Director of Partnerships and External Relations for Seminary

Location : 1717 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 2026-00659
Department: School of Grad & Prof Studies
Opening Date: 05/06/2026


Position Summary

Department: Seminary
Reports To: Dean, School of Graduate and Professional Studies
Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time (Grant-funded position)
This role serves as a key external-facing leader for the Seminary, focused on building strong, lasting relationships with churches, ministry leaders, and professional and accrediting partners. The position plays an important part in strengthening the Seminary's presence within the broader ecclesial community.

The Director of Partnerships and External Relations provides theological insight into programs, curriculum, and academic offerings, helping ensure alignment with doctrinal standards and the needs of partner churches and organizations. This includes identifying areas where programs can better serve the evolving needs of ministry contexts.

A central part of this role is fostering trust, collaboration, and positive engagement between the Seminary and external partners. The Director also supports bridge-building efforts that strengthen church relationships and expand awareness of Seminary programs.

In addition, this position contributes indirectly to student recruitment by developing meaningful connections that naturally increase interest in Seminary offerings. The work is highly relational, requiring thoughtful communication and a strong understanding of church and ministry environments.

The Director of Partnerships and External Relations works collaboratively within a team dedicated to creating a supportive, mission-driven experience for students and partners alike.
Essential Functions

• Represent the seminary and FPU in various ecclesiastical spaces including, but not limited to, Mennonite Brethren and other local, regional, and national church groups, denominations, and ministry organizations.
• Represent the seminary and FPU at community religious and non-religious events throughout the greater central San Joaquin area (e.g. pastors' clusters, local gatherings, prayer meetings, etc.).
• Represent the seminary with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and attend ATS conferences if requested.
• Represent the seminary at conferences and events in various locations nationally and internationally as appropriate, including USMB, MCC, and others if requested.
• Represent the seminary with donors and potential donors, when a theological voice is called for, particularly as requested by FPU Advancement staff.
• Teach a minimum of one seminary course per academic year in an adjunct load contract if requested.
• Attend seminary faculty and department meetings, as requested by the Seminary Chair.
• Attend University meetings, as needed, when requested by FPU Administration.
• Seek to stay current with trends in North American church and ministry contexts, particularly on a popular and mass level, and not merely in the academy.
• Advise the Seminary Chair and faculty on prudent policies and programmatic decisions as they may impact on the larger church and outside relationships.
• Meet with the Seminary Department Chair on a regular basis to assess needs and set priorities for assigned tasks.
• Demonstrate a commitment to serving and inspiring students and colleagues in a context of a Christian University, integrating your Christian faith into your role and responsibilities.
• Embrace the , and values of Fresno Pacific University, affirm the , and support the ideals and practices articulated in ""
• Uphold and advance Fresno Pacific University's commitment to Christ-centered higher education, holistic student development, and serving diverse communities.
• Complete tasks timely with work that is comprehensive, complete, and accurate
• Communicates clearly, listens attentively, and seeks to understand others
• Collaborates productively with colleagues of varying skillset
• Other job duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in theology or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Master's degree in theology or related field minimum required.
• Good social skills, relationship-building skills, and the capacity to understand alternate points of view required.
• Faculty teaching experience and student engagement skills necessary.
• Able to complete confidential tasks.
• Must be a self-starter, able to work productively independently and take initiative.

Environmental Conditions:

• Travel within the community to meet religious and community partners in various settings. Travel to national and international conferences via air or vehicle.
• Public contact position requiring professional apparel, personal hygiene, and grooming.
• Indoors in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes at least eighty percent (80%) of the time.
• Frequent computer use at a workstation, up to eight hours per day.
• Frequently work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
• Drive personal or University vehicles to appointments.

Physical Demands:

• This position typically functions indoors in an office or religious environment with light to moderate noise associated with business office equipment. Attend outdoor events as indicated. Standing at events may be required.
• The position involves travel for meetings and events.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position 60% of the time, be able to move about inside the office to access file cabinets/office machinery, etc., operate a computer and keyboard and other office productivity machinery such as calculators/copy machines/printers. The employee is occasionally required to position self to reach items on the floor and in high cabinetry.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Employee must be able to communicate with others to exchange information, including both over the telephone and in-person communication with callers and community members, and read a computer screen and paper documents.
• Reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities will be provided in accordance with law.

University Information
$43.00 per hour is the wage for this role, with an expected schedule of 15-20 hours per week, and reflects what Fresno Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, Fresno Pacific University offers a competitive benefits

package.
Reserving its rights as a religious institution, Fresno Pacific University is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age or disability, or other classes protected by applicable law. Committed to excellence and actively supportive of cultural diversity, FPU invites individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you should contact FPU's Human Resources Department at As a religious institution, the University will administer the equal opportunity employment policy consistent with the Fresno Pacific University statement of faith, the FPU Idea and the University's governance by the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

*This information, including salary, is accurate as of May 6, 2026.
Fresno Pacific University offers a wide range of affordable benefits that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. As well as, a 403(b) retirement plan, life insurance, and a number of unique unviersity benefits. Please visit and you may review our current Holiday Calendar.

For any benefits questions, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io.