Stabilitas Project Director

The School of Theology invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position as Director of the Stabilitas Project.  

The Director of the Stabilitas Project directs the Phase Four Pathways to Tomorrow Initiative, funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc., for Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary (SOT/Sem). This five-year grant, in partnership with The Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) and Catholic Extension Society, builds the capacity of rural dioceses to invest in the formation of permanent deacons and lay ecclesial ministers, both through fiscal and programmatic support provided by the SOT/Sem and its partners.  

The Director manages vital grant partnerships in three principal areas.  First, the Director facilitates on-going external collaboration with partner dioceses around ministerial formation for lay and diaconal candidates with emphases on convening the Formation Council, leading assessments, and program/curriculum design.  Second, the Director ensures coordination of SOT/Sem administrative resources and initiatives with focus on establishing an Administrative Steering Committee and a resource and communication platform.  Third, the Director coordinates SOT/Sem, MACC, and diocesan endowment initiatives with support from the Catholic Extension Society and SOT/Sem’s Development Office with emphasis on coordinating a Financial Steering Committee. The Director may also have opportunity to teach courses in the SOT/Sem.   

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visitCSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

• Cultivate, manage, and deepen the SOT/Sem relationships with the grant’s partner dioceses through particular focus on convening and leading a “Formation Council” of liaisons. 
• Design and implement formation-related diocesan needs assessments and support progress toward identified goals. 
• Regularly evaluate progress with the grant’s core operations and key activities, adapting as needed. 
• Liaise with grant partners at MACC and Catholic Extension and internal partners at SOT/Sem, 
• Oversee the Administrative Steering Committee with focus on partner communication and coordinating programmatic resources for diocesan partners.  
• Foster the SOT/Sem’s on-going curricular investment in rural theology and ministry with attention to lay and diaconal ministry. 
• Manage grant budget and provide annual reports and evaluation to Lilly Endowment, Inc., SOT Dean, SJU Business office, MACC President, and Board of Regents, attending grant-related conferences and workshops. 
• Supervise staff assistant  
• Offer formation related programming or coursework as needed 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in Theology, Ministry or equivalent experience and education required
• Record of effective leadership and program administration  
• Experience collaborating comfortably with Roman Catholic ecclesial systems  
• Commitment understanding ministry in rural contexts 
• Demonstrated organization and management skills working among multiple stakeholders 
• Experience with curriculum or program development and implementation 
• Ability to facilitate group process using strong oral, written, and digital communication skills 
• Commitment to the Catholic and Benedictine mission of the School of Theology and Seminary 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD, DMin, EdD, or equivalent with a background in practical or pastoral ministry
• Ministerial or leadership experience in rural contexts
• Spanish language proficiency
• Teaching experience in a college or graduate theological setting

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Requires working at a computer for extended periods, including typing, reading from a screen, and using various software programs essential for the role.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. 
• Occasional local travel, monthly regional travel, and 3–5 national trips annually

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or[email protected].

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.