Position Announcement - President
Bexley Seabury Seminary
Position: President
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Chicago, IL
Download a PDF of this position announcement
The Opportunity
With a rich history and vital role in shaping the future of theological education, Bexley Seabury Seminary continues its commitment to preparing compassionate, well-equipped leaders for the church and the world. Bexley Seabury stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation: our next President will help steer the institution toward an exciting new chapter. Inspired by the seminary’s mission and focus on fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth, the President will build on the institution’s strong foundation and enhance Bexley Seabury’s influence by expanding its outreach, increasing partnerships, and ensuring that the institution’s programs and curriculum continue to be relevant in an ever-evolving world. Supporting students in their intellectual development and journeys of faith generates continuous excitement, as does engaging in the broader community to make a positive impact on the world. The next President will lead an institution that is committed to inclusivity, justice, and spiritual renewal, training leaders – both clergy and lay – who will inspire and serve in both church and society.
Position Summary
The President of Bexley Seabury Seminary will lead with vision and faith, guiding the seminary’s spiritual, academic, operational, and fundraising efforts. The President will ensure that the seminary’s mission is fulfilled and foster a community devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the values of the Episcopal Church. This individual will be a dynamic presence in the Church, focusing on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Faith and Vision:
Lead with a deep commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Episcopal tradition.
Advance a healthy, inclusive culture that serves marginalized communities and implements the seminary’s vision, to provide accessible theological education for the leaders of the church.
Academic Leadership:
In collaboration with the Academic Dean, support the needs and ongoing growth of the seminary’s innovative curriculum, including hybrid and remote learning, to meet the needs of a diverse student body and equip them for ministry. Support and encourage faculty in adapting the curriculum for effective teaching and learning.
Build a culture that reflects the seminary’s core values of diversity, collaboration, context-awareness, relationship, accessibility, mission-orientation, and future-focus.
Articulate a compelling vision for theological education that will aid student recruitment and engage potential students and congregations.
Stay informed about trends in theological study and assess the need for new directions and applications.
Develop opportunities to engage with students regularly through lectures, workshops, and events, and be available to teach or speak on behalf of Bexley Seabury Seminary in national settings.
Relationship-Building, Communications, & Board Engagement:
Foster strong communication and trust within the seminary community. Build relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, and the wider Church to enhance visibility and engagement.
Collaborate closely with the Board on strategic initiatives and high-level operational issues.
Engage in mutual accountability with other leaders, fostering candid communication in a safe environment.
Fundraising and Development:
Collaborate closely with the VP of Institutional Advancement to develop and execute the fundraising strategy.
Cultivate relationships with major donors, alumni, and supporters to increase individual giving.
Obtain grants and other major gifts from corporate donors.
Expand program for planned and legacy giving
Financial Management:
Oversee the preparation, management, and reporting of the annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability while aligning resources with institutional priorities.
Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements, including audits, tax filings, and donor reporting.
Act as the primary contact with the seminary’s outside accounting firm, ensuring the timely and accurate flow of needed information.
Develop long-term financial strategies to support Bexley Seabury’s growth, online program development, and future infrastructure needs, including maintaining a long-term financial model.
Operations:
Provide executive oversight to administrative staff and foster a collaborative environment among dispersed teams, ensuring effective communication and accountability.
Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, valuing learning and a commitment to quality.
Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development.
Serve as the primary integrator of Bexley Seabury’s strategic goals into daily operations, ensuring alignment between academic programs, student services, and faculty support across both virtual and in-person environments.
Lead efforts to enhance operational efficiencies, streamlining processes, and utilizing digital tools to support the seminary’s online learning platforms.
Develop and maintain policies to mitigate institutional risks related to operations, compliance, and safety, particularly in a hybrid learning context. Oversee relationships with outside legal counsel and insurance providers.
Qualifications
A deep personal faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the Episcopal Church’s values of inclusivity, justice, and reconciliation.
Proven experience in leadership, vision implementation, and managing both academic and operational functions.
A proven track record of successful fundraising and relationship-building skills, with experience engaging donors and stakeholders.
Advanced theological education or significant experience in theological education.
Understanding and appreciation for hybrid and remote learning models.
About Bexley Seabury
Our Mission: The Seminary beyond walls, Bexley Seabury educates, forms, and inspires the body of Christ to blaze new pathways for prophetic and pastoral service in response to God’s call. Bexley Seabury leads Episcopal theological education through its commitment to forming faithful leaders grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ. We value inclusivity and care for marginalized communities, while offering rigorous academic and spiritual formation. Bexley Seabury creates intentionally inclusive and accessible space that balances a long legacy with the future of theological education. Our commitment includes supporting Indigenous communities through our innovative mentor-assessed program. A leader in online and hybrid formation, Bexley Seabury Seminary embodies a "seminary beyond walls.
" Based in Chicago, students participate from around the world.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation for the President includes a competitive salary ($170,000-$200,000) commensurate with experience and an excellent package of employee benefits which include medical, dental, vision, professional development, leave and holidays.
To Apply
Interested applicants should send a resume and a statement of interest to Ryan Rasmussen, Partner & Recruiter at rrasmussen@thinkingahead.com.
Bexley Seabury Seminary is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a work environment that supports, inspires and respects all individuals. Personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic ancestry, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic. This applies to every aspect of employment including hiring, training, advancement and termination.
