Growth Initiatives Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Strategic Initiatives Specialist

Reporting Relationship: Academic Chair, School of Teacher Education

Unit: IWU-Marion

Department: School of Teacher Education-IWU Marion

Campus Location: Goodman Hall, Marion, IN

Summary of Position:    The School of Teacher Education seeks applications for a Strategic Initiatives Specialist on the Marion, Indiana campus for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a one-year grant funded position. This position leads efforts in developing strategic initiatives that create sustainable growth opportunities for the School of Teacher Education. The STE Strategic Initiatives Specialist will work collaboratively with academic leaders and community stakeholders to research and develop pathways and partnership models for future growth.

Applicants should show commitments to the integration of Christian faith in teaching and practice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Duties and Responsibilities of Strategic Initiatives Specialist:
  • Conduct listening and advisory sessions with community stakeholders
  • Research pathways and partnership models for preservice teachers
  • Assess market trends and high need areas in education preparation
  • Review current state licensing requirements and attend state-sponsored EPP events
  • Develop strategies and initiatives that align with IWU priorities
  • Identify specific initiatives that attract, retain, and prepare candidates for high-need areas
  • Organize and develop specific initiatives for future implementation
• Additional Responsibilities:
  • Attend and participate in advisory board meetings
  • Research available grants that support teacher preparation
  • Assist with fund raising and sustainability plans
• Required/Preferred Skills:
  • Manages large-scale projects and ongoing tasks with little direction
  • Ideates while upholding quality expectations
  • Leads, learns, and collaborates in varied roles
  • Communicates effectively with students, faculty, stakeholders, administrators, teachers, and community members
  • Produces written work with accuracy and clarity 

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred

Experience

• Significant P-12 classroom experience required
• Experience as an instructional coach or curriculum leader preferred

Required Skills

• A commitment to teaching excellence within a Christ-centered academic community is essential
• Demonstrates a mature personal faith in Jesus Christ and embraces the theological and lifestyle commitments of the Wesleyan Church
• Possesses the interpersonal qualities and skills to work effectively as a member of the Indiana Wesleyan University faculty
• Willingness to learn and use our online course management system
• Willingness to learn new instructional strategies and techniques
• Skills in leading others in developing new instructional strategies and techniques

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity.  We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity.  Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth.  We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.