Director, Kerygma Initiative & Homiletics

Eastern University; Chesterbrook (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern University seeks a Director of the Kerygma Initiative and Homiletician to lead innovative preaching models and scholarly research. You will design programs, manage budgets and grants, and mentor doctoral students while aligning with Palmer Seminary’s mission to prepare preachers for the 21st century.

The role requires administrative excellence, curriculum design, and the ability to navigate online environments, with a commitment to diversity and continuous professional development.

Qualifications

• PhD in Homiletics or related field preferred.
• Teaching experience in a Christian higher education/seminary context.
• Administrative experience in a Christian higher education/seminary context.
• Knowledge and experience working in areas of the church and/or Christian community.
• Ordination preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proficiency in English.
• Fluency in Spanish - helpful but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple groups of constituents and personnel to maximize efficiency and collaboration.
• Experience supervising employees.
• Experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive, video creation software, and ethical use of AI.
• Experience using learning management systems (e.g. Brightspace, Canvas).
• Ability to discern priorities and plan work tasks accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee all aspects of the Kerygma Initiative, including supervising a Coordinator of Special Initiatives and graduate fellows.
• Teach up to three courses per year, including online flexed courses.
• Partner with institutional leadership in creation of and research for the Initiative.
• Create a sustainable academic preaching program for Palmer Seminary.
• Explore 21st century contextualized proclamation of the gospel for diverse hearers.
• Establish benchmarks of preaching skills for diverse audiences and metaverse resonance.
• Advance praxis-oriented homiletics research for academy and church.
• Coordinate homiletics conferences and retreats.
• Represent the Initiative at conferences and workshops.
• Mentor and advise DMin and PhD students.
• Identify related grant funded resources for Palmer Seminary.
• Attend Palmer Seminary and College departmental meetings.
• Pray for community and engage in spiritual care and development.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Project management

Mentorship

Team leadership

Spanish (helpful)

Education

PhD in Homiletics

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Drive

Video creation software

AI usage (ethical)

Brightspace

Canvas

Job description

Eastern University seeks a Director of the Kerygma Initiative and Homiletician to lead innovative preaching models and scholarly research. You will design programs, manage budgets and grants, and mentor doctoral students while aligning with Palmer Seminary’s mission to prepare preachers for the 21st century.

The role requires administrative excellence, curriculum design, and the ability to navigate online environments, with a commitment to diversity and continuous professional development.