Director of Border Engagement Ministries

Job Summary

PLNU is seeking a relational and mission-driven Director of Border Engagement Ministries to create transformative opportunities for students to engage in cross-cultural ministry along the San Diego-Tijuana border region. This role integrates spiritual formation, experiential learning, and partnership development to foster meaningful engagement in local and global contexts.

Salary: Pay range $70,304 - $75,000. Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate's experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Job Status: Full time

What We're Looking For

• Strong experience in cross-cultural ministry, missions, or community engagement, and is bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships with churches, nonprofits, and ministry leaders
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and mentoring student leaders
• Strong program planning and execution skills across multiple initiatives
• Ability to navigate complex cultural, social, and border-related dynamics with sensitivity
• Effective communicator with public speaking and group facilitation experience
• Ability to manage logistics for trips, events, and ministry programs
• Experience assessing programs and implementing continuous improvements
• Strong collaboration skills to work across campus departments and with external partners
• Ability to manage budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of program funds

What You'll Be Doing

• Develop and implement a diverse portfolio of ministry opportunities including day trips, weekend experiences, and extended immersion programs
• Recruit, train, and mentor student leaders to plan and lead ministry experiences in collaboration with host partners
• Build and maintain relationships with Church of the Nazarene leaders and other ministry partners in Mexico and the Southwest U.S.
• Coordinate logistics for ministry trips including travel, scheduling, and participant preparation
• Recruit and support faculty, staff, and alumni sponsors participating in ministry programs
• Assist in the development and coordination of summer ministry internship opportunities
• Serve as a campus pastor supporting chapel, student spiritual care, and Christian formation initiatives
• Evaluate program safety and make informed decisions in collaboration with university leadership
• Conduct program assessments and implement improvements based on findings
• Plan and facilitate educational events and border engagement experiences in collaboration with faculty and departments
• Serve as campus pastor for Liberty Station Chapel services alongside a chapel intern designated to serve at Liberty Station.
• Manage program budgets and ensure financial accountability

Qualifications

• A minimum of bachelor's degree in ministry, educational leadership, or a related field; master's degree preferred
• Understanding the Church of the Nazarene, its theological foundations, organizational structure, and mission history
• District License/Ordination in the Church of the Nazarene preferred
• Knowledge of the San Diego/Tijuana border region with special regard to immigration and other pressing social issues
• Oral and written communication fluency in both Spanish and English
• Public speaking ability
• Ability to relate to and understand contemporary university students
• Strong organizational and administrative skills and ability to work independently and accomplish tasks under deadline stresses
• Understanding and experience in cross-cultural ministry, Christian missions, and compassionate ministries
• Positive, friendly attitude and the ability to function effectively with colleagues as part of a professional Spiritual Development team
• Availability for regular travel for site visits and planning meetings
• Physical ability for prolonged periods of office work and meetings, including regular use of computer equipment
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily sedentary with extended periods of sitting
• Use of computer equipment including keyboard, mouse, and monitor
• Vision to read documents and digital correspondence
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and by phone
• Ability to stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 pounds
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for ministry programs and site visits