Program Director of VIA Journeys
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Job no: 495190
Work type: Administrative (Full Time)
Location: Marion, IN, Hybrid (3-4 Office / 1-2 Remote)
Categories: Administrative/Professional
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Job Title: Program Director of VIA Journeys
Reporting Relationship: Executive Director of Strategic Innovations
Unit: Wesley Seminary
Department: Wesley Seminary
Campus Location: NGM Building, Marion, IN
Summary of Position: The Program Director of VIA Journeys is responsible for launching, piloting, and operationalizing VIA Journeys as a flagship initiative within the Academic & Ministry Strategic Innovations (AMSI) unit. This role exists to ensure that strategy becomes reality. The Program Director brings entrepreneurial leadership, technical fluency, and execution discipline to move VIA Journeys from concept to functioning pilots, platforms, and participant experiences. The Program Director is empowered by the Executive Director of AMSI to focus fully on delivery, experimentation, and learning, while operating within clear strategic guardrails.
Duties and Responsibilities
VIA Journeys Launch & Execution
Lead the end-to-end launch of VIA Journeys, including pilots, operational workflows, and participant experiences
Translate strategic direction into executable plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables
Ensure VIA Journeys progresses from idea to active implementation with momentum and clarity
Entrepreneurial & Pilot Leadership
Operate with an entrepreneurial mindset—testing assumptions, learning rapidly, and iterating responsibly
Design and manage pilots that validate participant value, operational feasibility, and program design
Build repeatable processes that support early scaling while preserving quality and trust
Technical Fluency & Platform Coordination
Serve as the primary program lead coordinating technical and platform-related work
Partner with internal and external technical teams to translate program needs into platform requirements
Support integration with Lantern and other Seminary systems, ensuring usability, reliability, and data integrity
Partner & Participant Engagement
Coordinate pilot partners, churches, advisors, and ministry leaders
Build feedback loops with pastors and participants to inform continuous improvement
Ensure participant experience reflects pastoral sensitivity and theological integrity
Learning, Metrics & Reporting
Define and track operational, learning, and pilot metrics
Provide clear updates, dashboards, and insights to the Executive Director and Seminary leadership
Ensure lessons learned inform future decisions and phases
Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
Education
Master's degree or other advanced degree strongly preferred
Experience
According to Indiana Wesleyan University’s employment policy, all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement
Ten or more (10+) years of demonstrated experience launching, scaling, and leading programs, products, platforms, or strategic initiatives from concept through execution
Experience managing and influencing diverse stakeholders, including approximately 30 external partners, while building strong, collaborative relationships
Experience working within ministry organizations, churches, or higher education environments is required; experience spanning both sectors is strongly preferred
Required Skills
Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguity, build from zero to launch, and drive measurable outcomes
Exceptional project and program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex cross-functional initiatives
Strong technical fluency, with the ability to work effectively alongside developers, digital platforms, data systems, and AI-enabled technologies
Familiarity with digital learning platforms, SaaS business models, AI integrations, or ecosystem-based initiatives is strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across executive leadership, external partners, and cross-functional teams to execute strategic priorities
Strong alignment with the organization's Christian mission, including agreement with the Statement of Faith and Community Life expectations
The ability to supervise any part-time or full-time personnel assigned to the VIA Journeys initiative
IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement
IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
Advertised: 12 Aug 2026 US Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 13 Sep 2026 US Eastern Daylight Time
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