Director of the Intern Program (HR Title: Associate Director, Academic Programs)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

Perkins School of Theology is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, with an extension program in Houston/Galveston. The faculty and staff of Perkins are committed to our mission of equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society. Students study with a faculty, diverse both culturally and in theological perspective, in the School's graduate degree and certificate studies programs. Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all. The oldest graduate professional School at Southern Methodist University, Perkins embraces its setting in the Southwestern United States while seeking to make theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Director of the Intern Program guides candidates for the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Ministry degrees in preparation for leadership in ministry.

The Director has responsibility for supervising the Intern Associate Directors, Staff, and those leading/teaching Intern seminars. The Director works closely with other Perkins faculty, administrators, and staff in fulfillment of the mission of Perkins School of Theology.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee placements, including cold calls. Foster and maintain relationships with agencies, churches, and institutions. Select, train, and work with mentor pastors/mentors (on site supervisors). Train and work with lay teaching committees in each ministry setting. Select and work with consultants.
  
• Place interns in churches/institutions in a variety of contexts. Interview interns. Negotiate suitable placement for each student. Supervises interns for the duration of their internship. Includes leading internship seminars (bi-weekly meetings), field educations, hosting theological reflection conversations with each student, visiting each student on site for evaluation (1-2 times per year).
  
• Curriculum review. Evaluate, in cooperation with lay teaching committees and mentor pastors, the work and learning of interns. Evaluate students needs. Participate as a leader/teacher in all orientations related to the Internship Course: Intern Orientation, Mentor Pastor Orientation, Lay Teaching Committee Orientation, and Consultants Convocation.
  
• Administration and oversight of all aspects of the Intern Program, including, day-to-day operations. Lead public relations efforts for Intern Program, including working with Office of Marketing and Communications on initiatives. Manage collection of photos and videos of internship experiences. Oversee print publications and social media outlets for intern program.
  
• Contribute to the work of Perkins School of Theology, through service on faculty committees and other appointed task forces and groups.
  
• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required for on site lay committee meeting training and evaluations at midterm and end of semesters.
  
• Minimal travel required for on site evaluation of the student and on site orientation of lay teaching committee.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A doctoral degree in Theology and/or Ministerial Studies is required.

A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required. Experience working in Ministerial ordination and/or ministerial experience is required. Experience supervising staff is also required. Experience supervising seminary students is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate knowledge of best ministerial practices as well as familiarity with non-profit organizations in Texas and contiguous states is a plus.

Candidate must have a significant working knowledge of computers and MS Office, as well as Canvas LMS.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by November 15, 2024.

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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