Director 3 (Director of the Mexican American and Hispanic-Latino/a Ministry Program & Regional Course of Study School) – Date Posted: April 21, 2015 – Job ID#: 900766
Perkins School of Theology/Mexican American and Hispanic-Latino/a Ministry Program and Regional Course of Study School
(Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications)
Job Summary:
This position reports to the Associate Dean for External Programs at Perkins School of Theology and will provide leadership for the following two programs: The Mexican American and Hispanic-Latino/a Ministry Program (a program of Perkins School of Theology that serves the ministry and leadership needs primarily of United Methodist churches that are Hispanic or Latino/a in identity), and the Regional Course of Study School (a program of The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church, which provides basic theological education, prescribed by the church’s Book of Discipline, to licensed local pastors who were not enroll in a graduate-level seminary degree program for their theological studies.)
Essential Functions:
With regard to the Mexican American and Hispanic-Latino/a Ministry Program the duties include, but are not limited to:
• Planning, coordinating, executing, and evaluating a wide range of programs, events, and
activities designed to prepare persons for leadership in ministry with Hispanic-Latino/a
communities and promote theological reflection on Hispanic-Latino/a life and culture.
• Cooperating with the Perkins faculty in planning, coordinating, and evaluating Hispanic-
Latino/a studies programs that are mandated by the Perkins curriculum.
• Planning, coordinating, and evaluating leadership training for Hispanic-Latino/a
ministries that serve The United Methodist Church and other religious communities.
• Working with faculty and church leadership to develop new programs relevant to emerging
needs in Hispanic-Latino/a ministries.
• Participating in the community life, student recruitment, and faculty development
programs of Perkins School of Theology.
• Advising a Perkins student organization – L@s Seminaristas.
• Managing grants received for projects or programs developed by Mexican American and
Hispanic-Latino/a Ministry Program related to Hispanic-Latino/a ministries and general
agencies of The United Methodist Church.
• Manage budgets for multiple programs including grants from church agencies and other
bodies;
• Coordinating continuing education training for external persons who work with Hispanic-
Latino/a ministries (clergy and lay leaders).
• Advising students as assigned by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, including
students enrolled in the Hispanic Studies concentration.
• Planning, executing, and evaluating the Licensing School in Spanish following GBHEM
guidelines.
• Publishing and administering the work of the journal Apuntes (quarterly publication).
• Working closely with Director of Faith Calls: Theological Programs for Youth and Young
Adults to develop and promote Hispanic-Latino/a presence and participation.
• Providing a liaison to Hispanic-Latino/a UMC Organizations such as La Asociacion and
MARCHA.
• Representing Perkins at various conferences and events.
• Supervising Mexican American and Hispanic-Latino/a Ministry Program office staff.
With regard to the Regional Course of Study School (COSS) at Perkins duties include but are not limited to:
• Planning, executing, and evaluating the Regional Course of Study School catalog and
program at Perkins which offers courses in English and Spanish.
• Supervising Perkins extension and satellite COSS programs.
• Recruiting faculty, worship coordinator, and academic resource person(s) for COSS
(2 years in advance).
• Approving and monitoring student requests for pre-class work extensions and working
with faculty regarding books and assignments.
• Administering COSS program for one month in July/August by meeting daily with faculty,
students, and student groups; participating in worship; orienting incoming students and
faculty; coordinating graduation ceremony; meeting with the Advisory Board.
• Cultivating international connections with COSS students who come from countries other
than the U.S.
• Supervising COSS office staff.
Additionally, the Director of the Mexican American and Hispanic-Latino/a Ministry Program and Regional Course of Study School is a member of the faculty of Perkins School of Theology and participates in teaching, professional and spiritual formation programs, and student advising as appropriate to his/her experience and education.
Education and Experience:
Graduate theological degree with a background in theological/religious studies is required.
A minimum of seven years supervisory/management experience, program planning, leadership training, or higher education administration experience is required.
Membership, experience in, and broad knowledge of The United Methodist Church, including the Hispanic-Latino/a church is required.
Full-time teaching experience is strongly preferred.
Experience in administering budgets is essential.
Ordination as a Deacon/Elder in The United Methodist Church is preferred.
Conversant with ethnic pluralities relative to the Hispanic-Latino/a population in the U.S. is desired.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Candidates must demonstrate a proven record of excellence in leadership.
Must have the ability to communicate effectively (written and spoken) in English and Spanish.
Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment.
Candidate must possess strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and manage objectives.
Must also have strong interpersonal and oral communication skills to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, and students.
Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
Must have the ability to travel.
For full consideration candidates are asked to provide the following information:
1) A letter of intent .
2) A current curriculum vitae.
3) Three letters of reference.
Priority Consideration Date: Review of applications will begin immediately. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by May 1, 2015.
Deadline to Apply: This position is open until filled.
To Apply: Please visit our website www.smu.jobs to access the online application. Click on Staff Career Opportunities and apply to Job ID#: 900766.
SMU will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.