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Seminary Academic Dean Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Indiana Wesleyan University

The Dean partners closely with the EVP, the Chief Academic Officer (CAO), and the Director of Academic Services to ensure that the Seminary's academic programs are missionally grounded, academically ...

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Seminary Academic Dean information

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How much do seminary academic dean jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for seminary academic dean in the United States is $91,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seminary academic dean?

Seminary Academic Deans are senior administrators responsible for overseeing the academic programs, faculty, and curriculum at theological seminaries. They ensure that educational standards are maintained and that courses align with the institution's mission and accreditation requirements. Academic Deans also play a key role in faculty development, student academic affairs, and strategic planning within the seminary. Their leadership helps shape the academic direction and quality of theological education.

How does a seminary academic dean typically collaborate with faculty and administrative staff to enhance academic programs?

A Seminary Academic Dean works closely with faculty to develop and revise curriculum, ensuring that academic programs are both rigorous and aligned with the institution's theological mission. The Dean often leads regular meetings, provides mentorship, and facilitates professional development opportunities for faculty. Additionally, the Dean collaborates with administrative staff on scheduling, accreditation processes, and resource allocation, fostering a supportive and effective academic environment. This collaborative approach helps maintain high academic standards and supports continuous improvement across departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seminary academic dean, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seminary Academic Dean, you need advanced theological education (often a doctorate), experience in academic administration, and a deep understanding of curriculum development and accreditation standards. Familiarity with academic management software, learning management systems (LMS), and accreditation processes is typically required. Strong leadership, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution skills help foster collaboration among faculty, staff, and students. These competencies are crucial for ensuring academic excellence, institutional compliance, and a thriving seminary community.

What is the difference between Seminary Academic Dean vs Seminary Department Chair?

AspectSeminary Academic DeanSeminary Department Chair
CredentialsMaster's or Doctoral degree in theology or related field, administrative experienceMaster's or Doctoral degree, subject expertise, some administrative experience
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, seminary leadership teamsClassrooms, academic departments, faculty meetings
Employer & Industry UsageSeminary administration, overseeing academic programsAcademic departments within seminaries, leading faculty
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Seminary Academic Dean typically oversees the entire academic program, including curriculum and faculty, functioning at a higher administrative level. The Seminary Department Chair focuses on leading a specific academic department or discipline, managing faculty within that area. Both roles require advanced degrees and involve leadership, but the Dean has broader responsibilities across the institution.

What are popular job titles related to Seminary Academic Dean jobs?

For Seminary Academic Dean jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Seminary Academic Dean job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,879 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Dean of the Faculty - Wesley Seminary

Marion, IN • On-site

Indiana Wesleyan University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Indiana Wesleyan Universityexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Indiana Wesleyan University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Dean of the Faculty - Wesley Seminary
Job no: 494816
Work type: Administrative (Full Time)
Location: Marion, IN
Categories: Administrative/Professional
Job Title: Dean of the Faculty - Wesley Seminary
Reporting Relationship: Executive Vice President of Wesley Seminary
Unit: Wesley Seminary
Department: Seminary Administration-Wesley Seminary
Campus Location: Wesley Seminary, Marion, IN
Summary of Position: The Dean of the Faculty serves as the chief academic and faculty leader of Wesley Seminary, providing vision, leadership, and oversight for academic quality, faculty development, curriculum, and program innovation. The Dean partners closely with the EVP, the Chief Academic Officer (CAO), and the Director of Academic Services to ensure that the Seminary's academic programs are missionally grounded, academically rigorous, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the global Church and Christian community, with special emphasis on the Wesleyan denomination and the broader Wesleyan-Arminian tradition.
This role is primarily academic and strategic, with a focus on people, programs, and educational excellence. The Dean shares responsibility for academic innovation, institutional representation, and academic partnerships while collaborating cross-functionally to support the Seminary's broader mission and strategic priorities.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Faculty Leadership and Development
    • Provide leadership for a healthy, collaborative, and mission-centered faculty culture
    • Oversee faculty recruitment, hiring, mentoring, evaluation, promotion, and annual reviews
    • Encourage faculty growth in teaching excellence, scholarship, and professional development
    • Support faculty spiritual formation and missional engagement
    • Lead faculty meetings and facilitate shared governance processes
    • Collaborate with recruitment leadership to utilize faculty at strategic points in the recruitment process
  • Academic Quality and Curriculum Oversight
    • Provide oversight for curriculum development, review, and continuous improvement
    • Ensure academic programs meet graduate theological education standards and reflect Wesley Seminary's mission and theological commitments
    • Lead program assessment processes in collaboration with the faculty and Academic Services
    • Support innovative teaching practices and pedagogical excellence
  • Program Innovation and Development
    • In coordination with the CAO and in partnership with the EVP, identify, design, and launch new academic programs, credentials, and delivery models to drive enrollment growth and meet the ministry's evolving needs
    • Encourage faculty participation in program innovation and emerging ministry needs
    • Provide academic leadership in shaping proposals for new programs and program modifications
  • Academic Strategy and Planning
    • Serve as a key contributor to Seminary-wide academic strategy and long-term planning
    • Advise the EVP on academic trends, faculty capacity, and strategic opportunities
    • Participate in decisions and activities related to program growth, consolidation, or closure
  • Institutional Representation
    • Represent Wesley Seminary in denominational, church, and selected external academic contexts where academic leadership and faculty voice are essential and can contribute to enrollment
    • Serve as an ambassador for the Seminary's academic vision and mission in collaboration with the EVP, CAO, and the VP of Enrollment
  • Academic Partnerships
    • Assist in cultivating and sustaining academic partnerships with seminaries, universities, churches, and ministry organizations
    • Provide academic oversight and faculty engagement for partnership initiatives
    • Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure partnerships are academically sound and missionally aligned
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Work closely with the Director of Academic Services to ensure strong alignment between academic vision and academic operations
    • Collaborate with Admissions, Advancement, Learning Innovation, IT, and University partners to support student success, enrollment growth, and program sustainability
    • Serve as a bridge between faculty and administrative teams, ensuring effective communication and integration of academic priorities
  • Accreditation Support (Academic Leadership Role)
    • In collaboration with the CAO (responsible for accreditation execution and reporting), provide academic leadership and faculty oversight for accreditation processes (ATS, HLC, and related bodies)
    • Review and validate academic components of accreditation reports
    • Prepare faculty for accreditation visits and evaluations
  • Teaching and Scholarship
    • Teach in areas of expertise as appropriate (typically limited to 1-2 courses annually)
    • Maintain scholarly engagement consistent with faculty rank and Seminary expectations
  • Other Responsibilities
    • Fulfill additional academic leadership responsibilities as assigned by the EVP, consistent with the scope and purpose of the role
  • Supervisory Responsibility
    • Provide leadership and supervision to any part-time or full-time:
      • Faculty
      • Assistant Dean
      • Academic Program Directors
      • Faculty Administrative Assistant

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
  • Terminal degree (Ph.D., Th.D., Ed.D., D.Min., or equivalent) in theology, ministry, religious studies, or a closely related field

Experience
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the graduate level
  • Academic leadership experience (e.g., Program Director, Department Chair, Associate Dean, or equivalent)
  • Experience in curriculum development and program assessment
  • Familiarity with ATS standards and theological education accreditation

Required Skills
  • Deep Christian faith aligned with the mission and values of Wesley Seminary and The Wesleyan Church
  • Collaborative, relational, and servant-hearted leadership style
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Commitment to Kingdom diversity, global Christianity, and accessible theological education
  • Visionary and innovative mindset balanced with academic rigor and integrity

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.
Advertised: 31 Jan 2026 US Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 20 Sep 2026 US Eastern Daylight Time
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