Renewal Program Director

Position Title: Renewal Program Director Position Type: Regular Hiring Range: $33.46-$39.35/hour; commensurate with experience Pay Frequency: Hourly A. POSITION PURPOSE The Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University (JST-SCU) is an international center of scholarly and ministerial formation. The faculty and student body are composed of lay men and women, Jesuits, clergy, and members of other religious orders. Rooted in the Catholic and Ignatian traditions, we engage in ecumenical, interfaith, and intercultural dialogue through the Graduate Theological Union. Distinguished faculty encourage and develop within students an attunement to the social and cultural contexts of theology and ministry. The purpose of the JST Renewal Program is to provide theological updating and personal and professional renewal for students with previous extensive experience in ministry and related fields. Centered around theological study, it also offers opportunities for prayer and reflection and integration of learning in the context of a cohort, thus comprising a sabbatical experience. The Director possesses the theological understanding, ministerial experience, pastoral sensitivity, and pedagogical ability to create and lead a program that renews and revitalizes students. The Director of the Renewal Program at the Jesuit School of Theology (JST) is a part-time (.625 FTE) role starting July 1, 2024. The position reports to the Associate Dean and will be responsible for implementing the JST Renewal Program for 10-20 participants per semester. Depending on the successful candidate's interest and skill set, other administrative or teaching opportunities may be available at JST-SCU for additional or supplemental pay. B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES a. Provide the leadership, structure, and accompaniment for a renewal program and sabbatical experience that is enlivening and renewing for students seeking replenishment in their spiritual life, ministry, and theological understanding. i. Design and implement an integrated program of renewal comprised of the following elements: an opening onsite retreat in the form of prayer and reflection sessions interspersed within the onsite Orientation period, weekly Wednesday cohort meetings throughout the semester, a closing offsite day of recollection, one or more excursions, and opportunities for social gathering and celebration. ii. Plan and implement weekly Wednesday gatherings of the Renewal cohort throughout the semester, primarily in the morning, unless occasional afternoon time is needed. The gatherings should include prayer and reflection as well as input on various topics in theology, spirituality, and ministry, so as to provide theological updating and facilitate integration of learning as students proceed through the Renewal program. Invite guest presenters as necessary, drawing as much as possible upon existing resources among JST faculty and staff. iii. Plan and lead an onsite opening retreat consisting of prayer and reflection sessions over three or four days prior to the start of the semester, coordinating with the Assistant Dean of Student Life to schedule these during the period of onsite Orientation. Engage a guest facilitator as needed. The opening retreat should invite students into renewal time, assisting in the clarification of their needs and desires for renewal, and cultivating their bonding as a cohort that shares the renewal journey. iv. Plan and lead an offsite Day of Recollection near the end of the semester, cultivating students' awareness and appreciation of the gifts and fruits of their renewal journey. Engage a facilitator as needed. v. Plan and lead one or more excursions per semester to introduce students to cultural and recreational resources of the Bay Area, coordinating with JST Student and Community Life to align with resources and activities offered by their office to all JST students. vi. Foster mutuality and support among Renewal students themselves, encouraging their own initiative in bonding with each other to form community. vii. Communicate to Renewal students the structure and schedule of the program using tools available such as Moodle and Google Workspace. Provide ongoing communication prior to and throughout the course of the semester. b. Assist and advise Renewal students with respect to academic, spiritual, cultural and community life at JST. i. Advise participants on course selection, conferring with the Associate Dean to ensure that course level and content are well suited to the distinct needs and learning goals of Renewal students. ii. Partner with offices of Spiritual Formation and Student and Community Life to ensure the integration of the Renewal cohort within the spiritual, liturgical, and social life of the school community. iii. Partner with the office of Student and Community Life to orient students to life and study at JST. iv. Coordinate with the Assistant Dean of Student and Community Life to ensure that Renewal students access health and wellness resources available to all students, such as student health insurance, with a mindfulness of the distinct needs of Renewal students. v. Partner with the Director of Spiritual Formation to integrate Renewal students within the spiritual formation resourced by his office. vi. Coordinate with the Director of Spiritual Formation to ensure that Renewal students access spiritual directors attuned to the distinct needs of Renewal students. c. Manage the Renewal Program in collaboration with the JST Registrar, JST Finance and Administration, JST Enrollment Management and Marketing, JST Student and Community Life, JST Director of Spiritual Formation, and Academic Affairs at JST as well as with the SCU Global Engagement office. i. Prepare annual Renewal Program budget for approval and oversee spending within the approved budget. ii. Collaborate with the Director of Enrollment Management and the Director of Marketing to identify marketing and recruiting opportunities to boost program enrollment. iii. Review applications for admission and make admission recommendations. iv. Monitor and maintain the Renewal program web page for currency and accuracy, partnering with JST's office of Marketing. v. Coordinate with JST Finance and Administration as to the oversight of the Renewal lounge in the 2564 Virginia St. apartment building. vi. Prepare reports as requested by the JST Senior Leadership. vii. Conduct ongoing assessment of the Renewal program, gathering written and/or oral feedback from students and utilizing other assessment tools as needed. Implement changes as a result of assessment. d. Other duties as assigned. C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION If necessary to the administration of the Renewal program, hire and supervise one or more graduate student assistants. D. GENERAL GUIDELINES Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services. Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices. Maintains contact with participants/applicants and solicits feedback for improved services. Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives. Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow. Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions. Prepares and submits reports as requested and required. E. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred. This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse intercultural environment, as well as the ability to protect the confidentiality of communications. Knowledge Advanced background in theology, spirituality and ministry required. Advanced background in Ignatian spirituality preferred. Advanced understanding and proficiency in adult learning required. Knowledge of student life and student services in the context of graduate education preferred. Understanding of co-curricular learning as an essential component of holistic education and formation is preferred. Understanding of Catholic higher education and ministry/theology degrees required. Broad exposure to Catholic religious life and Catholic ministries preferred. Understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices required. Familiarity with international students and intercultural environments preferred. Skills Pastoral skill in guiding students in their ongoing formation is required. Strategic planning skills preferred Strong communication and listening skills required Strong project management and implementation skills required Strong technical skills including ability to use, or learn to use Google Workspace, Workday, Zoom required Strong organizational and general administration skills required Strong budget management skills required Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills required Strong skills in conflict resolution required Abilities Ability to bring people together and build community Ability to mobilize volunteers to take on leadership roles Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and in particular with communities of color Ability to exercise good judgment Ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines Ability to work independently and as a team member Education Bachelor's degree in a related field required . click apply for full job details