Program Manager - Lantz Center

About the role

The Program Manager of the Lantz Center provides day-to-day leadership, coordination, and operational management for grant-funded initiatives housed within the Lantz Center for Christian Vocations and Formation and the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs. This position focuses primarily on the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a grant-funded program designed to strengthen Christian preaching through various forms of support and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and operational management for the Compelling Preaching Initiative, ensuring that program activities, partnerships, communications, budgets, and outcomes align with the aims of the grant.
• Collaborate with the University Chaplain and the Indianapolis Preaching Council to advance the vision, priorities, and strategic goals of the Compelling Preaching Initiative.
• Contribute theological insight and ministry-related thought leadership to CPI programming, resources, cohort development, lab services, public events, and sustainability planning.
• Support the development of the Innovative Preaching Lab as a functional, client-serving, revenue-generating program by helping shape service offerings, identifying potential clients and partners, developing systems, supporting marketing/outreach strategies, and creatively solving operational challenges.
• Translate CPI’s strongest learning, training, and innovation models into sustainable offerings, services, partnerships, digital resources, and/or professional development opportunities for preachers, churches, denominations, and ministry leaders.
• Preach occasionally in chapel and participate in the ecumenical Christian ministry of the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs, under the direction of the University Chaplain.
• Represent the Compelling Preaching Initiative and the Lantz Center in conversations with preachers, churches, denominational leaders, ministry partners, university colleagues, and community stakeholders.
• Conduct follow-up activities for initiatives, including but not limited to evaluation.
• Contribute meaningfully to annual reports for the grants, gathering all necessary data.
• Represent the Compelling Preaching Initiative and the Lantz Center in conversations with preachers, churches, denominational leaders, ministry partners, university colleagues, and community stakeholders.
• Participate in and support the ecumenical Christian ministry of Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs in accord with one’s interests and gifts, under the direction of the University Chaplain.
• Follow the guidance and direction of the supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior.
• Absorb the guidance and direction of the supervisor(s).
• Abide by the University’s policies, procedures, and rules.
• Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Will occasionally work evenings and weekends.
• Occasional, minimal travel.
• Other duties, including special projects, as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Three years of relevant professional experience required, particularly in program coordination, grant-funded initiatives, ministry leadership, theological education, higher education, nonprofit administration, entrepreneurship, communications, business development, or related fields.
• Proven ability to confidently present information and speak effectively before small and large groups is required.
• Demonstrated ability to articulately engage with and discuss Christian worship, preaching, and practices related to vocational discernment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred, especially in theology, divinity, religion, ministry, higher education, nonprofit leadership, business, communications, or a related field.
• Five years of relevant professional experience preferred, particularly in program coordination, grant-funded initiatives, ministry leadership, theological education, higher education, nonprofit administration, entrepreneurship, communications, business development, or related fields.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May supervise part-time staff, student employees, interns, graduate assistants, vendors, consultants, or other temporary personnel connected to grant-funded initiatives.

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Tuition Discount
Retail Savings Plan - 403B
Paid Vacation and Sick Time Accruals
Paid Holiday time and additional University days off
Employee Discounts & Services
Free Parking
Onsite Health & Wellness Center