Church Relations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Description:

Valparaiso University seeks a strategic and relationship-oriented professional to serve as Director of Lutheran High School Partnerships. Reporting to the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, this position will shape the University's efforts to strengthen, expand, and steward relationships with Lutheran high schools, educational organizations, and key faith-based stakeholders across the country.

The Director will serve as a representative of Valparaiso University's Lutheran identity and mission while developing and executing a comprehensive recruitment strategy designed to increase awareness, engagement, and enrollment from Lutheran secondary schools and communities.

This position requires an experienced professional who understands Lutheran education, values relationship-building, and can effectively engage school leaders, counselors, ministry leaders , alumni, families, and prospective students.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lutheran Mission and Identity Expression and Engagement
  • Articulate and promote Valparaiso University's Lutheran identity, mission, and distinctive educational experience.
  • Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, staff, campus ministry, alumni relations, and advancement to strengthen Lutheran high school partnerships.
  • Assist in developing programs and initiatives that deepen the University's engagement with Lutheran high schools.
  • Serve as a trusted ambassador for the University within Lutheran educational networks.
• Relationship Development and Outreach
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with Lutheran high school principals, counselors, teachers, campus ministers, and administrators nationwide.
  • Serve as Valparaiso University's liaison to Lutheran secondary schools and Lutheran educational organizations.
  • Develop and execute strategies that increase inquiries, applications, enrollment, and yield from Lutheran high schools and affiliated communities.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and cultivate new relationships that support enrollment growth.
  • Maintain regular communication with key Lutheran school and church partners.
  • Represent Valparaiso University at Lutheran conferences, educational events, church gatherings, and professional meetings.
• Recruitment and Enrollment Strategy
  • Develop and implement a recruitment plan focused on Lutheran high schools and Lutheran-affiliated communities.
  • Manage a recruitment territory consisting of Lutheran high schools and related organizations across the United States.
  • Conduct school visits, presentations, and relationship-building meetings.
  • Coordinate special events, campus visit programs, and engagement opportunities for Lutheran students and families.
  • Collaborate with admissions counselors to ensure timely follow-up and personalized communication with prospective students.
• Data and Assessment
  • Monitor enrollment trends from Lutheran schools and communities.
  • Track recruitment activity, relationship development efforts, and enrollment outcomes.
  • Provide regular reports and recommendations regarding Lutheran recruitment strategies and partnership opportunities.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Required
  • Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in admissions, enrollment management, education, church relations, ministry, secondary school leadership, advancement, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated understanding of Lutheran education and Lutheran church communities.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States.
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Preferred
  • Experience working in Lutheran secondary or higher education.
  • Familiarity with the Lutheran Church and broader Lutheran educational networks.
  • Experience cultivating strategic partnerships and external relationships.
  • Knowledge of enrollment management and student recruitment practices.

Desired Characteristics

The successful candidate will be:

• A relationship builder who enjoys connecting people and institutions.
• Comfortable engaging faith-based school leaders, ministers , parents, and students.
• Passionate about Lutheran education and higher education.
• Self-directed and entrepreneurial.
• Skilled at cultivating long-term partnerships.
• Able to represent the University with professionalism, warmth, and credibility.

Additional Information 

• This position requires significant regional and national travel, including visits to Lutheran high schools, educational conferences, church events, and University-sponsored programs.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

Cover letter

Resume

List of 3 professional references

Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Carrie Palkovich, Director of Admission

Valparaiso University