Program Manager - Lantz Center

The Program Manager of the Lantz Center provides day-to-day leadership, coordination, and operational management for grant-funded initiatives housed within the Lantz Center for Christian Vocations and Formation and the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs. This position will focus primarily on the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a grant-funded program designed to strengthen Christian preaching through cohort-based formation, peer learning, training, mentoring, innovative use of technology, and public-facing programming for preachers in the Indianapolis metropolitan area and beyond.

Working collaboratively with the University Chaplain and the Indianapolis Preaching Council, the Program Manager helps advance the vision, goals, outcomes, and long-term sustainability of CPI and related grant-funded initiatives. The role requires strong program management, theological insight, ministry experience, creative problem-solving, and the ability to translate program learning into sustainable offerings, services, partnerships, and resources.

This position is grant-funded and is contingent on the availability of future funds.

REQUIREMENTS/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three years of relevant professional experience required, particularly in program coordination, grant-funded initiatives, ministry leadership, theological education, higher education, nonprofit administration, entrepreneurship, communications, business development, or related fields.
• Proven ability to confidently present information and speak effectively before small and large groups is required.
• Demonstrated ability to articulately engage with and discuss Christian worship, preaching, and practices related to vocational discernment.

Preferred

• Master's degree preferred, especially in theology, divinity, religion, ministry, higher education, nonprofit leadership, business, communications, or a related field.
• Five years of relevant professional experience preferred, particularly in program coordination, grant-funded initiatives, ministry leadership, theological education, higher education, nonprofit administration, entrepreneurship, communications, business development, or related fields.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May supervise part-time staff, student employees, interns, graduate assistants, vendors, consultants, or other temporary personnel connected to grant-funded initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide day-to-day leadership and operational management for the Compelling Preaching Initiative, ensuring that program activities, partnerships, communications, budgets, and outcomes remain aligned with the aims of the grant.
• Work collaboratively with the University Chaplain and the Indianapolis Preaching Council to advance the vision, priorities, and strategic goals of the Compelling Preaching Initiative.
• Contribute theological insight and ministry-related thought leadership to CPI programming, resources, cohort development, lab services, public events, and sustainability planning.
• Support the development of the Innovative Preaching Lab as a functional, client-serving, revenue-generating program by helping shape service offerings, identify potential clients and partners, develop systems, support marketing/outreach strategies, and creatively solve operational challenges.
• Help translate CPI's strongest learning, training, and innovation models into sustainable offerings, services, partnerships, digital resources, and/or professional development opportunities for preachers, churches, denominations, and ministry leaders.
• Preach occasionally in chapel and participate in the ecumenical Christian ministry of the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs, under the direction of the University Chaplain.
• Represent the Compelling Preaching Initiative and the Lantz Center in conversations with preachers, churches, denominational leaders, ministry partners, university colleagues, and community stakeholders.
• Conduct follow-up activities for initiatives, including but not limited to evaluation.
• Contribute meaningfully to annual reports for the grants, gathering all necessary data.
• Participate in and support the ecumenical Christian ministry of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs in accord with one's interests and gifts, under the direction of the University Chaplain.
• Follow the guidance and direction of the supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior.
• Abide by the University's policies, procedures, and rules.
• Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Will occasionally work evenings and weekends
• Occasional, minimal travel
• Other duties, including special projects, as required or assigned.