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Program Director
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Position Details Position Title: Program Director
Position Number: 8102859
Work Modality: Fully Remote
Job Category: University Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Campus: Off-Campus/Remote
Department: Institute for Pastoral Studies
Location: Institute of Pastoral Studies (03200A)
Grant Funding: Yes
Position Summary Loyola University Chicago seeks a dynamic and efficient leader to serve as national director of the grant‑funded Catholic Education Network to Enact and Resource Synodality (CENTERS). Growing out of engagement with the 2021‑2024 Synod on Synodality, the sixteen‑university network housed at Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Pastoral Studies seeks to cultivate synodal leadership across Catholic Higher Education nationally, in close conversation with local dioceses and international partners, including the Holy See. The Director serves as the executive officer for the CENTERS Initiative, ensuring that collaborative projects, fellowships, convenings, communications, evaluation, and budgeting proceed on schedule, and reflect synodal principles. Other responsibilities include developing and aligning with the consensus of the Steering and Leadership Committees, liaising with Lilly Endowment, overseeing day‑to‑day operations, coordinating the inter‑institutional network, and driving strategic planning and implementation for all grant‑supported activities. The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree in theology, leadership, or a related field (ideally a terminal degree), demonstrated organizational and administrative expertise, and a fluency in the contours of policy, strategic vision, mission/identity, and organizational management in both church and university contexts. A familiarity with the methods of synodality and community organizing is desired, but not strictly necessary. The Director also teaches one graduate course each academic year that advances theological and pastoral understandings of and engagement with synodality.
Key Responsibilities Program Leadership & Governance
Serve as executive officer for the CENTERS Initiative, translating committee decisions into actionable plans
Chair (or co‑chair) Leadership Committee meetings when rotating into that role and prepare materials for all Steering Committee sessions
Maintain and grow productive relationships with Core Partners, Network Participants, Regional Tables, Advisory Council, bishops, and external collaborators
Ensure program alignment with Vatican implementation timeline (2026‑28) and synodal methods and virtues
Project & Grant Management
Develop and manage annual work plans, grant timelines; monitor deliverables across multiple workstreams
Oversee sub‑grants to partner schools, ensuring compliance with Lilly Endowment guidelines and Loyola’s sponsored‑program policies
Coordinate national convenings, advise and support core partners for regional gatherings and other activities; assist as needed with the Synodal Adsumus Fellowship program
Serve as primary liaison with Lilly Endowment at all stages to ensure compliance and mission alignment
Coach Network Participant liaisons in synodal leadership and movement building
Evaluation & Learning
Partner with external evaluators to design and implement the performance‑indicator framework; steward data collection and continuous‑improvement cycles
Translate findings into actionable insights for committees, funders, and public audiences and scholarly audiences
Implement standardized evaluation rubrics for pilot projects and regional activities
Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
Supervise contracted communication consultants; produce reports, web content, and thought‑leadership pieces that amplify project impact
Serve as primary spokesperson to Lilly Endowment, media, and ecclesial networks
Coordinate dissemination of best practices and pilot project outcomes
Represent CENTERS at professional conferences and ecclesial gatherings
Financial Oversight
In collaboration with IPS finance staff, prepare the annual CENTERS budget, authorize expenditures, and forecast long‑term sustainability strategies
Support collaborative fundraising efforts for program sustainability beyond grant period
Work with network partners on fundraising, endowment development, and long‑term governance planning
Team Supervision
Hire, mentor, and evaluate any needed project staff, graduate assistants, and volunteers; foster a collaborative, synodal work culture
Coordinate with Loyola faculty and offices (e.g., Advancement, Marketing, Sponsored Programs) to embed CENTERS within university systems and leverage additional resources
Teaching & Academic Integration
Design and teach one graduate‑level course per year that advances students’ understanding of synodality and connects directly to CENTERS programming
Mentor students involved in CENTERS research and fellowship activities
Support integration of synodal principles into broader IPS curriculum and formation programs
Additional Responsibilities
Perform other activities as assigned to advance the CENTERS mission
Travel frequently to network institutions, regional gatherings, and national conferences (approximately 25‑30% of time)
Required Qualifications Knowledge and Expertise
Deep understanding of Catholic ecclesiology, particularly synodal theology and Vatican II
Knowledge of Catholic social teaching and its applications in institutional contexts
Familiarity with contemporary challenges in Catholic theological education and ministry formation
Understanding of participatory pedagogies and adult learning principles
Awareness of global Catholic Church developments and papal teaching
Skills and Competencies
Exceptional organizational and project management abilities, including experience with workplan development, timeline management, and risk assessment
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to serve as spokesperson to diverse audiences
Proven ability to facilitate collaborative decision‑making processes and translate committee decisions into actionable plans
Experience with meeting planning, event coordination, and logistics management
Proficiency in digital collaboration tools, database management, and budget oversight
Ability to supervise staff and foster collaborative, synodal work culture
Experience with external evaluation processes and data‑driven continuous improvement
Ability to travel frequently (approximately 25‑30% of time)
Intercultural competency and sensitivity to diverse ecclesial contexts
Personal Attributes
Commitment to synodal values of dialogue, participation, and co‑responsibility
Collaborative leadership style aligned with participatory ecclesiology
Spiritual maturity and understanding of contemplative dimensions of leadership
Flexibility and adaptability in dynamic, emerging organizational contexts
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work across diverse Catholic institutions
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience with Lilly Endowment grants or similar large‑scale ecclesial initiatives
Background in Catholic community organizing or grassroots ecclesial movements
Experience with Vatican offices or international Catholic organizations
Demonstrated experience in fundraising and development activities
Graduate‑level teaching experience in Catholic theological education
Fluency in Spanish or other languages relevant to U.S. Catholic diversity
Published scholarship or presentations in areas related to synodality, ecclesiology, or theological education
Network of relationships within Catholic higher education or diocesan leadership
Experience with external evaluation and assessment processes
Minimum Education and/or Work Experience
Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Studies, Ministry, or related field; Doctorate preferred
Minimum 7‑10 years of experience in Catholic higher education, theological education, or ecclesial leadership
Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi‑institutional collaborative projects
Proven track record in grant administration and program management, preferably with Lilly Endowment or similar large‑scale initiatives
Experience with Catholic Church structures, governance, and contemporary ecclesial movements
Teaching experience at the graduate level preferred
Benefits and Salary Position Maximum Salary: $70,000 per annum Position Minimum Salary: $60,000 per annum
Employment Equity Loyola University Chicago adheres to all applicable federal, state, and/or local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Please see the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy.
Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Supplemental Questions
* Do you possess a Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Studies, Ministry, or a closely related field? Yes No
* Do you have at least seven years of professional experience in Catholic higher education, theological education, or ecclesial leadership? Yes No
* Why do you want to work for Loyola University Chicago? (Open ended question)
* How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Public Job Posting Internal Job Posting Agency Referral Advertisement/Publication Personal Referral Website Other
* How do your personal values align with Loyola University Chicago's mission and values? (Open ended question)
Loyola University Chicago | Information: (773) 508-6000 1032 W Sheridan Rd | Chicago, IL | 60660 2018 (c) Loyola University Chicago | University Policies
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Details Position Title: Program Director
Position Number: 8102859
Work Modality: Fully Remote
Job Category: University Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Campus: Off-Campus/Remote
Department: Institute for Pastoral Studies
Location: Institute of Pastoral Studies (03200A)
Grant Funding: Yes
Position Summary Loyola University Chicago seeks a dynamic and efficient leader to serve as national director of the grant‑funded Catholic Education Network to Enact and Resource Synodality (CENTERS). Growing out of engagement with the 2021‑2024 Synod on Synodality, the sixteen‑university network housed at Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Pastoral Studies seeks to cultivate synodal leadership across Catholic Higher Education nationally, in close conversation with local dioceses and international partners, including the Holy See. The Director serves as the executive officer for the CENTERS Initiative, ensuring that collaborative projects, fellowships, convenings, communications, evaluation, and budgeting proceed on schedule, and reflect synodal principles. Other responsibilities include developing and aligning with the consensus of the Steering and Leadership Committees, liaising with Lilly Endowment, overseeing day‑to‑day operations, coordinating the inter‑institutional network, and driving strategic planning and implementation for all grant‑supported activities. The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree in theology, leadership, or a related field (ideally a terminal degree), demonstrated organizational and administrative expertise, and a fluency in the contours of policy, strategic vision, mission/identity, and organizational management in both church and university contexts. A familiarity with the methods of synodality and community organizing is desired, but not strictly necessary. The Director also teaches one graduate course each academic year that advances theological and pastoral understandings of and engagement with synodality.
Key Responsibilities Program Leadership & Governance
Serve as executive officer for the CENTERS Initiative, translating committee decisions into actionable plans
Chair (or co‑chair) Leadership Committee meetings when rotating into that role and prepare materials for all Steering Committee sessions
Maintain and grow productive relationships with Core Partners, Network Participants, Regional Tables, Advisory Council, bishops, and external collaborators
Ensure program alignment with Vatican implementation timeline (2026‑28) and synodal methods and virtues
Project & Grant Management
Develop and manage annual work plans, grant timelines; monitor deliverables across multiple workstreams
Oversee sub‑grants to partner schools, ensuring compliance with Lilly Endowment guidelines and Loyola’s sponsored‑program policies
Coordinate national convenings, advise and support core partners for regional gatherings and other activities; assist as needed with the Synodal Adsumus Fellowship program
Serve as primary liaison with Lilly Endowment at all stages to ensure compliance and mission alignment
Coach Network Participant liaisons in synodal leadership and movement building
Evaluation & Learning
Partner with external evaluators to design and implement the performance‑indicator framework; steward data collection and continuous‑improvement cycles
Translate findings into actionable insights for committees, funders, and public audiences and scholarly audiences
Implement standardized evaluation rubrics for pilot projects and regional activities
Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
Supervise contracted communication consultants; produce reports, web content, and thought‑leadership pieces that amplify project impact
Serve as primary spokesperson to Lilly Endowment, media, and ecclesial networks
Coordinate dissemination of best practices and pilot project outcomes
Represent CENTERS at professional conferences and ecclesial gatherings
Financial Oversight
In collaboration with IPS finance staff, prepare the annual CENTERS budget, authorize expenditures, and forecast long‑term sustainability strategies
Support collaborative fundraising efforts for program sustainability beyond grant period
Work with network partners on fundraising, endowment development, and long‑term governance planning
Team Supervision
Hire, mentor, and evaluate any needed project staff, graduate assistants, and volunteers; foster a collaborative, synodal work culture
Coordinate with Loyola faculty and offices (e.g., Advancement, Marketing, Sponsored Programs) to embed CENTERS within university systems and leverage additional resources
Teaching & Academic Integration
Design and teach one graduate‑level course per year that advances students’ understanding of synodality and connects directly to CENTERS programming
Mentor students involved in CENTERS research and fellowship activities
Support integration of synodal principles into broader IPS curriculum and formation programs
Additional Responsibilities
Perform other activities as assigned to advance the CENTERS mission
Travel frequently to network institutions, regional gatherings, and national conferences (approximately 25‑30% of time)
Required Qualifications Knowledge and Expertise
Deep understanding of Catholic ecclesiology, particularly synodal theology and Vatican II
Knowledge of Catholic social teaching and its applications in institutional contexts
Familiarity with contemporary challenges in Catholic theological education and ministry formation
Understanding of participatory pedagogies and adult learning principles
Awareness of global Catholic Church developments and papal teaching
Skills and Competencies
Exceptional organizational and project management abilities, including experience with workplan development, timeline management, and risk assessment
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to serve as spokesperson to diverse audiences
Proven ability to facilitate collaborative decision‑making processes and translate committee decisions into actionable plans
Experience with meeting planning, event coordination, and logistics management
Proficiency in digital collaboration tools, database management, and budget oversight
Ability to supervise staff and foster collaborative, synodal work culture
Experience with external evaluation processes and data‑driven continuous improvement
Ability to travel frequently (approximately 25‑30% of time)
Intercultural competency and sensitivity to diverse ecclesial contexts
Personal Attributes
Commitment to synodal values of dialogue, participation, and co‑responsibility
Collaborative leadership style aligned with participatory ecclesiology
Spiritual maturity and understanding of contemplative dimensions of leadership
Flexibility and adaptability in dynamic, emerging organizational contexts
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work across diverse Catholic institutions
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience with Lilly Endowment grants or similar large‑scale ecclesial initiatives
Background in Catholic community organizing or grassroots ecclesial movements
Experience with Vatican offices or international Catholic organizations
Demonstrated experience in fundraising and development activities
Graduate‑level teaching experience in Catholic theological education
Fluency in Spanish or other languages relevant to U.S. Catholic diversity
Published scholarship or presentations in areas related to synodality, ecclesiology, or theological education
Network of relationships within Catholic higher education or diocesan leadership
Experience with external evaluation and assessment processes
Minimum Education and/or Work Experience
Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Studies, Ministry, or related field; Doctorate preferred
Minimum 7‑10 years of experience in Catholic higher education, theological education, or ecclesial leadership
Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi‑institutional collaborative projects
Proven track record in grant administration and program management, preferably with Lilly Endowment or similar large‑scale initiatives
Experience with Catholic Church structures, governance, and contemporary ecclesial movements
Teaching experience at the graduate level preferred
Benefits and Salary Position Maximum Salary: $70,000 per annum Position Minimum Salary: $60,000 per annum
Employment Equity Loyola University Chicago adheres to all applicable federal, state, and/or local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Please see the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy.
Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Supplemental Questions
* Do you possess a Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Studies, Ministry, or a closely related field? Yes No
* Do you have at least seven years of professional experience in Catholic higher education, theological education, or ecclesial leadership? Yes No
* Why do you want to work for Loyola University Chicago? (Open ended question)
* How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Public Job Posting Internal Job Posting Agency Referral Advertisement/Publication Personal Referral Website Other
* How do your personal values align with Loyola University Chicago's mission and values? (Open ended question)
Loyola University Chicago | Information: (773) 508-6000 1032 W Sheridan Rd | Chicago, IL | 60660 2018 (c) Loyola University Chicago | University Policies
#J-18808-Ljbffr