Opportunities in Pastoral Ministry or Related Field

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Villanova University’s Theology & Religious Studies Department seeks to fill the position of Director of Master’s and Certificate Programs. Villanova offers an MA in Theology and an MA in Ministry and Theology, concentration options for the MA (Biblical Studies, Christian Ethics, Christian Spirituality, Historical Theology, Theological Education and Systematic Theology), a track in Chaplaincy Education, and several other certificate programs. (https://www.villanova.edu/university/liberal-arts-sciences/programs/theology/graduate-programs/masters.html) .

This position, appointed as Associate Professor of Practice, will support vibrant, sustainable programming and will administer these programs through a commitment to holistic student formation, from recruitment and admissions through course selection and advising, on through graduation. The Director is a key member of a leadership team in a dynamic department. This will be a 3-year contract, renewable, with a 12-month obligation, with a teaching expectation of 1 course per academic year. An MTS, M.Div, D.Mn, Ph.D. or Th.D. degree or the equivalent is required, and experience in ministry, education, and/or formation is essential. There is a promotion process for faculty in this position.

Application documents should include a cover letter indicating competencies noted above, C.V., unofficial graduate transcripts, statement of response to the department’s mission. Letters of recommendation will be solicited if warranted. All documents can be submitted electronically. To apply, visit https://jobs.villanova.edu/. The Theology & Religious Studies department is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

The deadline to apply is April 24, 2026. 

Oblate School of Theology: More information, can be found here.

The University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML), founded in 1844, is comprised of Mundelein Seminary (the major seminary of the Archdiocese of Chicago, serving over 30 dioceses nationwide), the Pontifical Faculty of Theology, and the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization, the latter of which includes graduate degree programs (DMin, MTS, MAPS, MALS) and non-degree programs (Diaconate, Parish Ministry) in both English and Spanish.

The Director of Formation/Assistant Professor will possess an earned PhD or DMin in Catholic Theology, with preferred specialization in Pastoral Theology, Liturgical Theology, Christian Spirituality, Practical Theology, Religious Education, or a related field (ABD considered), and will report directly to the Dean of the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization. As a member of the School’s faculty, the Director/Assistant Professor will offer a vision and plan for the spiritual, pastoral, intellectual, and human dimensions of our student formation. They will organize/facilitate select formation events, teach 1-2 courses per year, and assist with advising, curriculum development, assessment, and other aspects of our degree and non-degree programs. The Director/Assistant Professor is also responsible for all aspects of the Lilly-funded Thriving Congregations grant, including planning, budget, coordination with the Archdiocese of Chicago, implementation, updating, overseeing a part-time assistant, and reporting to Lilly. 

Beyond the formal grant period, the Director of Formation/Assistant Professor will continue to foster the relationships and program revisions begun by Thriving Congregations, and seek new grants for the School. 

To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, and list of 3 professional references to SPLEsearch@usml.edu. Applications received by March 15, 2026, will be given the fullest consideration. For more information, contact Rita George Tvrtkovic, Dean and Professor of Theology, School for Parish Leadership and Evangelization, rgeorgetvrtkovic@usml.edu.