Associate Dean, Center for Leadership Studies (CFLS), and Assistant/Associate Professor in the College of Ministry (COM)

Position Details

Position Summary

Northwest University invites applications for a faculty/administrator position. This Associate Dean level position will provide academic and administrative leadership for the PhD and EdD in Organizational Leadership programs housed within the Center for Leadership Studies (CFLS), as well as serve as a faculty member in the College of Ministry (COM).

The successful candidate will be an energetic and collaborative academic leader who provides strategic vision for doctoral education, advances student success, and supports faculty excellence as well as being a minister of the gospel with strong practical experience and a passion for preparing students for effective service in the local church and in varied ministry contexts. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned leader who can oversee all aspects of the PhD and EdD programs as well as a ministry practitioner with strengths in ministry education and formation, with additional area(s) of expertise that may include intercultural studies, youth ministry, children’s ministry, and/or other related fields. This leader will also be tasked with strengthening enrollment in the doctoral programs, creating partnerships in the local Christian community, and driving innovation in these key programs.

Candidates must possess a meaningful commitment to Jesus Christ, the church, and the Gospel. We seek an individual with a winsome, encouraging, and engaging faith. Candidates with experience mentoring diverse students, including international students, preferred.

Application review will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. 

Please note this position is also posted as a part-time (.5 FTE) option, removing the role of Assistant/Associate Professor in the College of Ministry. For the two positions posted, we will be hiring 1 full-time Associate Dean/COM Professor or 1 part-time Associate Dean to fulfill the position. Please refer to our job opportunities page for additional details on the alternative posting.

Essential Functions

• Provide leadership and oversight for the PhD and EdD programs in Organizational Leadership.
• Lead recruitment efforts for doctoral candidates, including outreach, marketing collaboration, enrollment strategy, and admissions yield initiatives.
• Assist with doctoral admissions processes, including evaluation, interview, and selection of candidates.
• Oversee comprehensive examinations, dissertation proposal approvals, defenses, and degree completion processes.
• Collaborate with faculty to ensure curricular excellence and alignment with accreditation standards.
• Supervise and support doctoral faculty, including evaluation and professional development.
• Lead program assessment, continuous improvement initiatives, and accreditation-related activities.
• Serve on university governance committees and perform faculty service work as appropriate.
• Participate in strategic planning and financial stewardship for CFLS.
• Drive strategic initiatives aimed at increasing enrollment in doctoral programs, expanding collaboration with external partners, and deepening engagement with the local Christian market.
• Teach undergraduate courses across Pastoral Ministries and related programs, appropriate to a half-time responsibility.
• Serve as an effective mentor and academic advisor for students in undergraduate majors connected to the faculty member’s areas of expertise and provide program leadership in those areas.
• Collaborate with the COM Dean on relevant curricular development and program assessment.
• Contribute to undergraduate core curriculum courses in Bible and/or Theology as needed.
• Develop new courses in areas of ministry specialization as needed.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and, as appropriate, scholarship related to teaching and ministry practice.

Qualifications

• Earned academic doctorate (PhD or EdD) in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education, Leadership Studies, Ministry, or a closely related field.
• Experience directing educational programs.
• Proven ability to attract, recruit, and retain high-quality doctoral students through strategic enrollment and relationship-building efforts.
• Record of excellence in teaching and scholarship appropriate for appointment on the faculty.
• Experience working in higher education, with students and faculty. Background in doctoral education preferred.
• Evidence of successful mentoring of diverse students and faculty
• A demonstrated, vibrant evangelical faith compatible with the mission of Northwest University and the Assemblies of God.
•  Holds credentials with the Assemblies of God or is willing and able to pursue credentialing.
• Willingness to integrate a faith-based worldview into doctoral education, ministry training, advising, and program leadership.
• Experience establishing relationships and creating partnerships, including with local churches.

Compensation

Based on education, experience and the established salary schedule, this position has a pay range of $67,336 - $85,002. 

Application Requirements

For full consideration, please submit the following:

• Letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae (including a list of courses taught)
• A list of three professional references with e-mail and phone contact information
• A statement explaining how the candidate’s Christian faith shapes his or her approach to the field of organizational leadership.
• A brief narrative describing the candidate’s personal Christian faith, practice, and current local church affiliation.

Applications may be submitted by email to Sarah Drivdahl, Academic Provost, Northwest University at sarah.drivdahl@northwestu.edu.

Contact Information

Sarah Drivdahl, Provost Northwest University
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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.

Northwest University

Northwest University is a Christian coeducational undergraduate and graduate institution, related to the Assemblies of God, offering baccalaureate and master's, and doctoral level education. The sixty-acre campus is located in Kirkland, Washington, just ten miles from downtown Seattle. The campus is an ideal setting for study, recreation, and inspiration and is centrally located and convenient to industry, business, and commercial activities.

Mission Statement

We, the people of Northwest University, carry the call of God by continually building a learning community dedicated to spiritual vitality, academic excellence, and empowered engagement with human need.

In addition, all faculty members at Northwest University must subscribe to our Statement of Faith.

Accreditation

Northwest University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (regional). The University is endorsed by the Commission on Christian Higher Education of the Assemblies of God and the Association of Christian Schools International. The University holds membership in the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities.

Northwest University's College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The Buntain College of Nursing’s baccalaureate degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. In addition, the College of Nursing has received approval from the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. The University is also approved by the Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of Washington to prepare elementary and secondary education teachers and recommend for certification. It is a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Northwest University's doctoral program in counseling psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

The University is approved by the Federal and State Governments for student aid programs and for the training of international students. Selected programs of study are approved by a Washington State Approving Agency for enrollment of those eligible for benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, U.S. Code and by Washington State for training in Vocational Rehabilitation. It is listed in the current bulletin, "Accredited Higher Education Institutions," published by the U.S. Office of Education.

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