Job Details

Dean, College of Biblical Studies

Job no: 494149
Work Type: Staff full-time
Location: Abilene
Categories: Executive

About ACU
Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All qualified applicants for these positions must be professing Christians and be active, faithful members of a congregation of the Churches of Christ and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of the university.

Title of PositionDean, College of Biblical Studies

Posting LocationAbilene, Texas

DepartmentCollege of Biblical Studies

Employee ClassExecutive (Dean)

Basic Responsibilities

Click here to view the Search Prospectus

1. Strategic leadership and vision
2. Academic oversight
3. Student success and spiritual formation
4. External engagement and fundraising
5. Resource and operations management
6. Talent recruitment and development

Essential Duties

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision
   
   
   1. Lead strategic planning and implementation aligned with university priorities.
   2. Foster a culture of academic innovation, Christian spiritual formation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
   3. Champion market-relevant, mission-centered academic programs that engage students and serve the global church.
   4. Provide leadership in data-informed decision-making through metrics and continuous improvement processes.
   5. Serve actively on the Provost's Deans Council and Cabinet.
2. Academic Oversight
   
   
   1. Ensure excellence in curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation, and instructional delivery (SACSCOC, ATS, etc.).
   2. Promote faculty research, scholarship, and integration of faith and learning.
   3. Provide oversight for faculty hiring, evaluation, development, tenure, and promotion processes.
   4. Support experiential and co-curricular learning including internships and ministry placements.
3. Student Success & Formation
   
   
   1. Support initiatives for student academic success, spiritual formation, and vocational discernment.
   2. Promote holistic educational experiences through mentoring, chapel engagement, and collaboration with campus student experience partners..
   3. Ensure effective partnerships with campus partners for recruitment and retention.
4. External Engagement & Fundraising
   
   
   1. Actively engage with congregations, donors, alumni, and ministry leaders.
   2. Develop and lead fundraising strategies in collaboration with the VP for Advancement.
   3. Build and leverage advisory boards (e.g., GST Advisory Board) to enhance the college's visibility and resources.
   4. Regularly engage with churches and church leaders as to build relationships with the college and the university.
5. Resource & Operations Management
   
   
   1. Lead budget planning and financial stewardship for the college and its units.
   2. Supervise college leaders.
   3. Ensure compliance with university policies and promote operational excellence across all departments.
   4. Identify and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for academic, financial, and student outcomes.
6. Talent Recruitment & Development
   
   
   1. Recruit, retain, and mentor Christ-centered, mission-committed faculty and staff.
   2. Support professional development opportunities that align with ACU's values and academic goals.
   3. Promote inclusive hiring practices and cultivate a culture of belonging.

Professional Development Requirements

1. Skills
   
   
   1. Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
   2. Strong interpersonal and collaborative leadership style.
   3. Technological proficiency with academic and administrative software
   4. Ability to manage complexity, make data-informed decisions, and model servant leadership.
2. Training Required
   
   
   1. Adobe Sign and Docusign (electronic forms)
   2. Anaplan (budget software)
   3. Banner (enterprise software)
   4. Concur (travel and expense management)
   5. Compass (student engagement software)
   6. Ongoing professional development internally and externally to the university

Qualifications Required

1. Terminal degree in a relevant discipline (Bible, Theology, Ministry, Christian Education, etc.).
2. Record of scholarly excellence and effective higher education leadership.
3. Demonstrated experience in academic administration, including budgeting, personnel, and strategic planning.
4. Understanding of current trends in theological education, ministry preparation, and church engagement.
5. ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and be an active, faithful member of a congregation of the Churches of Christ.

Preferred

1. Experience leading graduate theological or ministry programs.
2. Fundraising experience and proven ability to grow donor support.
3. Track record of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in curriculum design.

Physical Demands

1. Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain high energy.
2. Flexibility for travel, extended hours, and weekend engagements as needed.
3. Capacity to work on-site regularly and represent ACU in various professional and congregational settings.

Additional Information
For best consideration, please apply by July 31. 2025.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.

Advertised: July 10, 2025 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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