Program Director of VIA Journeys

Indiana Wesleyan University Nursing; Marion (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana Wesleyan University is seeking a Program Director of VIA Journeys within the AMSI unit to launch pilots, platforms, and participant experiences. This role focuses on turning strategy into executable plans, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring data-informed learning and growth.

The Director will coordinate with internal teams and external partners, oversee pilots, track metrics, and maintain alignment with IWU's mission and faith commitments, while driving scalable, high-impact

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher preferred.
• 10+ years leading programs, products, platforms, or strategic initiatives from concept to execution.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end launch of VIA Journeys, including pilots and participant experiences.
• Translate strategy into executable plans, timelines, milestones and deliverables.
• Coordinate pilot partners, churches, advisors, and ministry leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Technical fluency

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic alignment with mission

Team leadership/supervision

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Summary of Position: The Program Director of VIA Journeys is responsible for launching, piloting, and operationalizing VIA Journeys as a flagship initiative within the Academic & Ministry Strategic Innovations (AMSI) unit.

This role exists to ensure that strategy becomes reality. The Program Director brings entrepreneurial leadership, technical fluency, and execution discipline to move VIA Journeys from concept to functioning pilots, platforms, and participant experiences.

The Program Director is empowered by the Executive Director of AMSI to focus fully on delivery, experimentation, and learning, while operating within clear strategic guardrails.

Duties And Responsibilities

• VIA Journeys Launch & Execution
  • Lead the end-to-end launch of VIA Journeys, including pilots, operational workflows, and participant experiences
  • Translate strategic direction into executable plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables
  • Ensure VIA Journeys progresses from idea to active implementation with momentum and clarity
• Entrepreneurial & Pilot Leadership
  • Operate with an entrepreneurial mindset—testing assumptions, learning rapidly, and iterating responsibly
  • Design and manage pilots that validate participant value, operational feasibility, and program design
  • Build repeatable processes that support early scaling while preserving quality and trust
• Technical Fluency & Platform Coordination
  • Serve as the primary program lead coordinating technical and platform-related work
  • Partner with internal and external technical teams to translate program needs into platform requirements
  • Support integration with Lantern and other Seminary systems, ensuring usability, reliability, and data integrity
• Partner & Participant Engagement
  • Coordinate pilot partners, churches, advisors, and ministry leaders
  • Build feedback loops with pastors and participants to inform continuous improvement
  • Ensure participant experience reflects pastoral sensitivity and theological integrity
• Learning, Metrics & Reporting
  • Define and track operational, learning, and pilot metrics
  • Provide clear updates, dashboards, and insights to the Executive Director and Seminary leadership
  • Ensure lessons learned inform future decisions and phases

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.

Education

• Master's degree or other advanced degree strongly preferred

Experience

• According to Indiana Wesleyan University’s employment policy, all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement
• Ten or more (10+) years of demonstrated experience launching, scaling, and leading programs, products, platforms, or strategic initiatives from concept through execution
• Experience managing and influencing diverse stakeholders, including approximately 30 external partners, while building strong, collaborative relationships
• Experience working within ministry organizations, churches, or higher education environments is required; experience spanning both sectors is strongly preferred

Required Skills

• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguity, build from zero to launch, and drive measurable outcomes
• Exceptional project and program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex cross-functional initiatives
• Strong technical fluency, with the ability to work effectively alongside developers, digital platforms, data systems, and AI-enabled technologies
• Familiarity with digital learning platforms, SaaS business models, AI integrations, or ecosystem-based initiatives is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across executive leadership, external partners, and cross-functional teams to execute strategic priorities
• Strong alignment with the organization's Christian mission, including agreement with the Statement of Faith and Community Life expectations
• The ability to supervise any part-time or full-time personnel assigned to the VIA Journeys initiative

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU, 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 DISCLAIMER

As 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.