President

The Board of Directors of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) invites energized and visionary leaders to apply for the presidency of a seminary at a pivotal moment in its history. We seek a dynamic and strategic leader who can guide LSTC as it reimagines theological education for the next 20 years and beyond. This is an exciting opportunity to shape not only the future of a renowned institution but also the broader landscape of theological education. We seek a president who can inspire bold thinking, foster inclusive communities, and lead with a clear vision for the role of faith, justice, and global engagement in the 21st century church. Join us in building a future where theological education thrives and evolves, remaining faithful to tradition while embracing innovation.

Position Overview

The President is the chief executive officer, responsible for promoting a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence, and serving as a steward of the institution’s strategic vision, financial sustainability, and community relationships. The administration of LSTC is vested in a President, who shall be or who shall become a member of an ELCA congregation prior to assuming office.

Responsibilities and Activities

The core responsibilities of the President include the following:

• Visionary and strategic leadership
• External community engagement and outreach
• Financial acumen and institutional sustainability
• Internal community engagement and approachability
• Advocacy for diversity and global lens
• Operational leadership and administration

Required Qualifications

The President shall:

• Demonstrate faithfulness in witness to the Gospel
• Be qualified for appointment as a faculty member by having earned an advanced academic degree

Preferred Qualifications

LSTC seeks a new president with a demonstrated and proven mix of these experiences, attributes, traits, and skills:

• Demonstrated capacity for leadership in similar settings, with a track record of building and maintaining a collaborative organizational culture
• Experience with strategic delegation and holding team members accountable for their responsibilities
• A powerful written and verbal communicator, with demonstrated comfort in front of varying audiences
• Proven ability to innovate, implement and evaluate projects
• A history of anti-racism and diversity commitments, with experience in justice-oriented initiatives
• Notable fund-raising experience, showing enthusiasm for and competence in the personal solicitation of major gifts and grants to support mission critical work. Understanding of Lutheran donor culture, with an ability to connect institutional needs to donor priorities and motivations, is an additional plus
• Proven ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders through effective storytelling and communication of organizational mission
• Ability to lead effectively during financial challenges, including experience in managing complicated organizational finances in non-profit organizations
• Experience and relationships with the global church, ELCA, and/or other faith entities
• Intellectual energy and curiosity and a commitment to theological inquiry as part of the seminary’s mission
• The ability to lead with energy, joy, and faith in a changing environment

Application Procedures

For a full position description, go to https://www.lstc.edu/presidentialsearch. Candidate review will begin in December and will continue until the successful candidate is appointed. To apply, submit a resume/CV and a letter of interest to presidentsearch@lstc.edu. For priority consideration, apply by December 1, 2024.