Director, Center for Latine Theology and Ministry

Santa Clara University•Berkeley, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Sr. Assistant Dean / Chief Operating Officer of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University (JST-SCU), the Director will provide vision, strategic leadership, and administrative oversight for the Center for Latine Theology and Ministry (CLTM). The director will oversee the development, implementation, and sustainability of academic programs, ministerial formation, scholarly research, and community outreach initiatives that serve Latine pastoral leaders and communities. Towards this end, the Director will contribute to the strategic implementation of SCU’s recent $10 Million Lilly Endowment Large-Scale Collaboration Grant. This will be done in coordination with the creation and launch of the Pope Francis Institute for Pastoral Flourishing (PFI), which integrates the work of the Jesuit School of Theology (JST), the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM), and the Department of Religious Studies. The Director will play a vital leadership role in establishing Santa Clara University as a primary national hub for Latine theology and ministry. Informed by JST-SCU’s strategic plan, En Camino, and Santa Clara University’s Santa Clara Impact 2030, the Director will guide the Center through its integration into Santa Clara’s Mission campus and foster strategic collaboration across university programs.

Requirements

Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
Deep knowledge of Latine theology and ministerial formation, and the ways in which they connect to the pastoral realities of Latine communities in the United States.
Strong understanding of the values, ideals, and mission of the Jesuit School of Theology and Jesuit higher education, more broadly.
Knowledge of ATS-accredited graduate theological education and non-degree certificate program structures.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills in both English and Spanish (bilingual fluency required).
Strong project management and organizational skills with sharp attention to detail.
Proven leadership and interpersonal skills in managing staff, building teams, and facilitating advisory groups.
Familiarity with grant management processes, grant reporting standards, and budget administration.
Ability to engage, collaborate, and build trust with diverse stakeholders, including bishops, diocesan personnel, grassroots pastoral leaders, and faculty.
Ability to manage grant budgets, track metrics, and meet formal reporting deadlines.
Ability to navigate organizational transitions and lead strategic program growth.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality.
Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Divinity, or a closely related field required.
Four or more years of progressively responsible administrative, leadership, or educational experience in a university, theological seminary, or pastoral organization.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D., D.Min., or equivalent doctorate preferred.
Experience managing grant-funded programs strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of the strategic vision set forth for the Center for Latino Theology and Ministry in the $10M Lilly Endowment Large-Scale Collaboration Grant, positioning Santa Clara University as a primary national hub for Latine theology and ministry.
Align the work of the Center for Latine Theology and Ministry with the overall vision of the Pope Francis Institute for Pastoral Flourishing (PFI). This will entail a year of co-design that aligns and integrates programs and initiatives between the Jesuit School of Theology, the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries, and the Department of Religious Studies.
Provide overall vision and strategic direction for the CLTM in alignment with JST-SCU’s mission and strategic goals.
Oversee the strategic planning, growth, and continuous quality improvement of non-degree and continuing education programs, including the Instituto Hispano.
Collaborate with administrators and faculty across the university leadership, faculty, and academic programs to integrate Latine theological perspectives and ministerial formation into broader academic offerings.
Promote and support academic research and scholarship focused on U.S. Latine theology, religiosidad popular, intercultural ministry, and contextual pastoral praxis.
Work towards establishing the CLTM as a hub for transdisciplinary research, bridging academic theological reflection with practical ministerial formation.
Convene symposia, academic lectures, and research initiatives that leverage Santa Clara University’s robust cohort of Latine faculty (in the JST, GPPM, and Department of Religious Studies), who do work in U.S. Latine theology and ministry.
Advance key priorities and themes articulated in the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry and the V Encuentro through scholarly output and pastoral partnerships.
Formalize and manage strategic academic and pastoral partnerships with national organizations, including the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS), to advance scholarly research, mentorship, and leadership formation.
Partner with external regional organizations such as RECOSS (Red de Educación Continua del Sur de California) and Iskali to expand young adult leadership initiatives, mentorship, and community-of-practice programs (accompagnamiento).
Cultivate and sustain strong collaborative relationships with diocesan leaders, pastoral institutes, Catholic organizations, and community partners across the West Coast and nationally.
Lead and support advisory bodies, including local and regional pastoral partner councils, to ensure program offerings remain responsive to community needs.
Represent SCU and the Center at national conferences, academic symposia, and ministerial gatherings.
Develop initiatives to identify future Latine leaders and help them discern a degree in theological or pastoral studies.
Oversee the administration, execution, and reporting for grants awarded directly to or specifically supporting the CLTM.
Serve as a key contributor and subject-matter expert for the Lilly Endowment Large-Scale Collaboration (LSC) Grant by providing accurate program data, metrics, and progress updates to the dedicated LSC Project Manager, who manages centralized grant reporting.
In collaboration with University Development, identify external funding opportunities, assist in cultivating donors, and draft grant proposals to ensure the long-term sustainability and expansion of CLTM initiatives.
Monitor center-specific budget allocations, program revenue (including Instituto Hispano revenue), and match funding commitments in coordination with the Dean’s Office and JST Finance.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate CLTM administrative staff, including the Instituto Hispano Program Coordinator, project staff, and graduate student assistants.
Direct day-to-day operations of the Center, ensuring efficient administrative processes, event execution, and participant support.
Oversee marketing, outreach, and communications strategies to promote Center activities and engage prospective students.
Other duties as assigned in support of JST’s mission and operational needs.