Director of Church, Alumni & Ministry Relations (Talbot) at Biola University

Job description

Position Summary The Director of Church, Alumni & Ministry Relations provides strategic leadership for cultivating and strengthening Talbot's relationships with churches, ministry partners, and alumni. This role advances Talbot's mission by developing partnerships that support theological education, leadership development, ministry engagement, and alumni involvement. The Director serves as a primary ambassador for Talbot, expanding its influence, visibility, and connection to the broader Church. Candidates must be willing to relocate in order to work in residence at Talbot’s campus in La Mirada, CA. Alignment with Theological Positions The person who fills this position must personally agree with Biola University’s Articles of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles and be supportive of the positions contained in Biola’s Eschatology Teaching Position. As such, this person may not speak against or act in a manner inconsistent with these positions during the course of their employment at Biola. Department Talbot School of Theology Supervisor Reports directly to the Dean of Talbot School of Theology. Supervision over Others Administrative Assistant Educational Requirements Bachelor's degree required; ministry-related, theological, communications, or leadership field preferred. Master's degree in theology, ministry, organizational leadership, or related field preferred. Work Requirements Full-time, exempt position (40 hours per week). Requires regular presence on Biola University's campus in La Mirada, CA. Requires regional and national travel for church visits, conferences, alumni engagement, and ministry partnerships. Occasional evening and weekend responsibilities for events and external engagement activities. Essential Duties Church & Ministry Relations Develop and strengthen relationships with churches, denominations, ministry organizations, and ministry leaders. Serve as a primary representative of Talbot to pastors, church leaders, and ministry networks. Cultivate partnerships that support theological education, leadership development, ministry collaboration, and student recruitment. Alumni Engagement Develop and implement strategies that foster lifelong engagement with Talbot alumni. Create opportunities for alumni involvement through mentoring, networking, recruiting, giving, and ministry partnership. Partner with Advancement to support alumni stewardship and donor engagement initiatives. Ministry Connections Facilitate connections between churches, ministry organizations, students, and alumni. Support opportunities for internships, ministry placement, leadership development, and vocational engagement. Strengthen pathways between theological education and practical ministry service. Events & External Engagement Lead key engagement initiatives, including alumni gatherings, church leader events, conferences, and ministry forums. Represent Talbot at churches, conferences, and ministry events. Collaborate with faculty and leadership to develop programs and resources for external audiences. Strategic Leadership & Collaboration Develop communication and engagement strategies that advance Talbot's mission and theological identity. Utilize CRM and other tools to manage relationships and measure engagement effectiveness. Partner with Admissions, Advancement, Marketing, and faculty to ensure coordinated external engagement efforts. Manage projects, events, and resources with excellence and accountability. Other duties as assigned. Required Skills and Qualifications Commitment to the mission, theological convictions, and values of Talbot School of Theology and Biola University. Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in theology, ministry, organizational leadership, or related field strongly preferred. 5–7 years of experience in ministry leadership, church relations, alumni relations, advancement, pastoral ministry, ministry placement, or related external-facing roles. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain meaningful rela