APU seeks employees who desire to contribute to our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and one another.

The Institute of Faith, Leadership, and Service is an innovative academic and faith-based center embedded in Azusa Pacific University with a focus on developing people’s faith and leadership in the church and their communities in order to enhance their lives and ministry effectiveness in particular contexts. As a result of effective grant writing and donor cultivation over the last several years, the Institute has over $9 million to invest in a wide variety of initiatives engaging leaders and their constituents in children’s ministries, youth groups, Christian schools, churches, and faith-based and community organizations. The Institute aims to be a leader in fostering transformation in people and organizations to serve God’s purposes for them in their specific locations and society at large with integrity, compassion, and a Christ-driven purpose. We are committed to empowering students, faculty, pastors, churches, and organizations to make meaningful impacts in their personal and organizational contexts through Christian education, community engagement, and leadership development.

The Executive Director will launch and lead the Institute of Faith, Leadership, and Service. This position will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all of the programs, initiatives, and partnerships associated with the Institute, ensuring that the university and Institute’s mission is advanced and its objectives achieved. The Executive Director will play a key role in shaping the Institute’s vision, leading its staff, expanding its outreach, managing its finances, and collaborating with various university departments and external partners. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to shape a groundbreaking Institute and invest in future generations of Christian leaders by partnering with God’s mission to transform the Church and the world in which we live.

This person will report to the Vice-Provost for Academic Effectiveness. This is a full-time exempt position and includes benefits.

Required Education

• A relevant doctoral degree is preferred. Stellar candidates with complex leadership experience, Master-level theological training, excellent communications skills, and a record of successful grant writing and fundraising may be considered.

Required Experience

• Ten years of professional church and/or parachurch ministry leadership experience.
• Extensive teaching and leadership in Christian Higher Education.
• Denominational/ecclesial ordination and leadership experience.
• Experience in leading and mentoring college and graduate students as well as highly competent professionals.
• Experience with high school and/or college students.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

Provide Leadership and Vision for the APU’s Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service:

• * Develop and execute the Institute’s vision, ensuring alignment with the university’s broader mission and ongoing strategic plan.
  

  • Cast a compelling vision for the Institute’s work to, the university administration, the Institute’s team, and all collaborating internal and external partners.
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the Institute, articulating its mission, vision, and values to diverse internal and external stakeholders and potential donors.
  • Foster a Christ-centered environment that cultivates healthy collaboration and dialogue around the many initiatives overseen by the Institute.

Program Development and Management

• * Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Institute’s educational programs and research, leadership training, church networking, and service opportunities associated with its various initiatives.
  

  • Cultivate and sustain partnerships with faith-based organizations, non-profits, and local communities to expand the Institute’s impact and reach.
  • Ensure that all of the Institute’s initiatives are innovative, impactful, and committed to advancing the values and mission of the university.
  • Exercise discerning financial management of over $9 million in resources currently available to the Institute.
  • Develop financial models and business plans for long-term sustainability and growth.
  • Develop and implement an integrated marketing strategy for the Institute.

Grants, Research, Writing, and Distribution

• * Lead fundraising efforts and secure additional funding through grants, partnerships, and collaboration with University Advancement.
  

  • Promote research and scholarship associated with the Institute’s various initiatives in order to position the university as a thought leader in those areas.
  • Encourage and support faculty, staff, and student engagement in impactful research projects that advance the Institute’s mission and purpose.
  • Represent the Institute and its research at conferences, public forums, churches, and other venues, contributing to the broader conversations associated with its activities.

Accountability and Reporting

• * Develop a system of regular engagement to ensure Institute initiatives and practices align with university priorities at all levels of the organization.
  

  • Monitor and assess the effectiveness and impact of the Institute’s programs, making data-driven adjustments as needed to improve outcomes and ensure the work aligns with donor intent.
  • Provide regular reports to university leadership and funding entities on program progress, financial health, and future goals.

Staff and Stakeholder Engagement

• * Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of staff to execute the Institute’s mission and programs effectively.
  

  • Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., faculty, staff, students, and administrators) and external partners (e.g., granting agencies, other donors, pastors and other faith leaders, and non-profit and community organizations).
  • Foster a collaborative and supportive environment for all involved in the Institute’s work, ensuring effective communication and cross-functional teamwork.

Skills

• Strong leadership, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be collaborative and an effective team builder.
• Ability to foster partnerships with diverse constituencies, including churches, non-profit organizations, community leaders, and academic professionals.
• Proven success in fundraising, budget management, and resource development.
• Excellent written communication and public speaking skills
• Ability to think strategically and manage complex projects while maintaining attention to detail.
• Capacity to set goals and meet deadlines related to work.
• High capacity for theological and pastoral reflection.

Mental Demands

• A vibrant, personal Christian faith and dedication to continued faith development.
• Committed to the local and global Church, the development of its leadership, and service to local communities.
• A demonstrated commitment to integrity, confidentiality, and personal growth.
• Visionary thinking with the ability to inspire and motivate people.
• Collaborative, with the ability to build consensus and lead diverse teams.
• A servant leader who clearly models their faith, ethical behavior, and commitment to APU’s values.
• Ability to work under pressure, exuding a mature demeanor while multi-tasking in a deadline-oriented environment with accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team, as well as an independent contributor.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretionary skills in determining when to act independently and when to consult management prior to taking action.
• Self-starter with a positive attitude.
• In agreement with the purpose, mission, beliefs, and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel locally and nationally via automobile and airplane
• Requires repetitive motion and sitting at a computer keyboard.
• Hearing and speaking on the telephone and/or computer.
• Meetings may require walking and/or driving to various University locations.
• Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach, and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must be able to climb stairs multiple times in a workday.

Visual Demands

• Reading, writing notes, and computer monitor.

Environment

• Pleasant office, comfortable temperature also many meetings with internal and external partners

Technologies

• Proficient with Google Workspace

Compensation

• Grade 20: $113,778 to $130,845 is the annual salary for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills

Required Experience

· Possesses critical thinking and problem solving skills.

· Possesses effective oral and written communication skills.

· Possesses effective interpersonal relationship skills.

· Ability to utilize computers for documentation purposes.

· Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

· Ability to read and comprehend English at a level necessary to follow written and oral instructions and safety precautions.