Senior Director, Flourishing Pastor Network Lilly Grant

This position provides vital leadership and oversight within Grand Canyon Theological Seminary’s (GCTS’s) new Flourishing Pastor Network in collaboration with seminary leadership, faculty, and network partners. The Seminary operates under the auspices of GCU’s College of Theology. This 12-month position is administrative but will entail a limited teaching load after initial network development.

The Senior Program Director position centers on programmatic development, training, and support while supporting ecclesial partners and assisting development across the broader the network. This role also assists with development and engagement across the broader the network and the development of strategic ecclesial relationships in support of pastoral residencies. In coordination with the seminary’s Dean and Assistant Dean as well as the Executive Director, the Senior Director will focus on internal program operations, curricular and faculty development, and supporting ecclesial partners in the implementation and maintenance of pastoral residency programs. The Senior Director also works closely with key seminary leaders and faculty to ensure that students are properly prepared for a lifetime of faithful ministry in the local church.

Grand Canyon Theological Seminary is the lead school for the Flourishing Pastor Network (FPN), which is a scalable network focused on establishing pastoral residencies in partnership with local churches. The FPN is funded by a large-scale collaborative grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Currently, network membership consists of five theological schools and one parachurch organization specializing in pastoral residency development and support. Central objectives of the network include: 1) Increasing the capacity of seminaries to prepare and support pastoral leaders; 2) Developing and improving pastoral residencies that require partnerships between seminaries and churches; and 3) Developing a sustainable network of seminaries and churches that will support pastoral residencies beyond the grant period.

This position will provide capacity and oversight during the duration of the Lilly Endowment, Inc. grant to Grand Canyon University. The grant commitment dates are January 1, 2026 through December 30, 2030.

Target Hire: January 5, 2026
Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8am to 5pm onsite
Location: GCU Main Campus

Benefits: Full benefits portfolio including tuition benefit

• Provides vital leadership for programmatic and implementation of pastoral residency programs and pathways for GCTS students.
• Assists in the development of required reports related to grant funding in alignment with outcomes and evaluation plans articulated within the grant proposal. 
• Assists in management of the FPN grant budget, contributing to required reports related to expenditures for grant-related activities.
• Leads in the development of hybrid-model pastoral residencies, providing resources, guidance, and support to residency supervisors and students participating in residencies.
• Plans and leads training for local church leaders who supervise students in pastoral residencies.
• Provides guidance and support for Program Directors within the FPN as they develop and support hybrid model pastoral residencies associated with their respective schools.
• Assists with the development of required reports related to grant funding in alignment with outcomes and evaluation plans articulated within the grant proposal. 
• Assists with internal reporting and analysis of data to fulfill grant-related outcomes and the overarching objectives of the FPN.
• Oversees internal program operations related to pastoral residencies, including curricular development and revision, faculty development, and continuous improvement over time.
• Engages effectively with network partners to ensure alignment to network goals and fulfillment of all network-related objectives.
• Participates in regular coordination meetings of FPN Directors, travelling to participate in the annual gathering of the FPN.
• Supports development of strategic partnerships with local churches related to pastoral residency programs and the objectives and learning competencies of associated degree programs, expanding the overall church network of GCTS.
• Hosts strategic events with local church leaders and coordinates activities in support of strategic partnership development, providing resources and support in service to leaders within the ecclesial community.
• Works with key stakeholders to support and incorporate academic, spiritual, and practical aspects of the seminary’s mission in curricular and co-curricular programming.
• Responsible for the deployment of students for pastoral residency opportunities and graduates for ministry roles.
• Teaches courses online or on the main campus after initial network development. 
• Actively participates in department, college and university committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

hat You Will Have:

• PhD or DMin from an accredited institution in biblical studies, theology or Christian history, practical theology, or ministry is required.
• 10 years combined teaching experience at the college level or in combination with church-based educational activities.
• Demonstrated experience in developing strong relational and supportive networks with local pastors and churches.
• Experience in academic administration or relevant managerial experience is preferred.
• Able to provide portfolio of experiences with local church and its activities as well as sample sermons, curriculum lessons, etc.
• Must possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to affirm and teach in accordance with the university’s Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Positions Statement and the College of Theology Covenant.
• Must successfully pass background checks.

Why work at GCU:

• Exceptional workplace benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401K savings plan
• Generous time off plan and 11 paid holidays
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community or at GCU sponsored events
• Free covered parking
• We also offer full-time employees, their spouses, and dependent children an Education Tuition Discount Program
• Free on-site gyms at all our office locations

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