Visiting Professor - The SFTS Newhall Chair for Practical Theology Visiting Professor/ Lilly Pa[...]

University of Redlands; San Anselmo (CA); On-site; USD 70,304 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a Visiting Professor/Grant Director for the Newhall Chair in Practical Theology. The role involves overseeing the theologically-focused MBTE program and ensuring grant compliance, along with mentoring staff and managing budgets. Qualified candidates should hold a Master of Divinity and have significant experience in management or theology. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and requires a commitment to quality education and community support.

Qualifications

• 5 years of management experience or a combination of relevant experience in practical theology and grant management.
• Director-level or executive experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee MBTE program and compliance with grant requirements.
• Manage grant calendar and track MBTE development.

Skills

Leadership skills

Networking skills

Budget planning

Partnership development

Data management

Communication skills

Education

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

APPOINTMENT: The SFTS Newhall Chair for Practical Theology Visiting Professor/ Lilly Pathways Grant Director, Mastery Based Theological Education

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: San Francisco Theological Seminary

Months: 12 months (Full-Time)

SALARY RANGE: $70,304-$80,000

HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW: BROCHURE

AVAILABLE: August2026

POSTING DATE: March 9, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.

Definition of Classification

Under the oversight of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Eli Lilly Mastery Based Theological Education (MBTE) Pathways Grant Director is responsible for the general oversight of MBTE program development, post-award budget decisions, maintaining official records for grantor reporting, developing and implementing the MBTE curriculum, supporting and overseeing MBTE faculty, identifying external sources of support, and implementing technological platforms upon which the MBTE project can be developed and marketed.

The role requires a combination of leadership and networking skills, strategic planning, curriculum development, and serving as a liaison with the SFTS community, Redlands colleagues, denominational judicatories, and congregations while ensuring quality education for interested learners.

This is an annually renewed 12-month SFTS Visiting Professor position that will span no more than five (5) years. As the Newhall Visiting Professor of Practical Theology, the Grant Director will receive a teaching load release commensurate with administering and teaching within the MBTE program. Local residency is preferred.

This position is funded through the Eli Lilly MBTE Pathways Grant and is expected to continue through 2030, contingent upon ongoing grant support. If grant funding ends earlier, the appointment will conclude at that time. The University will attempt to provide two weeks’ notice prior to the end of the appointment but is not obligated to do so. This is an at-will position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Grant Management

• Oversee the implementation and administration of the MBTE program, ensuring compliance with all grant requirements.
• Manage the grant calendar to track MBTE development, report due dates, and identify potential new grant opportunities.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) on program development, budgeting, marketing, and messaging that articulates and reflects the SFTS mission and values.
• Establish and maintain relationships with funders and potential donors through regular communication and updates on project progress.

Training and Mentorship

• Train and mentor MBTE faculty and staff.
• Support research methods, maintain archives of research findings, and assist with marketing and communication efforts with collaborators, partners, and learners.

Post-Award Administration

• Conduct grant administration including compliance monitoring, financial reporting, and gathering feedback on the effectiveness of the MBTE program.
• Propose and implement program adjustments or improvements to ensure continuous program development.

Specific Responsibilities

• Research, identify, and pursue external opportunities that align with MBTE goals and present viable partnership opportunities.
• Provide leadership in identifying partners, faculty support opportunities, endowment or scholarship development, constituent engagement, and community involvement related to MBTE.
• Lead program design, budget implementation, and evaluation of the Eli Lilly Pathways MBTE grant project.
• Develop internal procedures for documentation and tracking of MBTE program activities.
• Conduct and coordinate research and data collection related to MBTE, congregations, and the vocational development of religious leaders.
• Advise the Principal Investigator regarding effective grant management practices.
• Work with SFTS faculty and staff while identifying University of Redlands collaborators to advocate for and support the MBTE program.
• Serve as a liaison with funding organizations, community organizations, congregations, and denominational judicatories.
• Provide guidance for internal and external program reviews while maintaining official records and documentation for reporting to the PI, faculty, staff, and administration.
• Ensure that grant expenditures are reasonable, allocable, and allowable according to established budget guidelines.
• Utilize appropriate technology and data systems to manage and monitor grant and program performance.
• Attend and participate in professional development opportunities.
• Anticipate, prevent, and resolve inquiries, conflicts, and complaints.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education / Training

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent degree from an accredited seminary or divinity school. Director-level or executive experience is preferred.
• Required Experience
• One of the following:
• Five (5) years of management experience, or
• A combination of experience in practical/public theology, grant management, marketing, or community relations totaling five (5) years.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a nonprofit or higher education environment
• Experience as an ACPE Clinical Pastoral Educator

Knowledge and Skills

• Partnership development
• Budget planning and financial management
• Religious and nonprofit organizations
• Personnel oversight, training, and performance evaluation
• Data management systems and relevant software platforms
• Participate in the identification, selection, orientation, supervision, and evaluation of MBTE teaching staff.
• Gather and analyze data to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare and present clear, concise written and oral reports.
• Analyze problems, identify solutions and their implications, and implement recommendations aligned with program goals.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the power dynamics among diverse constituents, learners, and faculty/staff.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with funding personnel, the Principal Investigator, and the University of Redlands grant office.
• Demonstrate professionalism, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of job performance in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of SFTS.

TO APPLY

A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call [phone]. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at [phone] to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.

DRIVER'S LICENSE CHECK

Possession of a valid Driver's License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Driver’s License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS

For certain positions typically in Public Safety, Facilities, Athletics and Information Technology Services departments, employment is contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 lbs. Public Safety Officers, in addition to a pre-employment physical exam, will also be required to pass a psychological evaluation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

Human Resources (redlands.edu)

SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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