Program Director

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionGet to Know our Client: Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a Christ-centered institution committed to transforming lives through higher education. With a rich history rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, IWU is dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and preparing students for meaningful careers. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, both on-campus and online, empowering students to pursue their calling in various fields, from healthcare and business to the arts and sciences.Located in Marion, Indiana, with a strong online presence serving a global community, IWU is focused on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that integrates faith with learning. Their innovative approach to education not only equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional success but also nurtures their spiritual and personal growth.IWU is passionate about its mission to create transformative leaders who impact the world with a Christ-centered perspective. Whether students are studying in person on the vibrant campus or virtually from around the world, IWU continues to inspire lifelong learning and leadership in a rapidly changing world.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Program Director of VIA Journeys is responsible for launching, piloting, and operationalizing VIA Journeys as a flagship initiative within the Strategic Innovations (SI) unit.This role exists to ensure that strategy becomes reality. The Program Director brings entrepreneurial leadership, technical fluency, and execution discipline to move VIA Journeys from concept to functioning pilots, platforms, and participant experiences.The Program Director is empowered by the Executive Director of SI to focus fully on delivery, experimentation, and learning, while operating within clear strategic guardrails. Duties and ResponsibilitiesVIA Journeys Launch & ExecutionLead the end-to-end launch of VIA Journeys, including pilots, operational workflows, and participant experiencesTranslate strategic direction into executable plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverablesEnsure VIA Journeys progresses from idea to active implementation with momentum and clarityEntrepreneurial & Pilot LeadershipOperate with an entrepreneurial mindset—testing assumptions, learning rapidly, and iterating responsiblyDesign and manage pilots that validate participant value, operational feasibility, and program designBuild repeatable processes that support early scaling while preserving quality and trustTechnical Fluency & Platform CoordinationServe as the primary program lead coordinating technical and platform-related workPartner with internal and external technical teams to translate program needs into platform requirementsSupport integration with Lantern and other Seminary systems, ensuring usability, reliability, and data integrityPartner & Participant EngagementCoordinate pilot partners, churches, advisors, and ministry leadersBuild feedback loops with pastors and participants to inform continuous improvementEnsure participant experience reflects pastoral sensitivity and theological integrityLearning, Metrics & ReportingDefine and track operational, learning, and pilot metricsProvide clear updates, dashboards, and insights to the Executive Director and Seminary leadershipEnsure lessons learned inform future decisions and phasesSupervisory ResponsibilitySupervises any part-time or full-time personnel assigned to the VIA Journeys initiativeRequirementsMaster's degree or other advanced degree strongly preferred.10+ years of demonstrated experience launching, scaling, and leading programs, products, platforms, or strategic initiatives from concept through execution.Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguity, build from zero to launch, and drive measurable outcomes.Exceptional project and program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex cross-functional initiatives.Experience managing and influencing diverse stakeholders, including approximately 30 external partners, while building strong, collaborative relationships.Strong technical fluency, with the ability to work effectively alongside developers, digital platforms, data systems, and AI-enabled technologies. Experience leading technology initiatives in partnership with technical experts is required.Familiarity with digital learning platforms, SaaS business models, AI integrations, or ecosystem-based initiatives is strongly preferred.Entrepreneurial, startup, or innovation-focused experience, with a demonstrated ability to build and scale new initiatives.Experience working within ministry organizations, churches, or higher education environments is required; experience spanning both sectors is strongly preferred.Demonstrated ability to collaborate across executive leadership, external partners, and cross-functional teams to execute strategic priorities.Strong alignment with the organization's Christian mission, including agreement with the Statement of Faith and Community Life expectations.IWU Kingdom Diversity StatementIWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERAs a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.Indiana Wesleyan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer