Union Presbyterian Seminary (UPSem) invites applications and nominations for a full-time faculty position as Director of the Global Mission Center for Christian Education and (Professor) of Christian Education to serve primarily on our Richmond, Virginia campus beginning August 1, 2017. The person appointed to this position will be assigned a faculty rank commensurate with their background and qualifications for this position. Since this is a faculty position with primary responsibility in administration, the person serving in this position is not eligible for tenure. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
This faculty member will fulfill two critical functions at Union Presbyterian Seminary: directing the Global Mission Center for Christian Education; and serving as a faculty member in Christian Education, with responsibilities in teaching and advising, and contributing to the general work of the Christian Education department and faculty. In directing the Global Mission Center, he or she will serve the seminary in multiple capacities:
- as a primary designer, implementer, and evaluator of the programming of the Global Mission Center, in collaboration with the president, academic dean (Richmond campus), Christian Education department, Leadership Institute, and faculty in general;
- as a relationship builder with entities with which the Global Mission Center may develop new or deeper partnerships, including the Korean Global Mission Center and theological institutions and programs in countries in which the seminary has relationships, including Ghana, South Korea, China, India, Central America, and Egypt;
- as an advisory resource and consultant, when the Admissions Committee considers international student applications;
- as an advisory resource and consultant in the work of the Community Life Committee, as it addresses multi-cultural and multi-racial issues and concerns;
- as an advising and mentoring resource for international students and their families;
- as a resource for the seminary’s international travel seminars, particularly those seminars that may advance the work of the Global Mission Center for Christian Education.
As an instructor in Christian Education, he or she must be competent to teach in the field of Christian education and be enthusiastic about teaching in a hybrid distance learning program as well as in a traditional residential program. In teaching primarily in the master’s level programs in Richmond and the M.A. in Christian Education program in the Extended Campus Program, his or her instructional responsibilities center upon the following:
- He or she will teach at least one course per year in Christian Education.
- He or she will share academic advising responsibilities with other members of the Christian Education Department.
- He or she will have voice and vote as a member of the Christian Education Department.
- He or she ordinarily will co-lead or participate in one international travel seminar each year, particularly a seminar through which their participation may advance the work of the Global Mission Center for Christian Education.
Additionally, the person filling this position will be expected to participate actively in all aspects of the life of the seminary community (committees, chapel, community engagement, student advising, etc).
The person who fills this position therefore has a wide range of administrative experience and demonstrated competencies in program design, implementation, and evaluation. Cross- cultural awareness and sensitivity are essential in this position. Experience in developing relationships with international partners is highly desirable.
Given the administrative responsibilities of this position, particular skills are needed in areas such as strategic program planning, budget development, and the utilization of a variety of technologies for use in educational programming and administrative tasks. The person in this position must have excellent spoken and written communication skills. She or he must have the ability to take initiative, manage time and multiple tasks effectively, and work creatively and collegially with others in the development and coordination of programming.
Given the instructional responsibilities of this position, the person holds a doctoral degree in Christian education or a related area. She or he affirms the vocation of teaching and ideally has experience that demonstrates excellence as a teacher. She or he views the professorial office as a calling to excel in teaching, and to equip others to lead the educational ministries of the church. Ideally, she or he has a proven record of achievement and experience with online educational technologies employed in distance education.
UPSem is a graduate educational institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and an EO/AA employer committed to gender, racial-ethnic, and international and cultural diversity in its faculty and student body. Since its formation in 1812, it has sustained the intention of its founders to provide education for Christian ministry that is scholarly, pastoral, and engaged with contemporary life.
Please send nominations or a letter of application, CV and three letters of recommendation to Ken McFayden, Academic Dean, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 3401 Brook Road, Richmond, VA, 23227, kmcfayden [at] upsem [dot] edu. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2017, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.