Director of Prison Theological Education - Wesley Seminary

Indiana Wesleyan University•Marion, IA

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director provides strategic leadership, execution, and oversight of Wesley Seminary’s prison-based theological education initiatives, including the development and delivery of accredited academic programs, certificates, and publications. This role integrates academic leadership, fundraising, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration to build and lead a scalable, high-impact institute. In addition, the Director cultivates partnerships with correctional institutions, chaplains, seminary stakeholders, and clergy, and hosts training events and learning opportunities that advance theological education and leadership capacity within correctional communities.

Requirements

Master’s degree in theology, ministry, religious studies, or a closely related field
Ten or more (10+) years of demonstrated experience launching or scaling initiatives, programs, products, or platforms
Proven ability to drive execution from zero to launch to sustainability
Entrepreneurial or startup experience, leading complex, outcome-driven initiatives
Experience working with pastors, churches, ministry organizations, or higher education
Proficiency in curriculum development and program assessment
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Deep Christian faith aligned with the mission and values of Wesley Seminary and The Wesleyan Church
Collaborative, relational, and servant-hearted leadership style
Strong communication and organizational skills
Commitment to Kingdom diversity, global Christianity, and accessible theological education
Visionary and innovative mindset balanced with academic rigor and integrity

Nice To Haves

Terminal degree (Ph.D., Th.D., Ed.D., D.Min., or equivalent)

Responsibilities

Translate strategic direction into executable plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables
Ensure the SPI progresses from idea to active implementation with momentum and clarity
Lead scalable institute model for statewide/national expansion
Drive performance outcomes (enrollment, retention, coordination, logistics, completion)
Oversee undergraduate and graduate degree pathways, certificates, and cohort models
Ensure academic rigor, theological integrity, and contextual relevance within correctional environments
Develop and oversee contextualized curriculum and academic resources tailored to correctional environments
Contribute to the creation of scholarly and practical resources that support prison-based ministry and leadership development
Design and host training events, workshops, and learning experiences for chaplains, correctional staff, clergy, and other stakeholders
Contribute to broader conversations on prison-based theological education through speaking, writing, and collaborative initiatives
Promote awareness of the role of theological education in developing leadership within correctional communities
Partner with Advancement to secure donor and grant funding
Develop a sustainable financial model that includes Pell funding
Serve as a storyteller and advocate for the institute’s mission and impact to donors
Manage budget, forecasting, and financial performance
Oversee staffing and program operations
Serve as liaison with IDOC, CHE/IPEP, churches, chaplains, and educational partners
Represent the Seminary in local, state, and national conversations related to prison ministry and correctional education
Align Admissions, Marketing, Advancement, Finance, and Faculty
Drive shared execution and communication in coordination with Strategic Innovations
Oversee PEP approval, accreditation, and reporting
Ensure data tracking and regulatory compliance
Lead holistic formation: spiritual, academic, leadership, and reentry
Ensure strong mentoring and cohort experience
Fulfill additional responsibilities, consistent with the scope and purpose of the role
Provide leadership and supervision to any part-time or full-time: Faculty Assistant Dean Academic Program Directors Faculty Administrative Assistant