Director of Prison Theological Education - Wesley Seminary

Summary of Position: The Director provides strategic leadership, execution, and oversight of Wesley Seminary’s prison-based theological education initiatives, including the development and delivery of accredited academic programs, certificates, and publications. This role integrates academic leadership, fundraising, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration to build and lead a scalable, high-impact institute. In addition, the Director cultivates partnerships with correctional institutions, chaplains, seminary stakeholders, and clergy, and hosts training events and learning opportunities that advance theological education and leadership capacity within correctional communities.Duties And ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & ExecutionTranslate strategic direction into executable plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverablesEnsure the SPI progresses from idea to active implementation with momentum and clarityLead scalable institute model for statewide/national expansionDrive performance outcomes (enrollment, retention, coordination, logistics, completion)Program DevelopmentOversee undergraduate and graduate degree pathways, certificates, and cohort modelsEnsure academic rigor, theological integrity, and contextual relevance within correctional environments Curriculum & Resource DevelopmentDevelop and oversee contextualized curriculum and academic resources tailored to correctional environmentsContribute to the creation of scholarly and practical resources that support prison-based ministry and leadership developmentEvents, Training, and Thought LeadershipDesign and host training events, workshops, and learning experiences for chaplains, correctional staff, clergy, and other stakeholdersContribute to broader conversations on prison-based theological education through speaking, writing, and collaborative initiativesPromote awareness of the role of theological education in developing leadership within correctional communities Fundraising & Financial StewardshipPartner with Advancement to secure donor and grant fundingDevelop a sustainable financial model that includes Pell fundingServe as a storyteller and advocate for the institute’s mission and impact to donors Budget & OperationsManage budget, forecasting, and financial performanceOversee staffing and program operations Partnerships & RepresentationServe as liaison with IDOC, CHE/IPEP, churches, chaplains, and educational partnersRepresent the Seminary in local, state, and national conversations related to prison ministry and correctional education Cross-Functional CollaborationAlign Admissions, Marketing, Advancement, Finance, and FacultyDrive shared execution and communication in coordination with Strategic Innovations Compliance & AccreditationOversee PEP approval, accreditation, and reportingEnsure data tracking and regulatory compliance Student FormationLead holistic formation: spiritual, academic, leadership, and reentryEnsure strong mentoring and cohort experience Other ResponsibilitiesFulfill additional responsibilities, consistent with the scope and purpose of the role Provide leadership and supervision to any part-time or full-time:FacultyAssistant DeanAcademic Program DirectorsFaculty Administrative Assistant Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.EducationMaster’s degree in theology, ministry, religious studies, or a closely related fieldTerminal degree (Ph.D., Th.D., Ed.D., D.Min., or equivalent), preferredExperienceTen or more (10+) years of demonstrated experience launching or scaling initiatives, programs, products, or platformsProven ability to drive execution from zero to launch to sustainabilityEntrepreneurial or startup experience, leading complex, outcome-driven initiativesExperience working with pastors, churches, ministry organizations, or higher educationProficiency in curriculum development and program assessmentStrong leadership, communication, and organizational skillsRequired SkillsDeep Christian faith aligned with the mission and values of Wesley Seminary and The Wesleyan ChurchCollaborative, relational, and servant-hearted leadership styleStrong communication and organizational skillsCommitment to Kingdom diversity, global Christianity, and accessible theological educationVisionary and innovative mindset balanced with academic rigor and integrityIWU Kingdom Diversity StatementIWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERAs a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.