Executive Director - Collegeville Institute

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION - COLLEGEVILLE INSTITUTE

kpCompanies is leading the search for the next Executive Director for Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research.

This is an excellent opportunity for a theological leader to steward and implement the mission, values, and vision of the Collegeville Institute in collaboration with the Board of Directors and the program, business, development and communications staff.

ABOUT COLLEGEVILLE INSTITUTE

Established in 1967 as the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, the Collegeville Institute was founded by the monks of Saint John’s Abbey, driven by the vision of Fr.

Kilian McDonnell, OSB, and supported by the generous funding of Patrick and Aimee Butler. Throughout its 57-year history, the Collegeville Institute has been a key player in the global ecumenical movement, hosting distinguished religious scholars, writers, and leaders, and pioneering the first-person method to foster vibrant discussions about faith in the modern world.

Located on the grounds of Saint John’s Abbey and University, the Collegeville Institute is a welcoming meeting place and residential center shaped by the Benedictine tradition of work, study, and worship.

The Collegeville Institute’s campus includes 10 newly refurbished apartments and central meeting space, the Butler Center, located in a place of stunning natural beauty amid the lakes and forests of central Minnesota.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director of the Collegeville Institute is charged with advancing the organization’s mission that brings together people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives to foster the world’s healing through the power of religious ideas, insight and practices.

The Executive Director serves as the chief program and administrative officer of the Collegeville Institute, provides leadership and oversees the work of nine staff members, and reports to the Collegeville Institute’s 20-member Board of Directors.

Specific areas of responsibility include providing genuine intellectual and theological leadership for the whole of the Institute, advancing and overseeing the Institute’s programming, communications, public relations, fund development, finance, and administration, all towards the end of realizing in practice the Institute’s mission.

The Executive Director, of necessity, plays many roles in the life of the institute, as an active participant in programs and events, and forging healthy relationships with partner organizations, donors, and multiple constituencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the Institute’s strategic plan with a focus on adaptive leadership and DEI principles.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and timely, relevant information sharing.
• Provide leadership to ensure high-quality, relevant programming that aligns with the Institute’s mission.
• Serve as the primary outreach officer, expanding programs and building external partnerships.
• Oversee fundraising efforts, including donor relationships, annual appeals, and grant writing.
• Lead staff recruitment, development, and performance, fostering a positive and accountable work culture.
• Supervise facility maintenance and improvement in collaboration with operations and program staff.
• Oversee financial strategy, budget management, and the development of new revenue models.
• Manage day-to-day operations, including IT, workflow systems, and compliance with policies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key partners and affiliates, including St. John’s University and St. Benedict Monastery.

Qualifications

The next Executive Director of the Collegeville Institute will be a seasoned professional who has built a strong record of success and achievement in a series of progressively responsible positions.

Given the Collegeville Institute’s mission of promoting dialogue across religious differences, the Executive Director will be a person of theological depth and breadth who is well informed on the religious and social issues and trends that are impacting the Collegeville Institute’s work.

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in leadership and administrative roles, including team management.
• Advanced graduate-level education in theology, religious studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in scholarship and writing within theological or academic contexts.
• Proven success in managing a non-profit or faith-based organization with an annual budget of at least $3 million (preferred).
• Strong track record of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in multi-cultural and multi-religious environments.
• Ability to build and nurture relationships with staff, Board members, donors, and key stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and initiatives.
• Experience leading fundraising efforts, including capital campaigns, donor relations, and grant writing.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget oversight and long-term financial planning.
• Demonstrated excellence in public speaking, written communication, and engaging diverse audiences.
• Ability to inspire and lead a shared vision for the organization’s future in collaboration with staff and Board members.

EQUITY AND SALARY DISCLOSURE

We believe in practices that create real equity and pay parity regardless of background or identity. We freely discuss compensation with all qualified candidates the first time we interview them.

The expected salary range is $170,000-$200,000, depending on qualifications.

EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Collegeville Institute and kpCompanies are equal-opportunity employers. All employees and applicants for employment are afforded equal opportunity in every area of hiring and employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, disability, mental illness, sexual orientation, genetics, military / veteran status, citizenship, arrest record, and any other legally protected characteristic.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit cover letter, resume, and salary expectations. Position will remain open until filled.

Priority will be given to applications received prior to October 25th.

Apply via email to Joelle Allen at [email protected].

Apply by mail at : The Collegeville Institute, Executive Director Search c / o kpcompanies, ATTN : Joelle Allen 5775 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 700, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.

Apply on Linkedin :

All submissions are received in the strictest confidence.