Dean College of Ministry

Position Announcement:
Dean, College of Ministry (tenure track)

Full-Time, 1.0 FTE

Northwest University seeks an accomplished ministry leader to provide strategic vision and administrative oversight for the College of Ministry. This leader will guide the college’s mission, cultivate partnerships with local churches, and strengthen the college’s impact within the broader community. Key responsibilities include increasing enrollment and developing intentional pathways that enable ministry students to gain meaningful vocational experience through service in local congregations.

The Dean of the College of Ministry is a member of the Northwest University faculty and plays an active role in faculty governance and academic leadership. Successful candidates will demonstrate a collaborative leadership style, strong administrative skills, and a deep commitment to the formation of students for effective ministry leadership.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the College of Ministry.
• Lead enrollment growth and collaborate with admissions to support recruitment efforts.
• Manage college personnel, including hiring, supervising, and evaluating faculty and staff.
• Direct curriculum development and program design to ensure academic quality, relevance, and alignment with the institutional mission.
• Assess program effectiveness and implement continuous improvement initiatives based on data and outcomes.
• Support institutional and programmatic accreditation processes and ensure compliance with standards.
• Manage class scheduling and oversee the allocation of instructional resources.
• Oversee fiscal resources, budgeting, and responsible financial stewardship.
• Promote excellence in teaching and faculty effectiveness through evaluation, mentoring, and support.
• Provide effective student support and resolve student issues with professionalism and care.
• Cultivate positive relationships between the College of Ministry and internal and external stakeholders, including with local churches and the Assemblies of God denomination.
• Serve as an active community member, including participating in relevant committee and service work.
• Work collegially with the provost, fellow deans, and departmental leaders to advance university‑wide academic goals.

• Earned master’s degree in ministry, theology, or a closely related field; earned doctorate strongly preferred.
• Demonstrates a deep, personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a Spirit-filled life consistent with the mission and values of Northwest University.
• Holds current ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God.
• Significant experience in local church ministry, providing credibility and strong relational capacity with pastors and regional church leaders.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, student formation, and the integration of faith and learning.
• Ability to provide academic leadership, including supervising faculty, advancing curriculum development, assessing program effectiveness, and positively influencing student learning and spiritual formation.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in managing fiscal resources, including budgeting and responsible stewardship.
• Evidences a collegial spirit with the ability to collaborate effectively within a faith-based academic community.

Dependent on education and experience and based upon the established faculty salary schedule. ($91,000 - $115,000)

For full consideration, applicants should submit the following materials:

• Letter of interest
• List of three professional references with email and phone contact information
• Statement explaining how the candidate’s Christian faith shapes their approach to higher education leadership
• Brief narrative describing the candidate’s personal Christian faith, practice, and current local church affiliation

Applications should be submitted by email to:
Sarah Drivdahl, Provost
sarah.drivdahl

Search procedures will be closed, when a sufficient number of qualified applicants have been identified. Applicants are urged to provide sufficient information, so that the application file may be considered complete at the end of the search period.