Principal-Dean

Martin Luther University College (Luther) is a theological school, with a diverse, multifaith and community-focused approach to learning. Since its inception, Martin Luther University College has been a leader with long-term vision. Starting as a seminary with four students in 1911, its community grew to found Laurier, and was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Waterloo. Formerly named Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, the Seminary was founded to provide theological training for pastors to serve the two Lutheran Synods in Canada. Lutherans have historically been committed to education generally and post-secondary education in particular. Martin Luther University College has a rich history of academic and research excellence.

While the majority of Luther students come from various Christian backgrounds, students come from roughly 30 different faith traditions or from no faith tradition at all. All are welcome. Luther is a place where spirituality and academic curiosity come together to inspire global citizenship. Academic programming consists of undergraduate, graduate and graduate diploma opportunities. Approximately 195 students are enrolled in Martin Luther University College programs at any one time. Luther offers a Bachelor of Arts, Master's and PhD programs in Divinity, as well as Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy and Spiritualities and Community Engagement. Two Luther students (of the 195) are undergraduates—the rest study in Master's or PhD programs. Another 300 students, who are registered at Wilfrid Laurier University, take Luther courses as electives.

Today, Luther continues to be a vibrant centre of faith-based learning that embraces the diversity of faith and seeks to contribute to the spiritual well-being of a pluralistic society.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Governors, the Principal-Dean is the chief executive and academic officer of Martin Luther University College and carries out all administrative and academic duties mandated by the Board. The Principal-Dean is also a member of faculty and Chair of the University College Senate, which has authority on academic matters. The Principal-Dean serves as the chief voice and interpreter of Martin Luther University College to its constituencies and takes leadership in obtaining support for the University College from all possible sources.

The Principal-Dean will work with the Board, faculty, staff, administration, students, and the broader community to lead strategic and operational planning and development initiatives that advance Luther’s mission and vision, respect its history and traditions, guide the University College toward sustainability, and promote the reputation and unique offerings of Martin Luther University College. The Principal-Dean’s priorities will align with the four strategic goals that guide Martin Luther University College’s institutional mission.

Internally, the Principal-Dean will work to promote a culture of collegiality, collaboration and inclusion amongst faculty, staff and administration. In addition, the Principal-Dean will work with the Luther Community to support strategic growth initiatives, including program development, partnership building, and enhancing institutional visibility and impact.

Key responsibilities for the Principal-Dean will include raising the profile of Luther in the broader community, strengthening core academic programs and fostering new credentialing opportunities, cultivating a shared future within the context of being federated with Wilfrid Laurier University and developing broader partnerships, nurturing spiritual well-being in the Luther, Laurier and broader community, overseeing and implementing Luther’s governance processes, enhancing financial diversity and sustainability, and overseeing administration and operations within the institution.

While holding to personal Christian values and the theological underpinnings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the candidate will demonstrate the capacity to build strategic and supportive relationships and friendships with the faculty, staff and students at Luther, the ecumenical community, the multi faith community, Wilfrid Laurier University and the community at large. In addition to holding an earned PhD, the successful candidate will have a strong teaching and research record with prior management experience and will be a rostered leader of the ELCIC or ELCA in good standing and will bring a progressive, welcoming and inclusive leadership lens.

The next Principal-Dean will possess:

• A PhD, preferably in theology, or a PhD in a related field with a MA in theology, Master of Divinity or equivalent mandatory.
• Demonstrated successful academic administrative leadership experience is required, particularly in an environment characterized by complex governance structures with executive leadership experience managing staff and/or faculty.
• A knowledge and appreciation of the history of the institution, its relationship to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (https://elcic.ca/), and a commitment to maintaining and continuing to build that relationship.
• A Rostered Leader or eligible to be a rostered Leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada., with a commitment to public theology and an ability to communicate it to various public audiences.
• A familiarity with chaplaincy/spiritual care provision would be considered an asset.

To learn more about this opportunity or to request a copy of the Executive Brief, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online at www.kbrs.ca/career/17622749475240000008eSC.