Full Job Description

Executive Director Search

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. exists to offer a range of stimulating, accessible, and affordable online progressive Christian resources for church leaders, faith explorers, pastors, and those discerning various vocations and callings within and outside the church community. As a faith-based organization, we are seeking an individual who shares our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service, and stewardship 

The Executive Director is the community-facing point of contact for PATHWAYS concerning all activities related to our mission and educational services. As such, this position is responsible for guiding PATHWAYS toward measurable, sustainable success while ensuring we remain aligned with our mission to deliver an inspired faith-based curriculum that prepares our students to assume a leadership role in their church, community, and regional conference. 
This is a Part-time casual role that does not include benefits. Because the Executive Director is a remote opportunity, the role requires a self-reliant individual who is comfortable working principally by phone, video call, and email. 

Key Responsibilities:

This position reports directly to the PATHWAYS Board of Directors (BOD) or it’s designee. The person filling this role is expected to work closely and collaboratively with the BOD to enhance governance and strategic planning, various committees to achieve strategic priorities and PATHWAYS’ Academic Council (PAC) to deliver a student-centered educational experience responsive to the needs of our diverse learners and constituencies. Additionally, this position will have responsibilities and expected outcomes in the following areas: 

A. Operational & Administrative Leadership (25%)

1. Under the direction of the BOD and in coordination with the Personnel Committee, develops new and evaluates existing policies and procedures governing day-to-day operations.
2. Ensures the quality, integrity, and timely delivery of curriculum materials/content and informs the BOD of any cost, quality, or schedule issues/concerns impacting course delivery.
3. Ensures PAC completes a comprehensive audit of PATHWAYS’ online educational programs at least once per year. The audit will assess and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of services delivered, relevancy and alignment of curriculum offered, and the performance of the learning management system.
4. Works with Marketing & Fundraising Committee and Executive Administrator to provide, prepare and recommend marketing programs, communication materials, and strategies designed to position PATHWAYS as the preferred partner for online theological education.
5. Prepares service contracts for all outside vendors and independent contractors including course facilitators, writers and curriculum developers; ensures requirements of service contracts are satisfied before authorizing payment.

B. Management & Performance of Educational Services (25%)

1. Leads PAC in the development and evaluation of policies and procedures governing student enrollment, curriculum development and delivery; and instructor selection and evaluation.
2. In coordination with PAC, pursues innovative academic courses/programs and educational partnerships designed to meet the emerging needs of target audience.
3. Ensures methods used to recruit, select, and evaluate Course Facilitators and Curriculum Developers adhere to the highest standards of academic and teaching excellence.
4. Approves recommendations made by PAC to grant waivers and substitutions to course or certificate requirements.
5. Ensures student performance and progress is evaluated against fair, consistent, and academically relevant Criteria and standards.
6. Approves course offerings and course schedules prepared for each learning cycle, including decision to cancel or reschedule classes due to low student enrollment.

C. Community Outreach (20%)

1. Cultivates existing partnerships and community relationships, proactively seeks to establish new collaborative working relationships with organizations compatible with PATHWAYS’ mission, vision, and purpose.
2. Develops and implements strategies to secure funding and manage donor relationships.
3. Participates regularly in PATHWAYS social media presence including responding to comments on social media. Promptly informs the BOD of any postings or comments that could be detrimental to the reputation of PATHWAYS.
4. Represents PATHWAYS at General Synod and conferences hosted by organizations affiliated with UCC.
5. Supports fundraising activities undertaken by the Marketing & Fundraising Committee and BOD.

D. Financial Administration (15%)

1. Collaborates with Finance Committee to prepare annual budget and financial reports.
2. Identify grants and other funding opportunities.
3. Reviews and approves timesheets and expense reports submitted by staff members.
4. Reviews invoices submitted by external vendors and independent contractors for accuracy before approving and submitting for payment.

E. Management and Staff Administration (15%)

1. Determines staffing necessary to support curriculum development and delivery.
2. Supports and manages staff members; meets with each staff member at least 1x per month to foster a productive work environment, discuss progress against task deadlines and changes or enhancements to improve work procedures and process flows.
3. Reviews, approves, and submits staff timecards for payroll processing.
4. Conducts annual formal performance and feedback meeting with each staff member.
5. Attends monthly BOD and Executive Committee meeting, meets with other Committees as needed or requested.
6. Prepares monthly report for the BOD describing key actions and activities undertaken on behalf of PATHWAYS, provides ad hoc reports as requested.

Professional Qualifications:

This role is crucial for driving the mission and requires a blend of strategic vision and operational expertise:

1. Academic and professional credentials necessary to demonstrate formal training and hands-on experience in Christian theological education.
2. Minimum 3-5 years of professional administrative experience in a pastoral, academic, or not-for-profit environment required. Prior experience in a leadership role desired.
3. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and financial documents effectively.
4. Demonstrated experience with fundraising and donor relations.
5. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
6. Experience maintaining an LMS desired; experience with Populi is a plus.
7. Active participation with good standing in a Christian church/denomination desired; experience with the UCC preferred.

Other information

• Job Type: Part-time casual
• Compensation: $30.00/hr
• Hours and Schedule: minimum of 60, maximum of 80 hrs/month or 15-20 hrs per week. Days worked and hours worked per day are flexible
• Work Location: Remote (Work from Home)  
• Office equipment and supplies: The individual selected for this position must be able to provide their own computer or laptop, phone, internet, and basic office supplies.

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please send a letter of interest and current resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 5:00 PM Eastern on August 21, 2026. Applicant materials received after this date will not be considered.