Director, Center for Latine Theology and Ministry

Position Title:

Director, Center for Latine Theology and Ministry

Position Type:

Regular

Hiring Range:

$102,800.00 - $128,560.00; Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

Pay Frequency:

Annual

A. POSITION PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the Sr. Assistant Dean / Chief Operating Officer of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University (JST-SCU), the Director will provide vision, strategic leadership, and administrative oversight for the Center for Latine Theology and Ministry (CLTM). The director will oversee  the development, implementation, and sustainability of academic programs, ministerial formation, scholarly research, and community outreach initiatives that serve Latine pastoral leaders and communities. 

Towards this end, the Director will contribute to the strategic implementation of SCU’s recent  $10 Million Lilly Endowment Large-Scale Collaboration Grant (see press release). This will be done in coordination with the creation and launch of the Pope Francis Institute for Pastoral Flourishing (PFI), which integrates the work of the Jesuit School of Theology (JST), the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM), and the Department of Religious Studies.  The Director will play a vital leadership role in establishing Santa Clara University as a primary national hub for Latine theology and ministry. Informed by JST-SCU’s strategic plan, En Camino, and Santa Clara University’s Santa Clara Impact 2030, the Director will guide the Center through its integration into Santa Clara’s Mission campus and foster strategic collaboration across university programs.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership 

• Lead the implementation of the strategic vision set forth for the Center for Latino Theology and Ministry in the $10M Lilly Endowment Large-Scale Collaboration Grant, positioning Santa Clara University as a primary national hub for Latine theology and ministry.
• Align the work of the Center for Latine Theology and Ministry with the overall vision of the  Pope Francis Institute for Pastoral Flourishing (PFI). This will entail a year of co-design that aligns and integrates programs and initiatives between the Jesuit School of Theology, the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries, and the Department of Religious Studies.  
• Provide overall vision and strategic direction for the CLTMin alignment with JST-SCU’s mission and strategic goals.
• Oversee the strategic planning, growth, and continuous quality improvement of non-degree and continuing education programs, including the Instituto Hispano.
• Collaborate with administrators and faculty across the university leadership, faculty, and academic programs to integrate Latine theological perspectives and ministerial formation into broader academic offerings.

2. Academic Research Support 

• Promote and support academic research and scholarship focused on U.S. Latine theology, religiosidad popular, intercultural ministry, and contextual pastoral praxis.
• Work towards establishing the CLTM as a hub for transdisciplinary research, bridging academic theological reflection with practical ministerial formation.
• Convene symposia, academic lectures, and research initiatives that leverage Santa Clara University’s robust cohort of Latine faculty (in the JST, GPPM, and Department of Religious Studies), who do work in U.S. Latine theology and ministry 
• Advance key priorities and themes articulated in the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry and the V Encuentro through scholarly output and pastoral partnerships.

3. Network Building & Strategic Partnerships

• Formalize and manage strategic academic and pastoral partnerships with national organizations, including  the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States (ACHTUS), to advance scholarly research, mentorship, and leadership formation.
• Partner with external regional organizations such as RECOSS (Red de Educación Continua del Sur de California) and Iskali to expand young adult leadership initiatives, mentorship, and community-of-practice programs (acompañamiento).
• Cultivate and sustain strong collaborative relationships with diocesan leaders, pastoral institutes, Catholic organizations, and community partners across the West Coast and nationally.
• Lead and support advisory bodies, including local and regional pastoral partner councils, to ensure program offerings remain responsive to community needs.
• Represent SCU and the Center at national conferences, academic symposia, and ministerial gatherings.
• Develop initiatives to identify future Latine leaders and help them discern a degree in theological or pastoral studies

4. Grant Administration & Resource Development

• Oversee the administration, execution, and reporting for grants awarded directly to or specifically supporting the CLTM
• Lilly LSC Integration & Input: Serve as a key contributor and subject-matter expert for the Lilly Endowment Large-Scale Collaboration (LSC) Grant by providing accurate program data, metrics, and progress updates to the dedicated LSC Project Manager, who manages centralized grant reporting.
• Resource Development & Sustainability: In collaboration with University Development, identify external funding opportunities, assist in cultivating donors, and draft grant proposals to ensure the long-term sustainability and expansion of CLTM initiatives.
• Budget Oversight: Monitor center-specific budget allocations, program revenue (including Instituto Hispano revenue), and match funding commitments in coordination with the Dean’s Office and JST Finance.

5. Operational & Personnel Management

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate CLTM administrative staff, including the Instituto Hispano Program Coordinator, project staff, and graduate student assistants.
• Direct day-to-day operations of the Center, ensuring efficient administrative processes, event execution, and participant support.
• Oversee marketing, outreach, and communications strategies to promote Center activities and engage prospective students.

6. Other duties as assigned in support of JST’s mission and operational needs

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

Directly supervises professional staff (e.g., Instituto Hispano Program Coordinator), grant-funded staff, and graduate 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 partners, community leaders, and students to solicit 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 grant or program goals.

Ensures completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operational and grant-related functions.

Prepares and submits grant and institutional reports as requested and required.

Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

E. QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires the ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.  Professional qualifications include the following:

1. Scholarly and Professional Expertise 

• Deep knowledge of Latine theology and ministerial formation, and the ways in which they connect to the  pastoral realities of Latine communities in the United States.
• Strong understanding of the values, ideals, and mission of the Jesuit School of Theology and Jesuit higher education, more broadly.
• Knowledge of ATS-accredited graduate theological education and non-degree certificate program structures.

2. Skills

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills in both English and Spanish (bilingual fluency required).
• Strong project management and organizational skills with sharp attention to detail.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills in managing staff, building teams, and facilitating advisory groups.
• Familiarity with grant management processes, grant reporting standards, and budget administration.

3. Abilities

• Ability to engage, collaborate, and build trust with diverse stakeholders, including bishops, diocesan personnel, grassroots pastoral leaders, and faculty.
• Ability to manage grant budgets, track metrics, and meet formal reporting deadlines.
• Ability to navigate organizational transitions and lead strategic program growth.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality.

4. Education

Ph.D., D.Min., or equivalent doctorate preferred; Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Divinity, or a closely related field required.

5. Years of Experience

• Four or more years of  progressively responsible administrative, leadership, or educational experience in a university, theological seminary, or pastoral organization. Experience managing grant-funded programs strongly preferred.

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities.

• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
• Travel between campuses, diocesan locations, and/or partner sites will most likely be required
• May be required to attend conference and training sessions regionally and nationally.
• May be required to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate program events and partner meetings.

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT

JST-SCU allows employees to submit requests for Flexible and Remote work schedules as described in Policy 307 of the SCU employee handbook. If a remote schedule is approved, the school’s standard is that all permanent employees work in person at least 60% of the time. Currently, this position is based at the JST-SCU campus in Berkeley, California. Beginning in Fall 2027, the position will be based at the school’s location on Santa Clara University’s main campus in Santa Clara, California.

• Typical office environment.
• Mostly indoor office environment with windows.
• Offices with equipment noise and frequent interruptions.

This is an initial 3-year fixed-term position, with potential for extension dependent on project milestones, performance, and funding allocation.

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at  https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/. 

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Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.  Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at [email protected] or by phone at (408)554-4392. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact [email protected].