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
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