Director of Border Engagement Ministries

Director of Border Engagement Ministries Job Overview

Hours: Full-time

Education Requirements/Preference: Masters

• Strong experience in cross‑cultural ministry, missions, or community engagement; bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships with churches, nonprofits, and ministry leaders.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and mentoring student leaders.
• Strong program planning and execution skills across multiple initiatives.
• Ability to navigate complex cultural, social, and border‑related dynamics with sensitivity.
• Effective communicator with public speaking and group facilitation experience.
• Ability to manage logistics for trips, events, and ministry programs.
• Experience assessing programs and implementing continuous improvements.
• Strong collaboration skills to work across campus departments and with external partners.
• Ability to manage budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of program funds.

• Develop and implement a diverse portfolio of ministry opportunities including day trips, weekend experiences, and extended immersion programs.
• Recruit, train, and mentor student leaders to plan and lead ministry experiences in collaboration with host partners.
• Build and maintain relationships with Church of the Nazarene leaders and other ministry partners in México and the Southwest U.S.
• Coordinate logistics for ministry trips including travel, scheduling, and participant preparation.
• Recruit and support faculty, staff, and alumni sponsors participating in ministry programs.
• Assist in the development and coordination of summer ministry internship opportunities.
• Serve as a campus pastor supporting chapel, student spiritual care, and Christian formation initiatives.
• Evaluate program safety and make informed decisions in collaboration with university leadership.
• Conduct program assessments and implement improvements based on findings.
• Plan and facilitate educational events and border engagement experiences in collaboration with faculty and departments.
• Serve as campus pastor for Liberty Station Chapel services alongside a chapel intern.
• Manage program budgets and ensure financial accountability.

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in ministry, educational leadership, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Understanding the Church of the Nazarene, its theological foundations, organizational structure, and mission history.
• District License/Ordination in the Church of the Nazarene preferred.
• Knowledge of the San Diego/Tijuana border region with special regard to immigration and other pressing social issues.
• Oral and written communication fluency in both Spanish and English.
• Public speaking ability.
• Ability to relate to and understand contemporary university students.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills; ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Experience in cross‑cultural ministry, Christian missions, and compassionate ministries.
• Positive, friendly attitude and ability to function effectively with colleagues as part of a professional Spiritual Development team.
• Availability for regular travel for site visits and planning meetings.
• Physical ability for prolonged periods of office work and meetings, including regular use of computer equipment.
• Evidence of Christian commitment, active church involvement, and compliance with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.

The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.

PLNU is seeking a relational and mission‑driven Director of Border Engagement Ministries to create transformative opportunities for students to engage in cross‑cultural ministry along the San Diego–Tijuana border region. This role integrates spiritual formation, experiential learning, and partnership development to foster meaningful engagement in local and global contexts.