PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.
Benefits:
We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.
Job Summary:
Point Loma Nazarene University was founded in 1902 as a Christian liberal arts institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene in Southern California. We serve a student population of nearly 5,000 students in our undergraduate and graduate programs.Job Status:
Full time***
Job Description:
Reuben Welch School of Theology and Christian Ministry Mission
The faculty of the WSTCM is committed to being a faithful witness to Christ in our service to the Church, engaged teaching, rigorous scholarship, and responsible leadership in the PLNU community. Rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, we envision that our students will develop as persons prepared for Christian service and ministry and to this end we endeavor to immerse them in an educational and mentoring community that moves them toward:
vital and courageous faith marked by Christlike character and participation in Christian community and the mission of God in the world.
biblical literacy, an understanding of biblical inspiration, and growing skill in biblical interpretation enriched by interdisciplinary perspectives.
theological literacy and sound theological judgment, marked by the ability to articulate convictions that are both rooted in theological convictions and responsive to the needs of the Church and world today.
critical engagement with the history of Western philosophy and a growing facility with the practice of engaging the perennial questions of the human condition with a Christian framework, marked by grace, truth, and love.
familiarity with the historical, global, and local expressions of the Church in social and cultural contexts, especially those embodied in the Wesleyan tradition.
demonstrated experience with ecclesiology, including its historical and global expressions, its theological identity as the people of God, and its calling to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.
an understanding of the doctrines, teachings, and practices of the Church of the Nazarene.
Reporting Process:
The Dean reports to the Provost.
Appointment Process:
Dean appointments are made by the President upon recommendation from the Provost and are annual renewable terms subject to satisfactory performance and administrative structure.
Job Description:
Point Loma Nazarene University is seeking candidates for the Dean of the Reuben Welch School of Theology and Christian Ministry. The Dean provides strategic, academic, and spiritual leadership for theSchool, advancing its mission within the context of PLNU’s Christian liberal arts tradition and Wesleyan-Holiness heritage. The Dean is also responsible for intentionally supporting the doctrines and practices of the Church of the Nazarene, both within the university community and in partnerships with the broader church. The Dean oversees academic programs in theology, ministry, and related disciplines; supports faculty development and scholarship; ensures academic quality and accreditation compliance; and fosters strong student learning and formation. The Dean works collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance the mission of the school, resource development, and service to the church and broader community. The Dean must be an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene.
Characteristics of a Dean:
Exhibits and articulates a strong Christian faith and commitment to Jesus Christ with students, faculty/staff, parents and external constituents
Works from a Wesleyan-Holiness theological perspective and is able to thoughtfully engage with our student body that comes from varied Christian perspectives.
Models and provides leadership of Nazarene beliefs, theology, and ethics.
Champions and models a culture of spiritual formation within the School that integrates academic excellence with practices of worship, discipleship, and service.
Active participant and partner with church leadership in the Southwest Nazarene field (district events).
Supports the religious and educational goals of the University and its sponsoring denomination.
Articulates comfortably the mission of the university and the significance of Christian higher education.
Understands and has experience with the cultural and social realities of theological education in the borderland regions of the Southwest USA.
Responsibilities of the Dean:
The Dean is responsible to the members of the school, the Provost, and the President.
Administrative Responsibilities
Develop, assess, and accomplish school mission and outcomes
Monitor and track key performance indicators (KPI) for the school and its academic programs and make appropriate adjustments when necessary
Work with the Provost and CFO/VP of Finance to prepare and monitor the annual budgets.
Provide payroll oversight and approval for adjunct, part time and overload pay within the school.
Work with marketing and admissions staff to implement and maintain enrollment management plan. Work towards improving student recruitment and retention.
Serve on the Provost’s Council.
Coordinate grants submitted by the academic unit and ensure that they are consistent with the unit’s goals and presented to the appropriate university office for approval in a timely fashion.
Develop external partners in the Christian community and build relationships with Southwest Nazarene Church Districts to enhance the mission and theological contribution of the school.
Lead School faculty meetings and give oversight to all of the School’s committees and task forces.
Oversee the administrative staff and program directors.
Curricular Responsibilities
Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation for the full scope of the discipline/profession of the school.
Ensure the School remains a faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, advancing PLNU’s mission to shape Christlike disciples through thoughtful theological education.
Oversee assessment of degree programs and curricula in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Work to support the other Schools and Colleges of Point Loma Nazarene University in incorporating our theological and Christian formation aims through interdisciplinary efforts.
Ensure maintenance of the school’s portion of the university catalog(s)
Prepare and oversee the scheduling of courses.
Maintain key relationships with the Center for Pastoral (CPL) Leadership and the Office of Student Life and Formation (SLAF).
Work collaboratively with the CPL and SLAF to nurture the spiritual climate of the university and help to ensure the fulfillment of its Christian mission in its internal and external reach through educational opportunities, spiritual formation experiences, partnerships with the local church, and ongoing listening sessions with local congregations.
Act as university liaison for the school’s accrediting bodies, both WASC and the ICOSAC for the International Church of the Nazarene.
Work with Southwest Field districts of the Church of the Nazarene to oversee the ministerial Non-degree Course of Study program.
Facilitate the school’s external accreditation and program review processes
Oversee all accreditation data submission, including state and federal reports
Support institutional accreditation efforts.
Collaborate with other schools, colleges, and departments to support innovative and creative educational initiatives.
Work with faculty to ensure that accurate and timely academic advising is provided to all students in their respective program.
Faculty, Staff, and Students
Maintain a cooperative, collaborative, and collegial environment that enhances communication, trust, and productivity of and among faculty, administrative staff, and students within the school.
Oversee the scholarly and professional development of faculty, fostering excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Facilitate faculty in their roles as Christian educators and spiritual mentors, encouraging their own formation and equipping them to faithfully shape students through both instruction and example.
Recruit and ensure the orientation of new faculty members to school processes.
Coordinate evaluation processes for the school.
Oversee and suggest improvements to the physical learning environment for students and working environment for faculty and staff.
Maintain processes so that student feedback and grievances about significant issues and problems proceed according to school and university policies and procedures.
Facilitate and provide leadership in conflict resolution in resolving problems arising among faculty, staff, and/or students through processes that honor shared governance and foster a culture of mutual accountability.
External Constituencies
Develop and support partnerships (e.g. church, denomination, parachurch organizations, non-profits, business as mission, etc.) that assist in the recognition and work of the school in the greater community.
Assist the Office of Advancement and the Alumni Association through coordination of activities and events.
Oversee school scholarships in partnership with the Alumni Association
As appropriate, build external relationships with comparators and similar regional institutions.
Minimum Qualifications
A terminal degree from a regionally accredited university in an appropriate discipline for the school.
Membership and ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.
A robust record of achievement as a teacher-scholar and/or pastor-scholar within the candidate’s discipline and a record of leadership experience in higher education.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the management of budgets, personnel, and facilities.
Demonstrated quantitative skills needed to analyze data and promote data-informed decision-making.
Experience with the implementation and evaluation of university policies and procedures.
Seek to cultivate a learning community grounded in Christian hospitality and Wesleyan-Holiness values, advancing intercultural competency through integrated curricular design, co-curricular initiatives, and global and local partnerships.
Foster faculty well-being and professional growth through transparent shared governance, advocacy for resources, scholarly excellence, and a commitment to long-term flourishing.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with particular attention to the ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse Christian campus community.
Knowledge of the broad spectrum of academic and professional programs in the school.
Experience with multiple modes of content delivery and knowledge of the best pedagogical practices associated with each.
Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.
The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.
Desired/Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with recruitment and retention strategies to ensure a diverse student and faculty population.
Experience with program review, accreditation, and assessment activities.
A record of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Physical Requirements:
The work is primarily sedentary and may require sitting for extended periods of time.
Use of computer equipment: computer keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Vision to read documents, e-mail and other correspondence, and reports on paper and computer monitor.
Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone.
Will also stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 lbs throughout the day.
***
At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential.
Point Loma Nazarene 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.