Director of Border Engagement Ministries

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom.

We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

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.

Salary:
Pay range $70,304 - $75,000. Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Full time

• Strong experience in cross‑cultural ministry, missions, or community engagement, and is 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 designated to serve at Liberty Station.
• Manage program budgets and ensure financial accountability.

• A minimum of 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…