Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Position of Director of Center for the Church and the Black Experience

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary seeks applications for the position of Director of the Center for the Church and the Black Experience.  This person will hold a faculty appointment in the area of his/her expertise.

The Director of the Center for the Church and the Black Experience will be a member of the teaching faculty of the seminary.  He or she will also be responsible for overseeing the work of the Center.  The desired candidate would be one who would provide the vision for the short and long-range implementation of the office’s initiatives, facilitating, and managing, and motivating staff and volunteer support personnel.  The director will supervise the work of an office manager for the Center.  The director will work with the Board of Visitors and the Black Faculty of the seminary to implement the strategic plan that has been established.

The desired candidate should have appreciation for the academic/research aspects of the position and the energy to facilitate initiatives in this regard.  This would suggest that the person hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree and record of service in academic and research capacities.  Academic rank, title, administrative and teaching duties for this position will be negotiated.  The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to connect the school to the congregation and also position the Center as a resource for public policy matters that touch our communities and congregations (e.g., youth violence, jobs, food, substance abuse, and strengthening educational resources).

The desired candidate would bring commitment to the mission and ministry of the Church; ownership of the seminary’s articulation of its vision and identity; leadership experience in the Black Church; desire and capability to form working relationships with community clergy and laity; a record of working across denominational lines.  While preference will be given to candidates who are affiliated with the pan-Methodist family of churches, denomination affiliation is open.  The candidate would preferably be ordained.

Racial/ethnic/female candidates are encouraged to apply.  Garrett-Evangelical is an AA/EO employer.

Send application letter, vita, and names of two references to Academic Dean, Lallene Rector, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 2121 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60201, or to Krista McNeil, administrator for academic affairs at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Review of dossiers will begin January 20, 2012 and remain open until filled.  Position begins July 1, 2012.

Position of Controller

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary seeks applications for the position of Controller.  Reporting to Mr. Arnold Henning, Vice President Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will be responsible for providing key financial and business analytical support to the senior leadership team and the seminary community. This includes monthly financial reports and strategic dashboard updates for the Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. The Controller is an administrator of the seminary and a member of the Administrative Council. As appropriate, the Controller will make necessary recommendations to more accurately reflect the seminary’s financial results consistent with regulatory changes or in response to recommendations from key stakeholders.

Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will compile a summary of financial performance for the Board of Trustees meetings, Finance Committee meetings, monthly management meetings and presentations to accrediting bodies and the federal government.

In addition, specific responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Manage and coordinate the work of the senior accountant, accountant and cashier.
• Serve as prime liaison responsible for the completion of annual audit by public accounting firm.
• Manage annual budgeting process.   Develop and implement policies and procedures for requisition, reporting, budgeting and forecasting capital appropriations and spending.
• Maintain directly or through subordinates, all federally-required Federal Work Study and Federal Perkins Loan records. Prepare checks and accounts for all loans. Follows through on collection of these loans and initiates collection procedures on delinquent accounts.
• Monitor cash to maintain sufficient balances to meet payment requirements. Provide key data to Chief Financial Officer so that excess cash may be invested for optimum balance between safety, return and liquidity.
• Maintain sound internal control procedures.
• Stay current with systems capabilities of the new financial reporting system to deliver useful information and ensure that this tool is fully utilized to generate improved business intelligence.

The Controller will be a key member of the finance leadership team.  Qualified candidates will have an undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance and be a Certified Public Accountant (required) with a minimum of 10 years of experience that ideally includes public accounting followed by an Accounting, Internal Audit, Assistant Controller or Controller role.  Ideally, candidates will have previously worked in a higher education or not-for-profit environment, although exposure to these sectors is not an absolute requirement for the role.

With responsibility for supervising a staff of the three, the Controller will be a hands-on, inspirational leader. The ability to effectively collaborate with the senior management team and other functional leaders within the Academy is critical for success in this position.  The Controller will have the level of intellect, business acumen and professionalism that will position him/her to be groomed for promotion to more senior responsibilities within the finance department.

Specifically, the ideal candidate’s background will also include the following experiences/skills:

• Preparing and presenting budgets, financial/operational metrics and cash flow forecasts to key internal and external constituents.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to elicit cooperation through courteous persuasion.
• Knowledge of non-profit accounting.
• Planning, executing, and completing a financial statement audit in collaboration with an audit firm.

The Controller will also possess the following behavioural characteristics:

• An individual of unimpeachable integrity, possessing strong interpersonal skills and a sense of urgency.
• High level of professionalism, with the capability of developing and maintaining credibility throughout the organization and externally
• A “hands on” professional who leads by example and motivates individuals at all levels to strive for success and excellence.
• Enthusiasm for the strategy, culture and people of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that serve to influence and persuade others.
• A team player, willing to subjugate his/her own ego for the good of the common goal.
• Task and project focused, can set and meet deadlines; detail and task oriented.
• Outstanding data-driven decision making skills.
• Possesses a high level of energy, is able to take constructive coaching, calm under fire.
• Able to work collegially, but effectively through others and build strong professional relationships across the Academy.
• A “can do” attitude and tenacious pursuit of Seminary goals.

Send cover letter and resume to Mr. Arnold Henning, Vice President Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 2121 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60201, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  This position will remain open until filled.  Garrett-Evangelical is an AA/EO employer.

Garrett-Evangelical, founded in 1853, is a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 400 students from many denominations and cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.