Vocational Outreach Associate

Columbia Theological Seminary educates and nurtures faithful, imaginative, and effective leaders for the Church and the world. The seminary offers a range of degree programs that prepare learners for diverse forms of ministry, scholarship, and service. Rooted in a strong theological and academic tradition, Columbia emphasizes formation of the whole person and engagement with contemporary issues. Prospective team members join a community committed to learning, discernment, and support for vocational journeys.

The Vocational Outreach Associate will work collaboratively with the Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach team to connect with prospective students as they discern their calls to ministry. Notably, this Associate will serve as primary ambassador for the Seminary, traveling regularly to represent Columbia. This position reports to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach.

• Travel and retrieve contact information for those discerning whether theological education is the next faithful step for them, in pursuit of increasing enrollment with qualified and exceptional students.
• In partnership with the Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach team (EMVO), execute a robust vocational outreach strategy that includes extensive travel (traveling at least twice per month), prospective student phone calls, prospect data management, virtual events, social media engagement, and other forms of promotion and connection. In collaboration with EMVO and other campus partners, connect with pastors, campus ministers, community leaders, students, alumni, and other influencers who work with feeder colleges, congregations, and strategic partners.
• Respond to new connections and prospective student inquiries promptly, typically within 24 hours (or one business day).
• Maintain comprehensive records of visits and interactions to assist with identifying strategic opportunities.
• Identify, recruit, and train other student admissions ambassadors who can welcome prospective students to campus and lead campus tours.
• In collaboration with the EMVO team and student ambassadors, coordinate events with prospective students on- and off-campus and virtual and in person.
• Nurture and strengthen relationships with student influencers who have connections with feeder colleges, congregations, and other strategic partners, be they PC(USA) or non-PC(USA), domestic or international.
• Cultivate and continually deepen intercultural competence to effectively engage prospective students and strategic partners.
• Adhere to seminary standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Other duties as requested.

• Bachelor’s degree (with a Master of Divinity or equivalent strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated success in recruitment or sales
• A knowledge of and heart for theological education
• Connection to the Presbyterian Church (USA) preferred

• A passion for Columbia Theological Seminary and a desire to invite others to be a part of it
• A strong attention to detail with disciplined time management skills
• A proven capacity to clearly communicate the mission and vision of Columbia Theological Seminary to prospective students, pastors, faculty, and other influencers
• Intercultural competence, engaging constructively across cultures and differences
• Professionalism along with a team mindset
• Prior experience with Canva and Slate a plus

• Telework eligible
• Term: through June 2027, renewable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Although physical limitations for this position can be accommodated, the job’s physical demands can include but are not limited to sitting, standing, stooping, crouching, bending, walking, and lifting light objects. Work is…