Job Details

Visiting Professor - The SFTS Newhall Chair for Practical Theology Visiting Professor/ Lilly Pathways Grant Director, Mastery Based Theological Edu.

APPOINTMENT: The SFTS Newhall Chair for Practical Theology Visiting Professor/ Lilly Pathways Grant Director, Mastery Based Theological Education

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: San Francisco Theological Seminary

Months: 12 months (Full-Time)

SALARY RANGE: $70,304-$80,000

HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

AVAILABLE: August 2026

POSTING DATE: March 9, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.

Definition of Classification:

Under the oversight of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Eli Lilly Mastery Based Theological Education (MBTE) Pathways Grant Director is responsible for the general oversight of MBTE program development, post-award budget decisions, maintaining official records for grantor reporting, developing and implementing the MBTE curriculum, supporting and overseeing MBTE faculty, identifying external sources of support, and implementing technological platforms upon which the MBTE project can be developed and marketed.

The role requires a combination of leadership and networking skills, strategic planning, curriculum development, and serving as a liaison with the SFTS community, Redlands colleagues, denominational judicatories, and congregations while ensuring quality education for interested learners.

This is an annually renewed 12-month SFTS Visiting Professor position that will span no more than five (5) years. As the Newhall Visiting Professor of Practical Theology, the Grant Director will receive a teaching load release commensurate with administering and teaching within the MBTE program. Local residency is preferred.

This position is funded through the Eli Lilly MBTE Pathways Grant and is expected to continue through 2030, contingent upon ongoing grant support. If grant funding ends earlier, the appointment will conclude at that time. The University will attempt to provide two weeks' notice prior to the end of the appointment but is not obligated to do so. This is an at-will position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Grant Management

• Oversee the implementation and administration of the MBTE program, ensuring compliance with all grant requirements.
• Manage the grant calendar to track MBTE development, report due dates, and identify potential new grant opportunities.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) on program development, budgeting, marketing, and messaging that articulates and reflects the SFTS mission and values.
• Establish and maintain relationships with funders and potential donors through regular communication and updates on project progress.

Training and Mentorship

• Train and mentor MBTE faculty and staff.
• Support research methods, maintain archives of research findings, and assist with marketing and communication efforts with collaborators, partners, and learners.

Post-Award Administration

• Conduct grant administration including compliance monitoring, financial reporting, and gathering feedback on the effectiveness of the MBTE program.
• Propose and implement program adjustments or improvements to ensure continuous program development.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Research, identify, and pursue external opportunities that align with MBTE goals and present viable partnership opportunities.
2. Provide leadership in identifying partners, faculty support opportunities, endowment or scholarship development, constituent engagement, and community involvement related to MBTE.
3. Lead program design, budget implementation, and evaluation of the Eli Lilly Pathways MBTE grant project.
4. Develop internal procedures for documentation and tracking of MBTE program activities.
5. Conduct and coordinate research and data collection related to MBTE, congregations, and the vocational development of religious leaders.
6. Advise the Principal Investigator regarding effective grant management practices.
7. Work with SFTS faculty and staff while identifying University of Redlands collaborators to advocate for and support the MBTE program.
8. Serve as a liaison with funding organizations, community organizations, congregations, and denominational judicatories.
9. Provide guidance for internal and external program reviews while maintaining official records and documentation for reporting to the PI, faculty, staff, and administration.
10. Ensure that grant expenditures are reasonable, allocable, and allowable according to established budget guidelines.
11. Utilize appropriate technology and data systems to manage and monitor grant and program performance.
12. Attend and participate in professional development opportunities.
13. Anticipate, prevent, and resolve inquiries, conflicts, and complaints.
14. Perform related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

Education / Training

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent degree from an accredited seminary or divinity school. Director-level or executive experience is preferred.
• Required Experience
• One of the following:
• Five (5) years of management experience, or
• A combination of experience in practical/public theology, grant management, marketing, or community relations totaling five (5) years.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a nonprofit or higher education environment
• Experience as an ACPE Clinical Pastoral Educator

Knowledge and Skills:

• Partnership development
• Budget planning and financial management
• Religious and nonprofit organizations
• Personnel oversight, training, and performance evaluation
• Data management systems and relevant software platforms
• Participate in the identification, selection, orientation, supervision, and evaluation of MBTE teaching staff.
• Gather and analyze data to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare and present clear, concise written and oral reports.
• Analyze problems, identify solutions and their implications, and implement recommendations aligned with program goals.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the power dynamics among diverse constituents, learners, and faculty/staff.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with funding personnel, the Principal Investigator, and the University of Redlands grant office.
• Demonstrate professionalism, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of job performance in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of SFTS.

To Apply: A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call (909) 748-8040. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at (909) 748-8040 to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.

Hiring Range: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training. The University of Redlands is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is defined as the Hiring Range. Placement within the Hiring Range is determined by internal equity, and relevant qualifications.

Background Check: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Driver's License Check: Possession of a valid Driver's License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Driver's License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.

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