Associate Dean of Ministry & Christian Thought

Job Description

Title: Associate Dean of Ministry & Christian Thought
Department: Ministry & Christian Thought
Reports To: Dean of Ministry & Christian Thought
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Associate Dean of Ministry at OKWU provides strategic leadership and oversight for key ministry programs, partnerships, and initiatives. This role ensures the alignment of all ministry-related efforts with the university’s mission of developing servant leaders who impact culture for Christ. The position includes responsibility for overseeing the GMC (Global Methodist Church) partnership, CROSS, dispersed ministry opportunities, the Lilly Grant, and programmatic growth.

The Associate Dean collaborates with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to foster innovative ministry training, provide exceptional student experiences, and expand the reach of OKWU’s ministry programs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Oversight

• Provide visionary leadership for ministry programs, ensuring alignment with the mission and values of OKWU.
• Oversee the strategic direction, implementation, and evaluation of the GMC partnership, CROSS, dispersed ministry opportunities, and the rural church initiatives. Other partnerships
• Develop and manage initiatives to promote growth both on ground and online and innovation in ministry education and training.
• Serve as a representative of OKWU in ministry partnerships, maintaining strong relationships with local, national, and global organizations.

GMC Partnership

• Serve as the primary liaison for the GMC partnership, coordinating collaborative initiatives and promoting integration between OKWU and GMC.
• Develop joint programs, events, and opportunities that enhance ministry training and support for students and alumni.

CROSS and Dispersed Ministry Opportunities

• Provide leadership and oversight for the CROSS program, ensuring effective student preparation and engagement in ministry opportunities.
• Expand and manage dispersed ministry opportunities, connecting students with meaningful hands-on ministry experiences in diverse contexts.

Rural Church Initiatives

• Provide leadership over the rural church initiatives to achieve its intended outcomes, ensuring compliance with grant requirements (as appropriate) and effective stewardship of resources.
• Develop innovative programs supported by the grant to enhance spiritual formation, leadership development, and student engagement in ministry.

Growth and Development

• Develop and implement strategies to grow OKWU’s ministry programs, including student enrollment, partnerships, and funding.
• Collaborate with the admissions team to promote ministry-related programs to prospective students and stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities to support program expansion and sustainability.

Student Support and Mentorship

• Mentor and support students pursuing ministry-related degrees or programs, fostering spiritual and leadership development.
• Provide pastoral care and guidance to students and graduates as they prepare for vocational ministry or other leadership roles.

Collaboration and Administration

• Collaborate with the Dean of Ministry, faculty, and staff to ensure program quality and effectiveness.
• Manage budgets, resources, and reporting requirements for assigned programs and initiatives.
• Participate in university committees, events, and initiatives to promote the mission of OKWU.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in theology, ministry, Christian leadership, or a related field (Doctorate preferred).
• Wesleyan Ordination required.
• Significant experience in ministry leadership, Christian education, or a similar role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing programs, partnerships, or grants in a higher education or ministry setting.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of Wesleyan theology and the ability to uphold and promote OKWU’s biblically orthodox values.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with grant administration, program evaluation, and reporting.
• Ability to mentor and inspire students for ministry and leadership roles.
• Commitment to the spiritual formation and professional growth of students.

Work Environment

• Year 1 – Remote role with regular travel required to OKWU for meetings and events. Year 2 – On campus role with required travel to represent OKWU in external partnerships and ministry contexts
• Involves participation in events, conferences, and programs outside of regular business hours.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.