Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Religion and Black Studies

Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Religion and Black Studies 

Boston University School of Theology 

BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY invites applications for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Professor of Religion and Black Studies, a full-time, tenured faculty position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, to begin in Fall 2021. The Professorship honors Dr. King by emulating and perpetuating the moral authority, prophetic vision of justice, peace, and love, ethical leadership, and global consciousness that he advocated for and embodied. The successful candidate will be an outstanding scholar, holding a PhD, ThD, or appropriate equivalent degree, whose research and teaching contribute to the School of Theology and the Academy in the work of religion and black studies and to models and practices of ethical leadership. 

The primary field of study is open, but candidates should have an established record of interdisciplinary scholarship in areas such as ethics, theology, history, leadership, aesthetics, politics, philosophy, etc. An additional seminary degree (e.g., MDiv, MTS, MAR) is highly desirable. Candidates will be capable of teaching the theology and life work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement, peacemaking and conflict transformation, and/or other movements for social change. Candidates should have a notable record of ethical leadership, mentoring, and collaboration with colleagues and students. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated the practice of Beloved Community in their teaching, service, and scholarship. The successful candidate will also exhibit capabilities for teaching, advising, conducting research, and contributing to the larger work of the School of Theology and Boston University.  

The School is committed to the formation of intercultural competence and social justice in all aspects of our learning community; and we seek candidates who are eager and skilled in providing leadership to realize these goals, and who support the School’s Diversity Statement. Candidates should be committed to the School’s mission of preparing leaders at the masters and doctoral levels for diverse forms of ministry in religious communities and other organizations, as well as teaching doctoral students for the professoriate and other forms of scholarship within the interdisciplinary context of a research university. Responsibilities include teaching four courses per year as part of the master’s and doctoral programs of the School of Theology. Boston University expects excellence in teaching, research, and publication and is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to engaged scholarship in a multicultural environment. Boston University School of Theology is a United Methodist school that offers an ecumenical education and works closely with other denominations and religious communities.  

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, statement of teaching and research plans, a major publication sample, and three professional references (sent separately). Candidates also are asked to submit a professional diversity statement describing their cultural competencies and experiences engaging a diverse student body. Materials should be sent to the Faculty Search Committee, Boston University School of Theology, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 110, Boston, MA 02215. Applications may be submitted as email attachments to Ms. Emily Arnone at earnone@bu.edu.  

Review of applications will begin October 1, 2020, and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.