Dean of Networked Education

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary • Charlotte, NC

12d

About The Position

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary is a multidenominational, evangelical graduate school committed to equipping Christian leaders to think theologically, engage globally, and live biblically. With nearly 1,400 students across campuses in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida, and online, Gordon-Conwell’s student body represents more than eighty-five denominations +and fifty countries. The seminary offers master’s and doctoral programs—delivered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese—that combine academic excellence, spiritual formation, and a deep commitment to Scripture. Its 12,000 alumni serve Christ through ministry in the church, the academy, and the workplace. Gordon-Conwell is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, the New England Commission of Higher Education, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The Dean of Students, Networked Education is responsible for developing and maintaining a supportive and formative environment for Networked Education Students that synthesizes the intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual development of students in a holistic way. The Dean of Students, Networked Education will contribute to a collaborative team in the Student Life Department, and with other departments including Registration and Student Success, serving Networked Education students (approximately 850 registered students/semester, 1,200 active students). This role designs, implements and evaluates strategies, programs and events that are guided by the mission of the seminary and the Student Life department. The Dean of Students, Networked Education will oversee the development of teams and processes that promote and assess regional, relational, academic and spiritual connections that facilitate successful completion of a student’s program and contributes to student formation and GCTS experience.

Requirements

• Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness: It is very important that the Dean of Students, Networked Education must be adept in empathy skills, with a grasp of how to interpret human behavior. Must be at ease communicating and building rapport in a range of settings, with both individual and groups, especially via email, video and other non face-to-face means.
• Knowledge and Discernment: Strong analytical and decision-making skills, including the ability to work independently. Must have meticulous attention to detail.
• Collaborative Leadership: Commitment to collegiality, diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and serve in a team environment that requires collegiality and regular collaboration across matrixed, multi-campus environment.
• Pastoral Care: Provide effective spiritual support and guidance that contributes to the well-being of students, and that addresses concerns in a respectful and sensitive manner.
• Global and Multi-cultural Understanding: Having demonstrated skill and effectiveness in leadership and human relations with a sensitivity to and knowledge of multi-cultural issues and diverse student population needs are essential.
• Active profession of faith that acknowledges Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord.
• Agreement and commitment to GCTS’s Statement of Faith and The Mission and Vision of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Community Life Statement.
• A master’s degree is required; DMin or PhD is preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience working in student affairs/higher education or related area is required. Experience at a Christian organization is preferred.
• Must possess experience in developing, coordinating and directing student development with networked (online) students. A solid understanding of and proactive approach to adult learner development is required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with faculty and staff in promoting student success and development through co-curricular events and other student activities. Contributes to the Fall and Spring New Student Orientation (online); contributes to commencement exercise planning and execution, and various ad hoc committees addressing concerns of the institution.
• Responsible for developing a team (to be determined) to serve Networked Education Students (may include an additional hire in the first year).
• Enforces, develops, and adjudicates seminary policies related to students in collaboration with other departments, including input on the Student Handbook. This position is part of a collaborative team that makes key decisions on policies, procedures and responses related to academics, student well-being and safety for the school. This position works collaboratively with the Academic Dean, Registration, Student Success, Communications and others.
• Leadership shall include strategic planning, program assessment, evaluation consistent with seminary ethos.
• Develops and Oversees Networked Education student interest and engagement groups, fostering leadership opportunities for Networked Education students.
• Provides counsel for Networked Education students on a range of personal, spiritual and formation matters, and when appropriate, refers students to other suitable persons, professionals, or proper agencies as necessary. Adjudicates and administers academic extensions and academic accommodations for Networked Education students.
• The Dean of Students, Networked Education helps establish and develop a culture that encourages spiritual and character formation, where diversity is encouraged. Serving as a role model of these characteristics, the Dean of Students, Networked Education will cultivate an atmosphere where students learn to respect differences, take responsibility for their actions, and exercise leadership.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager