About the Position :
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Associate Director of Lifelong Learning, Office of External Programs (OEP), will be the primary contact for all non-credit, continuing education programs sponsored by Perkins School of Theology, including the development and deployment of non-credit Certificate programs directed and administered through the Office.
The Director will oversee the Certificate of Spiritual Direction and the Certificate for Practical Ministry, and will serve as a liaison in the deployment of other certificate programs with otherwise appointed directors.
This leader will oversee recruiting, registration, advising, follow-up, and student matriculation through Perkins programs in order to provide a professional and supportive environment for participants.
The Director will work closely with other SMU offices and strategic partners, including churches and church leaders nationally and locally to recruit, enroll, and retain students for programs.
Essential Functions :
Credentialed Programs : Direct Perkins Certificates generated by External Programs; curating programs, courses, and specializations.
Liaison as a leader with faculty directors for additional programs offered under the Office. Hire and manage instructors;
oversee curriculum and content. Direct delivery options and modalities. Recruit and shepherd students through their course engagement process.
Work with Perkins personnel to market programs through all media channels and email marketing campaigns. Communicate with prospective students for recruiting efforts utilizing problem solving skills and good judgment for help screen and qualify candidates.
School of Youth & Children's Ministry : Direct and oversee the annual Perkins School of Youth and Children's Ministry. Hire and manage all instructors;
oversee schedule, curriculum and content.
Assist in Strategic Church Relations : Assist the Assistant Dean of External Program and Church Relations in forging and maintaining strategic relationships with church partners.
Assist with OEP Event Services : Be a part of the OEP team when delivering an event or program, assist with deployment in-person and online, as needed, for quality assurance and continuation.
- Occasional evening / weekend hours may be required for certification programs.
- Occasional travel required for special events.
Qualifications
Education and Experience :
A Master's degree is required. A Master's degree in Theology is preferred.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required. Experience working in church leadership is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies.
Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions.
Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Candidate must be able to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Physical and Environmental Demands :
- Sit for long periods of time
- Reach above shoulders
- Carry / lift 25 lbs.
- Stand
- Push / pull
- Hand objects (dexterity)