Posted on January 25, 2013

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President

The Iliff School of Theology is a graduate theological school related to the United Methodist Church. Its central mission is the education of persons for effective ministry in Christian churches and other religious communities, for academic leadership, and for the cultivation of justice and peace in local and global contexts.

Iliff affirms its United Methodist identity and its liberal Christian heritage, grounded in scriptures and traditions, critical thinking, and openness to emerging truths, including those derived from science, experience, and other faith traditions. In a world fragmented by religious and ideological conflicts, Iliff promotes theological scholarship and dialogue to foster transformative possibilities for humanity and nature.

The Board of Trustees now seeks a President capable of providing the visionary leadership required to execute our strategic intent. A keen understanding of and commitment to the School’s culture and mission is imperative. Candidates must also display the personal qualities required to communicate and interact with a broad range of internal and external constituencies.

The incoming President will have the opportunity to direct several specific efforts:

• Lead the implementation of the recently developed strategic business plan for the next three years.
• Develop and acquire new sources of revenue to strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of the School.
• Lead efforts to ensure that the Iliff curriculum continues to align with emerging trends in theological education and new means of delivering high quality education.

President Position Overview

The President is the chief executive officer of the School, responsible to the Board of Trustees for carrying out Board policies and for directing and supervising the affairs and work of the School. The President, in consultation with the Board, develops a clear strategy for achieving the School’s mission and implements that strategic intent. The President directs the overall operations of the School and actively engages in working with donors to achieve financial results. The President is a key spokesperson for the School and represents its interests in many academic, theological, and community forums. The President works closely with the Dean and the faculty to identify any needed changes to curriculum and ensures that it stays on the leading edge of trends in theological education. The President also plays an active role in staff and faculty development as well as in Board member recruitment and cultivation.

The President supports the effective governance of the School with the Board of Trustees and faculty according to the principles of shared governance. The President is a member of the faculty and participates in the Faculty Council.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates have a mix of skills and experience as well as personal qualities that will allow the President to serve as an effective leader at this unique institution. Some of the specific elements that the Trustees seek include the following:

Skills and Experience

1) Strategic Leadership

• Substantial experience as an executive leader with proven ability to translate strategies into measurable operating plans and objectives. Experience in helping organizations grow and develop new levels of effectiveness and impact. Proven experience in achieving strategic plan objectives and meeting goals.
• Experience in discerning and articulating a vision for the future, coupled with the ability to lead and execute a strategic plan that carries out that vision.
• Demonstrated commitment to Iliff’s mission and extensive knowledge of and passion for graduate theological education with knowledge of the United Methodist Church’s traditions and approaches.
• Experience in and an appreciation for the importance of bridging the academic, faith-based, and secular worlds effectively.
• A formal background working in higher education is not required, although preferred. Qualified candidates must have a solid understanding of the academic culture, ethos, and objectives, and especially the unique aspects of graduate theological education.

2) Operations and Revenue Generation

• Strong, effective leadership, management, and organizational skills; proven commitment to high performance and accountability.
• Demonstrated experience in developing staff members and working with highly educated faculty members to help them further develop their skills and their research. An appreciation for supporting those who build academic careers, especially in graduate theological education.
• Experience in working with a governing board and other volunteers to achieve goals.
• Significant experience in nonprofit fundraising and building relationships with donors. Personal commitment to cultivating relationships with donors and enhancing the financial sustainability of the institution. Proven track record of achieving significant fundraising results.

3) Communications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent public speaker.
• Ability and desire to interact and communicate with alumni and students.

4) Academic and Other Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; PhD preferred.
• Commitment to Iliff’s role as a theological school of the United Methodist Church; ordained Methodist clergyperson or committed layperson preferred. Knowledge of the institutions of the United Methodist Church and the role of its seminaries preferred.
• Willingness to live in the Denver metro area and be an active member of the community.

Personal Qualities

Additionally qualified candidates must have these personal qualities:

• Collaborative leader and team builder who is able to work with faculty, staff, the Board of Trustees, donors, students, and alumni.
• Ability to forge, strengthen, and maintain community relationships and strategic partnerships in the Denver area and beyond.
• Shares a passion for Iliff’s values of diversity, social justice, theological progressivism, and peace; has the ability to translate these values into action.
• Ability to understand and value the multi-faith, multi-religious aspects of Iliff’s traditions and culture coupled with an ability to ensure that Iliff stays relevant in the 21st century.
• Person of integrity, deep personal faith, and humility.
• Decisive and willing to take risks appropriately.
• Identifies opportunities and pursues them, takes initiative.
• Strong commitment to serving various stakeholders.
• Highly adaptable and resilient; focuses on possibilities and opportunities while achieving results.

We seek an entrepreneurial, visionary, results-oriented highly collaborative leader who can work with us to maximize Iliff’s impact in providing high quality theological education.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to Carolyn McCormick of Peak HR Consulting, LLC at Carolyn.McCormick@peakhrconsulting.com. All applications are to be submitted via email. To learn more about Iliff, please visit our website at www.iliff.edu.

Iliff School of Theology is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. It actively seeks and encourages nominations and expressions of interest from members of underrepresented populations.