President

The next President of Starr King School for the Ministry will build upon the momentum of our outgoing president, Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt – and on our 120 year legacy of being on the leading edge of progressive theological education – to help shape and execute our mission to educate people for Unitarian Universalist ministry and for progressive religious leadership in society.

We face a pivotal moment in the school’s history. The school is the final years of an ambitious strategic plan. As we prepare to look to the future, we recognize that we are operating in an increasingly uncertain time. The current cultural and political environment will likely present new challenges, given the possibility of regulatory changes in education and increasingly systematic backlash against organizations with counter-oppressive missions and values. This emerging reality comes at a time when Starr King is already responding to the larger headwinds within theological education, including lingering inflation, widespread decreases in enrollment in higher education, and changing dynamics within religion and religious communities. These uncertain times present both new challenges, as well new opportunities to innovate in ways that advance our mission and vision.

Therefore, Starr King is seeking an experienced, mission-driven, bold and visionary leader to help guide the school through these changing times to write the next great chapter of Starr King.

Learn more at www.sksm.edu/presidentialsearch. 

Position Summary

The President is the lead executive officer of the Starr King School for the Ministry. The President stewards Starr King’s strategic vision and serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. The President collaborates with the faculty, staff, students, Board of Trustees, and others across our community to advance our mission and strengthen our culture. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the President is responsible for guiding, leading, and facilitating the school’s operations, including the institutional advancement, human and financial resources, relationships with other institutions, and accountability to our goals.

Starr King School for the Ministry

Based in Oakland, California, the mission of Starr King School for the Ministry is to educate people for Unitarian Universalist ministry and for progressive religious leadership in society.

Starr King’s distinctive educational approach is rooted in the Unitarian Universalist values of countering oppressions, cultivating multi-religious life and learning, and creating just and sustainable communities.

Starr King aims to educate the whole person in the service of love, compassion, and justice, through:

• Teaching by who we are and what we do Student-centered participatory learning Excellence and depth in religious studies Formation in the arts of religious leadership Service with congregations and communities Deepening self-awareness and cultivating spiritual practice Striving to live in right relationship with self, others, and the earth

Leadership Priorities

Working in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and with internal and external constituencies, the President will provide overall leadership and direction for Starr King. The President will advance our existing strengths and seize upon opportunities to achieve the school’s strategic goals, advance our mission, and enhance Starr King’s standing in theological education throughout the world.

The next President’s priorities will include:

• Securing the school’s financial stability and sustainability; Increasing student enrollment and retention; Advancing Starr King’s mission through innovation and increased visibility; Enhancing operations and organizational development; Developing and deepening relationships and partnerships; Strengthening trust, communication, collaboration, and sense of community within Starr King; and Bolstering Starr King’s identity as a Unitarian Universalist and multi-religious seminary.

Learn more at www.sksm.edu/presidentialsearch. 

Qualifications and Desired Attributes

Starr King School for the Ministry seeks an experienced, mission-driven, visionary leader with demonstrated and proven skills, qualities, and experiences to best enable the president’s – and the school’s – success.

The next president must have proven experience in higher education, theological education, and/or religious leadership in institutions and/or communities. The next president must also have deep knowledge and/or understanding of Unitarian Universalism – both in an historical context and in its current evolution – as well as an understanding and appreciation of multi-religiosity.

The school has identified the following desired attributes sought in the next president. These desired attributes include:

• Being deeply aligned with and have a lived commitment to Starr King’s counter-oppressive mission, values, and pedagogy.

• Being an effective communicator with the ability to tell Starr King’s story in ways that inspire others to be part our work. Being a deeply collaborative and empowering leader with strong management and delegation skills. Being a clear and strategic thinker and decision-maker. Being experienced in or have proven skills in leading organizational change. Being an experienced fundraiser or have a deep understanding of fundraising. Having strong financial management skills and/or a deep understanding of finances. Being experienced in or skilled at building strong bonds of trust and community. Having a spiritual grounding or experience in spiritual or religious leadership. Having a sense of joy, humor, and possibility in institutional renewal.

Candidates with relationships or experience working with foundations and grant-makers, experience nurturing scholars and/or activists in their formation, and experience developing and leading in a collaborative governance structure are also encouraged to apply.

Learn more at www.sksm.edu/presidentialsearch. 

Application Requirements

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by February 20, 2025. Applications must include:

• A letter of interest addressing the leadership attributes and opportunities identified in this profile, including your vision of theological education/philosophy of education and your work in multi-religious settings. A current resume/curriculum vitae; and List of five professional references with email addresses and telephone numbers, including their relationship to the candidate.

Applications should be submitted to FuturePresident@sksm.edu.

Please direct any nominations, expressions of interest, or questions regarding the application process to Starr King’s Search Committee at SearchCommittee@sksm.edu.

Starr King School for the Ministry is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to living our counter-oppressive values and providing employees an inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran or disability status, or any other protected status. We encourage all interested to apply.