Employment Opportunities

Job Description

The Institute for Worship Studies (IWS) is a North American institution of higher, Christian faith-based education that is exclusively designed for graduate studies in worship with a commitment to form servant-leaders in worship renewal. IWS is evangelical in nature and ecumenical in outlook, embracing and serving the whole church in its many expressions and variations of the Christian faith, particularly articulated by the consensus of the ancient Church and its guardians in the traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, the Protestant Reformation and the Evangelical awakenings and heritage. Both U.S. and internationally-based students who desire an education in the biblical, historical, theological, and cultural aspects of Christian worship will specifically and uniquely find that at IWS. Our community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and board members are assembled from diverse cultural, racial/ethnic, and denominational backgrounds.

Since 1999, IWS has continued on the path envisioned by its founder, Dr. Robert E. Webber, by teaching its courses with an ancient-future perspective. In five-month terms that include one-week intensives that take place in Jacksonville, Florida, every January and June, we learn in community: worshiping, studying, and eating together while enjoying honest and open relationships. During the other times of the year, we continue in community in an online setting. Approximately one-third of the student body holds non-American passports, representing six continents. Students from over 35 countries have matriculated through the IWS programs.

IWS offers the following programs fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS): Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS) and Master of Worship Studies (MWS). In addition, three non-accredited certificates are available. 

The President of IWS is appointed by and reports to the Board of Directors for accomplishing the mission of the institute, and is an ex officio member of the Board, with voice. The President performs multifaceted functions, including providing visionary leadership, assuring maximized revenue streams, appointing administrators, providing strategic direction and administrative oversight (by working closely with the Directors and other administrative personnel), and serving as the liaison with external constituencies. With these responsibilities comes the authority to implement all the actions and directives of the Board. Additionally, the President is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of IWS, including supervising staff such as the Finance Officer, Chaplain, Academic Dean, Administrative Assistant, and Directors of Enrollment Management and Recruitment. and serves as the liaison between IWS and the host church and local community. The Board may also prescribe additional duties and powers to the President from time to time. Accordingly, the President should have the academic credentials and professional expertise appropriate for these responsibilities.

Characteristics

The next president of IWS should value people first, and systems second: one who strongly motivates, who communicates exceptionally well with genuine spiritual understanding, who has the heart attitude of a pastor/shepherd, and who embraces being part of the IWS community. This includes presidential addresses and presence at on-campus intensives, commencement, and other high-visibility occasions. The president should understand and embrace the direction set for IWS by its founder. It is vital that she or he have excellent fund-raising skills in finding resources and grants, developing donor relationships, and overseeing a positive financial environment. The president should also be experienced and/or willing to develop enrollment pipelines and expand international student recruitment and international church outreach and partnership.

Requirements

• A deep, personal Christian faith demonstrated by character and behavior as outlined in the Bible, active participation in a local church, healthy family and collegial relationships, and willingness to be a spiritual role model and leader. 
• Earned terminal degree (DWS, PhD, DMin, EdD) in worship or with significant connection to the discipline of worship in line with the philosophy of worship held by our founder and the Institute.
• Full agreement with and active support for the IWS Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Core Values, and Statement on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
• Senior leadership experience in a higher education setting is strongly preferred, and experience in a church or para-church organization (NGO) is welcome.

How To Apply

If interested, please send a cover letter that addresses strengths in the areas noted in this position description to Presidential.Search@iws.edu along with three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae, and official academic transcripts for graduate study. Applications will be accepted until September 1, 2024, or until the position is filled. Start date is January 1, 2025, unless negotiated otherwise. Candidates should expect to be asked to relocate or spend significant time during the year in Jacksonville, Florida, and to be present there before, during, and after each intensive session.

Job Description

The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Administrative Assistant. IWS is a graduate institution currently celebrating 25 years of training leaders in Christian worship renewal. The faculty, staff and student body represent diverse denominational affiliations. 

Offices are located at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Fl. While intensive course sessions are held at this campus twice yearly, in January and June, the position requires the ability to work at this location on a regular basis. 

The IWS Administrative Assistant provides administrative support for the Office of the Acting President and oversees the overall functions of the IWS office. The role is appointed by and responsible to the Acting Provost.  

The position is part-time and non-exempt status.

Hours per week: approximately 25 

Office duties include: 

• Serve IWS publicly through professional in-person, electronic, and phone interaction.
• Perform general clerical duties.
• Design, implement and maintain necessary organizational systems that support the IWS office.
• Oversee inventory of office furniture and supplies, including ongoing maintenance and additions as needed.
• Oversee the general maintenance of office space, including appropriate government postings; interact with suppliers/vendors.
• Assist Enrollment Management in supplying IWS recruiting materials.
• Attend relevant continuing education events (at IWS’ expense).
• Keep necessary data updated each IWS term, including contact information, host home information, church directories, etc. 

Administrative support duties include:

• Interface with the Acting President and Acting Provost offices on a regular basis.
• Prepare correspondence, as requested and authorized by the Acting President or Acting Provost.
• Assist in coordination and facilitating the Acting President’s schedule.
• Assist Director of Enrollment with communications to applicants, processing transcript requests, as well as packing materials for conferences.
• Provide administrative assistance as needed and requested.
• Schedule Microsoft Teams meetings as directed.
• Coordinate with Acting President concerning support for Board meetings.
• In conjunction with the accounting office, manage the IWS Popup Bookstore Shop,
• Record contributions, process credit card payments.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Expectations and Characteristics: 

• Strong Christian commitment and character
• Supportive of the vision for IWS
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Regular involvement in a local church
• Cooperative and congenial
• Professional demeanor and excellent attention to detail
• Flexible with time commitment, including able to increase hours during busy seasons (especially on-campus sessions) as needed
• Able to keep confidences and disciplined comments
• Proactive in tackling long-term projects
• Willing to accept supervision and speak into the best use of their own skills
• Excellent computer skills (Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams; Zoom. Willing to learn Canvas LMS and Populi CMS)
• Ability to compose appropriate business correspondence

How To Apply

Send resume and letter of interest to dfrankland@iws.edu
Please include at least three references with contact information.