory Council (Academic Deans, shared

faculty, Project Coordinators) and coordinate inter-institutional collaboration

• Develop and implement long-term sustainability strategies

A Seminary for Every Congregation Leadership – Strategy 1

Lead implementation of Strategy 1, including embedded congregational

leadership development with direct responsibility for UPSem’s five congregations

annually

• Oversee the congregational selection process, mentor preparation, and 12-

month leadership development cycles

• Coordinate with Project Coordinators to ensure goals are met through regular

check-ins and assessments

• Develop curriculum frameworks, learning modules, and mentorship networks

• Oversee the development of the shared digital platform and ensure effective

long-term management of learning resources

Collaborative Project Management

• Supervise the Associate Project Director and Project Coordinators at LPTS and

EMU

• Support Academic Deans in seamless delivery of shared courses and the shared

DMin degree

• Manage inter-institutional communication and alignment with grant objectives

• Oversee program evaluation, assessments, and quarterly reports

• Represent the project through symposia and denominational networks

Knowledge, Skills, and Personal Qualities:

• Master's degree in theology, ministry, or related field required; doctoral degree

preferred but not required

• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in theological education,

congregational ministry, or denominational work with demonstrated success in

project development and collaboration

• Strong understanding of contemporary challenges facing pastoral leadership and

theological education

• Proven project management skills, including budget oversight, evaluation, and

personnel supervision

• Excellent communication skills with ability to work across diverse theological and

cultural contexts

• Experience with grant management and compliance a plus

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, exempt position with a preference for Richmond campus location;

hybrid arrangements considered

• Regular travel required for inter-institutional collaboration, congregational visits,

and leadership meetings rotating among Richmond, Harrisonburg, and Louisville

• Standard work hours with flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed

• Position funded for five years through a Lilly Endowment grant, with plans for

continuation beyond the grant period

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement

plan with employer contribution

• Professional development support and generous paid vacation and holidays

Application Process:

Please submit a cover letter, CV or résumé, and the names of three professional

references to shawn.oliver@upsem.edu. The cover letter should specifically address

experience with collaborative leadership, project development, and vision for the future

of theological education. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue

until the position is filled.