Associate II - Educational Institutions

Overview

The national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation (“A Corp”) “PC(USA)”, based in Louisville Kentucky, serve with mid-councils, congregations, worshipping communities, and partner organizations to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ. Approximately 400 individuals, diverse in race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, skills, and more, come together as colleagues to work for a world where justice reigns, peace prevails, and God’s love extends to all people. This community comprises the staff of national entities: the Presbyterian Life & Witness, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Presbyterian Women, Investment and Loan Program, and the Administrative Services Group.

Basic Commitment: This position calls for a commitment to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as noted in its theological confessions, the Book of Order, and the actions of the General Assembly.

Organizational Purpose: 

The General Assembly’s Presbyterian Life & Witness (PL&W) is called as a partner to convene, connect, equip, and empower the whole church as disciples journeying toward God’s wholeness – in the PC(USA) and beyond. Justice, love, equity, and inclusion (representation and full participation) are core and foundational values already embedded in the theology, polity, and confessional life of the PC(USA). The four values below are how the PL&W lives out those foundational commitments: Nimble, Trustworthy, Learning, Courageous.

Purpose of Position:

This position is an Individual Contributor who performs complex to highly complex non-routine duties. Responsibilities that coordinate work of a specific program to ensure that implementation and prescribed activities of a larger program or ministry are carried out to achieve specified objectives. Plans and develops methods and procedures for implementing programs, directs and coordinates program activities. Confers and/or collaborates both internally and externally on projects or to educate/communicate programmatic information. Prepares and/or reviews reports and records of activities to ensure progress and make modifications or changes in methodology as required to attain objectives.

Uses discretion and independent judgment in completing activities. Operates under general supervision. This position provides thoughtful leadership to the ongoing relationship between Presbyterian Life & Witness and the educational institutions of the PC(U.S.A.). This role advances the mission of Presbyterian Life & Witness by strengthening the networks that support the education and formation of students.

Rules and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Consultation: Provides strategic leadership to strengthen the partnership between Presbyterian-related educational institutions and the denomination. Cultivates collaboration among institutional, ecclesial, and agency leaders; anticipates and leads in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities; and advances ministry that enhances institutional vitality and mission effectiveness.

Relationship Stewardship and Partnership Development: Serves as the primary liaison to the associated organizations that support Presbyterian-related educational institutions. Builds and sustains trusted relationships with institutional leaders and church leaders, strengthens communication and mutual accountability, and fosters collaborative partnerships that advance shared ministry goals and outcomes

Program Leadership and Governance Support: Provides leadership, coordination, and administrative support for the Committee on Theological Education (COTE) and the President’s Roundtable, which supports Schools and Colleges Equipping Communities of Color, while serving as the liaison to the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities (APCU).

Ministry Support: Facilitates and strengthens the network of relationships that sustain collaborative ministries among institutions and ministries connected to educational institutions, including Leader Development, Financial Aid for Service and student loan coaching, Special offerings, mid councils, and collegiate ministry. Oversee processes for the Christmas Joy Offering grants awarded to Schools and Colleges Equipping Communities of Color, and assist with submitting documents that meet compliance standards to receive the grants each year.

Constituency Engagement and Advocacy: Champions the ministry and impact of Presbyterian-related educational institutions, promoting educational access, vocational discernment, theological formation, and leadership development across the church.

Essential Position Requirements:

Education/ Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; master’s degree
• 4-7 years of increasingly responsible related programmatic experience

Required Skills:

• Proficiency using the Microsoft Suite (including Outlook, Word, Teams, PowerPoint, and Excel) and other appropriate software.

Helpful Skills:

• Understanding and knowledge of PC(USA) and its organizational structure.
• The ability to speak one or more languages other than English is very helpful.

Required Competencies:

• Works with a service orientation.  Follows through, responds promptly and thoroughly.
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence.  Portrays a positive and professional approach when faced with challenges.
• Able to work cross-functionally.  Works cooperatively with others to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Able to foster good communication skills.  Demonstrates effective verbal and written skills.  Utilizes appropriate methods to get ideas across.
• Comfortable with problem solving/new thinking.  Seeks information from different sources and gathers acts before making decisions yet acts quickly when necessary.
• Able to sit with uncertainty.  Can comfortably handle reasonable risk and uncertainty.
• Demonstrates accountability for self and others.  Takes initiative.  Is outcome oriented in decisions and actions.
• Good stewardship of God's gifts.  Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of annual budgets.
• Intercultural competence and building an inclusive environment.  Embraces the diversity individuals bring to the organization.
• Learning orientation. Demonstrates an ability to grown and learn.

Physical Requirement / Essential Functions:

• This is largely a sedentary position that may require occasional lifting up to 15 pounds. Requires the ability to see, hear, speak, type, write, walk, stand, bend, and lift.  
• Sensory and physical requirements include the ability to communicate verbally in person and through technology and use the computer for extended periods of time. Ability to communicate via telephone, via Zoom, and other computer technologies required. 
• Able to read and understand written materials.
• Ability to communicate in a manner suitable to a church office environment

Location:  Remotely from residence.

Additional Information/Benefits:

We believe a balanced life, with time for work, leisure, and spiritual nurture, makes us healthier and more productive colleagues.

PC(USA) offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees including 

PCUSA Commitment:

Our faith in God inspires our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and is grounded in scripture, the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and actions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the U.S. government, including gender identity and sexual orientation.

Candidates from Presbyterian communities in the global south and other historic Presbyterian Communities of Color, preferably with theological training and fluency in languages other than English, are encouraged to apply.