Executive Director - Flourishing Pastor Network

Grand Canyon University!  One of Arizona’s leading institutions of higher learning. Located in the Valley of Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, GCU is an institutionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University. 

Grand Canyon University’s College of Theology is seeking applicants for a full-time Executive Program Director with faculty responsibilities to begin in the spring semester of 2026. This position provides vital leadership and oversight of Grand Canyon Theological Seminary’s (GCTS’s) new Flourishing Pastor Network in collaboration with seminary leadership, faculty, and network partners. The Seminary operates under the auspices of GCU’s College of Theology. This 12-month position is administrative but will entail a limited teaching load after initial network development.

The Executive Program Director position centers on intra-network development and engagement, providing strategic guidance and leadership across the broader the network, while developing strategic ecclesial relationships in support of pastoral residencies. The role also assists with programmatic development, training, and support of key personnel within GCTS. In coordination with the seminary’s Dean and Assistant Dean as well as the Senior Director, the Executive Director will focus on oversight of network operations, management of relationships with church partners, and expansion of ecclesial partnerships. The Executive Director also works closely with network partners to support long-term sustainability of the network.

Grand Canyon Theological Seminary is the lead school for the Flourishing Pastor Network (FPN), which is a scalable network focused on establishing pastoral residencies in partnership with local churches. The FPN is funded by a large-scale collaborative grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Currently, network membership consists of five theological schools and one parachurch organization specializing in pastoral residency development and support. Central objectives of the network include: 1) Increasing the capacity of seminaries to prepare and support pastoral leaders; 2) Developing and improving pastoral residencies that require partnerships between seminaries and churches; and 3) Developing a sustainable network of seminaries and churches that will support pastoral residencies beyond the grant period.

This position will provide capacity and oversight during the duration of the Lilly Endowment, Inc. grant to Grand Canyon University. The grant commitment dates are January 1, 2026 through December 30, 2030.

Location: Main Campus

Benefits: Full benefits portfolio including tuition package

What You Will Do:

• Provides vital leadership and oversight for the Flourishing Pastor Network (FPN).
• Completes required reports related to grant funding in alignment with outcomes and evaluation plans articulated within the grant proposal.  
• Manages the FPN grant budget and submits required reports related to expenditures for grant-related activities.
• Guides development of internal reporting and analysis of data to fulfill grant-related outcomes and the overarching objectives of the FPN.
• Coordinates with key FPN leaders in the development of a shared infrastructure that will support a sustainable network for pastoral residencies.
• Engages effectively with network partners to ensure alignment to network goals and fulfillment of all network-related objectives.
• Coordinates with key FPN leaders to host and lead regular coordination meetings for Program Directors (virtually).
• Travels to network partner sites to support regular dialogue and coordination across the FPN.
• Collaborates with FPN and GCTS leaders to plan and assist in leading annual meetings of the FPN.
• Develops and manages strategic partnerships with local churches in support of pastoral residency programs and the objectives and learning competencies of associated degree programs, expanding the overall church network of GCTS.
• Hosts strategic events with local church leaders and coordinates activities in support of strategic partnership development, providing resources and support in service to leaders within the ecclesial community.
• Assists with programmatic development, training, and support of key personnel within the FPN.
• Works with key stakeholders to support and incorporate academic, spiritual, and practical aspects of the seminary’s mission in curricular and co-curricular programming.
• Works collaboratively to support deployment of students for pastoral residency opportunities and graduates for ministry roles.
• Teaches courses online or on the main campus after initial network development. 
• Actively participates in department, college and university committees.

What You Will Have:

• PhD or DMin from an accredited institution in biblical studies, theology or Christian history, practical theology, or ministry is required.
• 10 years combined teaching experience at the college level or in combination with church-based educational activities.
• Demonstrated experience in developing strong relational and supportive networks with local pastors and churches.
• Experience in academic administration or relevant managerial experience is preferred.
• Able to provide portfolio of experiences with local church and its activities as well as sample sermons, curriculum lessons, etc.
• Must possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to affirm and teach in accordance with the university’s Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Positions Statement and the College of Theology Covenant.
• Must successfully pass background checks.

Why work at GCU:

• Exceptional workplace benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401K savings plan
• Generous time off plan and 11 paid holidays
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community or at GCU sponsored events
• We also offer full-time employees, their spouses, and dependent children an Education Tuition Discount Program

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