Executive Director and Campus Pastor
The University of Oklahoma’s Wesley Foundation is seeking an Executive Director and Campus Pastor.
The Wesley Foundation is a vibrant, growing, and diverse campus ministry on the campus of the University of Oklahoma that exists to provide an environment that inspires young adults to build a strengthened, personal relationship with Jesus. We strive to create a place where students feel genuinely welcome, valued, encouraged, and empowered to follow Jesus.
We seek a dynamic Executive Director and Lead Pastor who can provide strategic leadership for a growing campus ministry. Someone who values the worth and dignity of all people, believing everyone carries God’s image in them and are the children of God. Just as Jesus welcomed everyone into fellowship, the OU Wesley Foundation welcomes all people to our congregation regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental ability, income, or political beliefs. The OU Wesley is committed to doing our best to provide a safe space for all people to explore how the Christian faith can make a difference in their lives.
Our staff team works together with student leaders to create a loving and safe environment where learning can take place.
Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.
General Expectations
• A robust faith in Jesus Christ and a passion for introducing others to a life of faith.
• Interpret and apply the Mission and Vision of The Wesley to reach students with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Maintain time and dedication for personal growth and regular Sabbath rest.
• Be an advocate for all students.
• The ability to work with people of diverse ideological backgrounds
• Be an example of moral and ethical behavior consistent with a disciplined Christian life.
• Teach the practices outlined and consistent with our rich Wesleyan heritage.
• Demonstrate creativity, initiative, and leadership.
• Maintain a cooperative spirit across all church ministry efforts and with church partners.
Management
• Report to the OU Wesley Board of Directors and our UMC District Superintendent.
• Create a vision for the ministry in collaboration with the staff and Board.
• Manage day-to-day business operations.
• Mentor, supervise, and provide direction to staff, ministry interns, and student pastors.
• Meet with and facilitate board operations and development.
• Oversee facility maintenance and upkeep.
• Work with the Board to develop, fundraise, and manage the annual operating budget to meet organizational needs and objectives.
Outreach
• Ensure and coordinate healthy relationships with donors, alumni, pastors, conference officials, and leadership of other campus ministries.
• Lead all outreach to alumni, church stakeholders, and the annual conference.
• Through partnerships with local Methodist congregations, recruit through youth programs and make presentations.
• Oversee and contribute to the OU Wesley newsletter, prepare donor communications, public relations, and other forms of outreach communication.
• Build relationships with university administration and on-campus departments to provide appropriate programs and services to students.
• Participate in a range of activities on campus beyond the Wesley establishing contacts to enhance the ministry’s visibility.
Leadership
• Initiate, develop, and implement programs, services, and experiences that include but are not limited to leadership development, spiritual formation, fellowship, worship, service, interfaith communication/collaboration, and pastoral counseling.
• Coordinate various fundraising activities such as grant writing, donor cultivation, special events, and maintaining stakeholder relationships.
• Teach/Lead student small-groups.
• Provide one-on-one discipleship as needed.
• Provide pre-marital counseling.
• Engage in one-on-one care during a crisis.
• Develop and engage student relationship-building through fun & fellowship activities.
• Mentor student leadership through small groups, discipleship, missions, etc.
• Stay informed of campus ministry/higher education and young adult ministry issues.
Worship
• Minister to the students and the broader community through preaching and teaching.
• Prepare and deliver relevant and meaningful sermons during active school seasons.
• Coordinate all aspects of the Wesley worship experience.
Minimum Qualifications & Skills
• Bachelor’s Degree; M.Div. or equivalent degree preferred.
• An understanding and ministry experience with the theology of the UMC.
• Ministry experience with young adults is preferred.
• Pastoral care experience.
• Collaborative style with the ability to work efficiently across programs and stakeholders.
• Fundraising experience preferred.
• Ordination (or in the process) welcomed.
• Maintains a cooperative and collaborative spirit across all ministry efforts and with all Church partners.
• Demonstrate creativity, initiative, and leadership.
• Value collaboration, teamwork, innovation, and a willingness to try new ideas and learn from others and their experience.
For More Information or to Submit Application, contact:
Mariann Lawson, Chair, OU Wesley Board of Directors
4016 Gloucester Lane, Norman, Oklahoma 73072