Visiting Professor - SFTS Newhall Chair Practical Theology Visiting Professor​/Lilly Pa

APPOINTMENT: The SFTS Newhall Chair for Practical Theology Visiting Professor/ Lilly Pathways Grant Director, Mastery Based Theological Education

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: San Francisco Theological Seminary

Months: 12 months (Full-Time)

SALARY RANGE: $70,304-$80,000

HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW: BROCHURE

AVAILABLE: August
2026

POSTING DATE: March 9, 2026

Final date to receive applications: Open until filled.

Under the oversight of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Eli Lilly Mastery Based Theological Education (MBTE) Pathways Grant Director is responsible for the general oversight of MBTE program development, post-award budget decisions, maintaining official records for grantor reporting, developing and implementing the MBTE curriculum, supporting and overseeing MBTE faculty, identifying external sources of support, and implementing technological platforms upon which the MBTE project can be developed and marketed.

The role requires a combination of leadership and networking skills, strategic planning, curriculum development, and serving as a liaison with the SFTS community, Redlands colleagues, denominational judicatories, and congregations while ensuring quality education for interested learners.

This is an annually renewed 12-month SFTS Visiting Professor position that will span no more than five (5) years. As the Newhall Visiting Professor of Practical Theology, the Grant Director will receive a teaching load release commensurate with administering and teaching within the MBTE program. Local residency is preferred.

This position is funded through the Eli Lilly MBTE Pathways Grant and is expected to continue through 2030, contingent upon ongoing grant support. If grant funding ends earlier, the appointment will conclude at that time. The University will attempt to provide two weeks’ notice prior to the end of the appointment but is not obligated to do so. This is an at-will position.

• Oversee the implementation and administration of the MBTE program, ensuring compliance with all grant requirements.
• Manage the grant calendar to track MBTE development, report due dates, and identify potential new grant opportunities.

• Work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) on program development, budgeting, marketing, and messaging that articulates and reflects the SFTS mission and values.
• Establish and maintain relationships with funders and potential donors through regular communication and updates on project progress.

• Train and mentor MBTE faculty and staff.
• Support research methods, maintain archives of research findings, and assist with marketing and communication efforts with collaborators, partners, and learners.

• Conduct grant administration including compliance monitoring, financial reporting, and gathering feedback on the effectiveness of the MBTE program.
• Propose and implement program adjustments or improvements to ensure continuous program development.

• Research, identify, and pursue external opportunities that align with MBTE goals and present viable partnership opportunities.
• Provide leadership in identifying partners, faculty support opportunities, endowment or scholarship development, constituent engagement, and community involvement related to MBTE.
• Lead program design, budget implementation, and evaluation of the Eli Lilly Pathways MBTE grant project.
• Develop internal procedures for documentation and tracking of MBTE program activities.
• Conduct and coordinate research and data collection related to MBTE, congregations, and the vocational development of religious leaders.
• Advise the Principal Investigator regarding effective grant management practices.
• Work with SFTS faculty and staff while identifying University of Redlands collaborators to advocate for and support the MBTE program.
• Serve as a liaison with funding organizations, community organizations, congregations, and denominational…