Director of Academic Affairs (Dean) at Kenya Highlands University

Reports To: Seminary Provost

Position Type: Executive Member of Provost’s Cabinet

Employment Term: 5 years contract, subject to the initial 6 months of probation

Job Summary

• The Director of Academic Affairs (Dean) provides leadership for all academic matters in the seminary. The Dean is responsible for fostering a Christ-centered learning environment that promotes theological education, pastoral formation, and leadership development in alignment with the Seminary’s Statements of Faith, Core Values, Vision, and Mission.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Appraise and supervise the faculty.
• Lead and oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the seminary’s academic programs, ensuring they are theologically sound, relevant, and aligned with the mission of the institution.
• Coordinate curriculum review processes.
• Foster academic innovation and the integration of technology in theological education.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and lead efforts in maintaining and improving the seminary’s accreditation status.
• Collaborate with faculty to promote research, scholarly publications, and theological thought leadership.
• Source for the Seminary’s faculty local and international in consultation with the Provost.
• Provide adequate planning for expatriate faculty with engagement, teaching and facilitation where necessary.
• Mentor seminary faculty members, ensuring that they are both academically qualified and spiritually mature.
• Develop and review all academic-related policies and procedures and train staff accordingly.
• Develop and ensure the execution of the annual academic calendar.
• Develop, review and evaluate the seminary catalogue on time.
• Clarify the expectations and responsibilities of faculty through training activities, and academic forums and meetings.
• Ensure timely assignment of courses to faculty, development of teaching tools and verification of the same, implementation of teaching and evaluation of the credible toolsand appropriate reports  submitted to the provost promptly.
• Manage faculty conduct issues as they arise through modelling and/or appropriate redress.
• Spearheaded review of course syllabi from time to time, supervising the collection and organization of student evaluations and any other follow-up documents to ensure consistency with course goals and standards for quality and timeliness.
• Plan, organize and execute all research-related activities in the Seminary with the support of faculty.
• Provide opportunities for professional development, supporting faculty in their growth as educators, theologians, and ministry leaders.
• Provide oversight of student enrolment, retention, and success initiatives, working closely with the Director of Enrolment and Financial Aid.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive environment for a diverse student body, addressing academic, spiritual, and personal needs.
• Ensure students receive comprehensive pastoral training, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities necessary for ministry preparation.
• Identify opportunities for growth in academic programs, enrolment, partnerships, and outreach to meet the changing needs of the church and society.
• Able to achieve courses assigned.
• Perform any other duties as assigned from time to time by the Provost.

Qualifications and Experience

• A doctoral degree (Ph.D., Th.D, or equivalent) in Theology, Divinity, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Further leadership training and curriculum development is an added advantage.
• Ordained clergy or ecclesiastically recognized minister with significant ministry experience.
• Minimum of 5–10 years of teaching experience at the seminary or university level.
• Proven leadership experience in an academic or ecclesiastical setting, preferably in theological education.
• Experience in curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and spiritual formation.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to lead strategic planning and manage budgets effectively.
• Deep understanding of theological education, ecclesiastical leadership, and pastoral care.
• A deep personal commitment to the Christian faith, with a demonstrated ability to integrate faith and learning.
• Passion for developing and equipping future church leaders.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• High integrity, humility, and a servant leadership mindset