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Vice President/Dean of the Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary

Job Description:

The vice president/dean of the seminary works with and is responsible to the president for all educational and operational functions related to the seminary, including academic programs, budget, fundraising, personnel, and all other work associated with the academic dean of the school. The dean works with and is responsible to the provost for academic program development, academic standards, annual courses scheduling, assessment, faculty appointment, evaluation and promotion. The dean must demonstrate and advocate for a commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship and ensure that all faculty hold to The Fresno Pacific Idea and Theological Statement.

Responsibilities:

Culture:

  • Uphold the “Founded on Christ” mission of Fresno Pacific University at all times.
  • Show unfaltering commitment to the The Fresno Pacific Idea and agree to support its ideals and practices while employed by the university.
  • Be Christ-centered in all areas while working with other staff members, students and all regional centers.

Service:

  • Serve as leader and dean of the seminary.
  • Serve on both the President’s Cabinet and Academic Cabinet.
  • Advocate for the seminary in two constituencies: Central Valley of California and US Mennonite Brethren (MB) denomination.
  • Advocate for and represent the seminary as a partner in ministry and resource for two constituencies: the churches, para-church and interdenominational agencies of the region, and the US Mennonite Brethren (MB) denomination.
  • Articulate a clear vision and identity for the seminary and effectively integrate the seminary within the broader university context, while retaining the seminary’s unique identity.
  • Identify with MB mission and values, including commitment to an anabaptist, evangelical and ecumenical understanding of the university and biblical seminary.
  • Understand and partner with local, regional, national and global MB and broader church needs.
  • Represent the university and manage a professional and active relationship with FPU representatives.
  • Build new partnerships within the Central Valley churches, para-church organizations and networks while strengthening existing partnerships.
  • Effectively manage the budget and oversee seminary staff and departments.
  • Fundraise, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of our broad, historic, diverse and emerging constituencies.
  • Act as accreditation liaison officer for the Association of Theological Schools.
  • Conduct academic planning, including program assessment and new program development consistent with the mission of the university and strengthening of existing programs.
  • Understand and embrace new technologies, delivery systems and online education.
  • Implement academic policies and course scheduling within the school and in collaboration with other deans.
  • Recruit, develop and evaluate faculty and academic program leadership.
  • Respond to emotional employee situations in a calming and resilient manner.
  • Supervise seminary faculty and other personnel, including those in On-site Counseling, Center for Community Transformation and Center for Anabaptist Studies.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Commitment to the Christian mission of the university. 
  • Doctoral degree. 
  • Administrative capabilities and customer service orientation. 
  • Experience in pastoral ministry or in leadership within college, university or seminary settings. 
  • Proven track record of success in classroom teaching. 
  • Commitment to the integration of Christian faith and life.
  • Agreement with the mission of the university and ability to effectively communicate its values. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
  • A local, national and global mission and vision for the seminary. 
  • Ability to cross cultures and to understand and advance diversity. 
  • Ability to use technology to gather and analyze data in the institutional research process. 

Preferred:

  • Membership in the Mennonite Brethren Church or other Believers Church. 
  • Experience in recruiting students for nontraditional programs such as hybrid, online, correspondence, etc. 
  • Experience and proven record of successful fundraising. 
  • Experience living and working in international and/or cross-cultural context. 
  • Familiarity with the Latino community and church, as well as the ethnic and socio-economic diversity of the Central Valley. 
  • Familiarity with new and changing seminary markets and understanding of strategic marketing plans.

Seminary Description:

The seminary’s mission is to inspire and equip men and women to live as disciples of Jesus Christ and to serve and lead in the church and in the world. The seminary was established by the Mennonite Brethren church in 1955 and became part of Fresno Pacific University in 2010. The seminary currently has an FTE of 110 and offers master's degrees in pastoral ministry (MDiv), marriage and family therapy (MA-MFCC), and various other biblical, theological and ministry fields. Programs emphasize biblical and theological reflection, personal and community formation, skill development and supervised experiential learning. The seminary faculty combine academic excellence, dynamic Christian faith, and a strong commitment to warm and personal relationships. Because of the unique position of the seminary within the university, the dean of the seminary also serves as vice president of the university.

University Description

Fresno Pacific University offers undergraduate and graduate programs that stress solid academic preparation and a strong ethical foundation. Some 3,600 traditional and adult students attend classes on the main campus in southeast Fresno or centers in North Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield and Merced as well as online. The university also reaches more than 10,000 students through professional development studies. FPU has the highest four-year graduation rate of any Central Valley college or university and is the Valley’s only comprehensive Christian university granting master’s degrees. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Church. All employees must express a personal Christian commitment and support the Christian mission of the university.

Compensation:

Compensation is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, section 125 options, tuition waiver, life and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off based on the handbook.

Application:

Download and complete an application form. Candidates must complete and submit an application in order to be considered for the position.

Send completed applications to:

  • Human Resources 
  • Fresno Pacific University
  •  1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702-4709
  •  Phone: 559-453-2245 
  •  Fax: 559-453-5514 
  •  Email: careers@fresno.edu

Fresno Pacific University provides equal opportunity for employment without regard for race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. The university reserves the right to fill positions before the application deadline or to extend the deadline as circumstances may warrant.