Associate Director

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary invites applications for the Associate Director of Congregational Relations. The role acts as the primary liaison between The Center for the Arc of Ministry and congregations, denominations, presbyteries, ministry organizations, and faith-based partners.

The position cultivates strategic partnerships to advance vocational discernment, leadership development, congregational engagement, experiential learning, and ministry placement opportunities for Arc of

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in program administration and project coordination, including planning, organizing, and monitoring initiatives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and community or church-based service environments.
• Competence with office and collaboration technologies (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, video conferencing tools).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs in a mission-driven setting.
• Understanding of, or openness to learning about, the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition and theological education; prior experience in faith-based or nonprofit organizations is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in theology, religious studies, education, administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Commitment to inclusive, gender-neutral, and non-discriminatory practices, and to fostering a respectful and supportive learning community.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate strategic partnerships that advance vocational discernment, leadership development, and congregational engagement.
• Coordinate experiential learning and ministry placement opportunities for Arc of Ministry participants.
• Collaborate with Seminary faculty, Admissions, Institutional Advancement, and Center staff to support the Seminary’s mission.

Skills

Program administration

Project coordination

Communication

Interpersonal abilities

Stakeholder engagement

Office software

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Office software suite

Job description

Company Description Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is an institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) located in Austin, Texas, rooted in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition. Its mission is to educate and equip individuals for ordained Christian ministry and a wide range of Christian service and leadership roles. The seminary is committed to serving the church through its resources, promoting rigorous theological study, and engaging in thoughtful research. It strives to be a welcoming and exemplary community of God’s people, emphasizing faith, scholarship, and service. Applicants join a context where academic excellence and spiritual formation are closely integrated.

Role Description The Associate Director of Congregational Relations serves as the primary liaison between The Center for the Arc of Ministry and congregations, denominational bodies, presbyteries, ministry organizations, and faith-based partners. The position is responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships that advance vocational discernment, leadership development, congregational engagement, experiential learning, and ministry placement opportunities for participants throughout the Arc of Ministry.

The Associate Director develops and sustains a diverse network of congregational partners that provide mentoring, internships, supervised ministry experiences, contextual education, service-learning opportunities, and post-graduate placement. The position collaborates closely with Seminary faculty, Admissions, Institutional Advancement, and Center staff to strengthen the Seminary's mission of preparing faithful leaders for the Church and the world while building sustainable partnerships that benefit congregations and future church leaders alike.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in program administration and project coordination, including planning, organizing, and monitoring initiatives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and community or church-based service environments.
• Competence with office and collaboration technologies (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, video conferencing tools).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs in a mission-driven setting.
• Understanding of, or openness to learning about, the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition and theological education; prior experience in faith-based or nonprofit organizations is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in theology, religious studies, education, administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Commitment to inclusive, gender-neutral, and non-discriminatory practices, and to fostering a respectful and supportive learning community.