Dean for the Cornerstone Theological Seminary and School of Ministry

JOB TITLE: Dean of the Cornerstone Theological Seminary and School of Ministry

About Cornerstone University
Founded in 1941, Cornerstone University is a private, Christ-centered institution of higher education committed to preparing students to influence the world for Christ through academic excellence and spiritual formation. Rooted in a biblical worldview, Cornerstone integrates faith and learning across all disciplines, equipping graduates to lead with wisdom, integrity and purpose in a rapidly changing global society.

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan—one of the Midwest’s most vibrant and economically dynamic regions—Cornerstone serves a diverse student body through traditional undergraduate programs, graduate studies and adult and professional education. The University also delivers flexible online offerings that expand access for learners balancing education with career and family responsibilities.

Cornerstone University enrolls approximately 2,000 students across its undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs. The University is organized into several academic units, including the School of Health, Science & Technology, the School of Business & Innovation, the School of Education & Human Services, the School of Ministry, Media & the Arts, and Cornerstone Theological Seminary. Across these schools, students pursue a wide range of degree programs designed to prepare them for meaningful vocations and lifelong service.

The University’s mission—to empower men and women to excel as influencers in our world for Jesus Christ by offering a student-focused learning community where Jesus Christ is central—guides all aspects of institutional life. This mission is supported by core values that emphasize Christ-centeredness, academic rigor, innovation and a deep commitment to student development.

Cornerstone is known for its relational, student-centered environment, where faculty invest deeply in mentoring and teaching. Experiential learning—such as internships, service-learning opportunities and global engagement experiences—ensure that students are well-prepared for both professional success and faithful leadership.

Cornerstone Theological Seminary, a key part of the University, provides graduate-level theological education and leadership development for ministry contexts around the world. Together with the University’s other schools, it contributes to a holistic educational ecosystem that integrates intellectual growth, spiritual formation and professional preparation.

Cornerstone continues to build on its legacy through strategic initiatives focused on program innovation, enrollment growth, student success and expanded community partnerships. With a strong foundation in its historic mission and a forward-looking vision, the University remains dedicated to developing graduates who are equipped to serve, lead and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

About the role:

• CLASSIFICATION: Academic Administration with Faculty Rank
• REPORTS TO: Vice President for Academics
• DEPARTMENT: Cornerstone Theological Seminary
• LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Michigan

SUMMARY:

The Dean of the Cornerstone Theological Seminary graduate programs and School of Ministry undergraduate programs will drive the strategy and implementation for the future of the seminary and ministry programs based on market research and opportunity gaps to include both on campus and innovative online alternatives. The Dean will embody, model, and serve as the chief spiritual, intellectual/academic leader of the school. The Dean will help to expand the reach of the institution through the cultivation of professional contacts and will oversee curriculum and instruction for majors, minors, certificates, and courses in the Schools. The Dean will work with internal university departments and the VPA’s Office to support both online and Grand Rapids campus programming for the schools. The Dean will aid in handling student and faculty issues as they arise and coordinating activity among the various schools. The core of Cornerstone University is defined and driven by its Christ-centered mission and Biblical confession.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Embody, uphold, and model the CU Confession, and the CU Christian World View Statement, Academic Vision Statement, and Beautiful Christian Community Statement and ensure that these are integrated in sophisticated and market-leading ways in how the school: operates, performs, and assesses teaching/learning/and scholarship.

• Embody and demonstrate a passionate commitment to God and the ministry of teaching the next generation which is reflected through programmatic excellence resulting in enrollment growth and the influence of God’s will to the surrounding city and beyond.

• Collaborate with enrollment and marketing to develop and implement growth-oriented strategies resulting in gradual student increases.

• Lead in strategic planning, assessment, and innovation for the School and its programs.

• Develop pathways to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in ministry and transition into seminary.

• Teaches an appropriate load as determined by the VPA on an annual basis.

• Oversees development of innovative and God-centered curriculum and instruction in all programs offered by the CTS and undergraduate ministry programs.

• Manages the School’s budget and prepares plans for future budgets

• Supervises the faculty and staff of the Schools and works with the Office of Academics on faculty evaluation, hiring, and scheduling.

• Working in coordination with the Office of Advancement, seeks and secures on-going and new ministry and philanthropic funding sources, building and maintaining relationships with a select list of donors. Represents University in meeting with potential funding sources for the School when the opportunities arise.

• Maintains ongoing contact with the University's staff regarding programs and plans.

• Actively maintains and explores knowledge about the external environment as it relates to change in higher education, seminaries and the spiritual health of the surrounding area.

• Actively leads the School; inspiring, connecting, and empowering staff, members and stakeholders in achieving the goals of the School.

• Achieve retention effort results within the school as well as student outcomes.

• Fosters an exemplary culture of professionalism, innovation, trust, faithful integrity, optimism, and spirit-led productivity.

• Create Church connections with local congregations to develop mutually beneficial partnerships.

• Work as necessary outside office hours to meet deadlines and address operational emergencies in some cases.

• All Cornerstone University and WCSG employees will regularly interact with students in a variety of projects, activities, and settings. As such all employees are expected to serve as Christian leaders and mentors by effectively living a gospel-centered lifestyle, ministering and discipling through a biblical worldview.

• Other duties may be assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Education, Training and Experience:

  • Pastor with a minimum of a seminary master's degree.

  • Doctorate or nearing completion of a doctoral degree in a field represented in the school(s) preferred.

  • A minimum of 5 – 7 years of ministry or online learning provider leadership.

  • Communication Proficiency

  • Financial Management

  • Initiative and Innovation

  • Personal Effectiveness / Credibility

  • Passion for God and his Word

  • Results Driven

  • Stress Management/Composure

  • Performance Management

• Demonstrated Skill and Ability to:

  • Embody, model, and serve as the chief spiritual, intellectual/academic, and administrative leader of the school.

  • Embody, uphold, and model the CU Confession, and the CU CWV, AV, and BCC and ensure that these are integrated in sophisticated and market-leading ways in how the school: operates, performs, and assesses teaching/learning/and scholarship.

  • Collaborates with Enrollment and Marketing to develop and implement means of promoting and marketing programs to students resulting in enrollment growth.

  • Highly developed interpersonal skills. Ability to meet people with ease.

  • Strong organizational skills, well disciplined, able to work under pressure of many priorities and meet deadlines.

  • Knowledge of long-range planning processes.

• Additional Qualifications:

  • This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, filing systems and other technologies.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian commitment.

• A theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University core commitments evidenced by an ability to affirm and sign the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession.”

• Four other foundational pillars, along with the university’s mission and confession, form Cornerstone’s Core Commitments.

• The Cornerstone Christian World View

• The Cornerstone Academic Vision

• The Cornerstone Beautiful Christian Community

• The Marriage and Human Sexuality Position Statement

These core commitments convey who we are, what we believe and how we live and work together in community. Employees are expected to faithfully attend an evangelical and biblical church whose core beliefs and practices are consistent with Cornerstone’s confession and core commitments.

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Sampling of degrees and credentials available from the Cornerstone Theological Seminary and the School of Ministry:

• Masters of Divinity (M.Div.)
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Ministry
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biblical Studies
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Ministry Leadership
• Master of Theology (Th.M.)
• Christian Apologetics & Christian Worldview Certificate

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