RICHMOND, VA, AND/OR CHARLOTTE, NC

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

FACULTY AND STAFF: FT - 71 | PT - 41

Meet Union Presbyterian Seminary

Union Presbyterian Seminary seeks to form leaders who will inspire their congregations and communities to embody gospel-inspired justice and compassion.

Since its formation in 1812, the Seminary has sustained the intention of its founders to provide education for Christian ministry that is scholarly, pastoral, and engaged with contemporary life. Steeped in Christian traditions, yet equipped to innovate for changing contexts, Union Presbyterian Seminary is moving boldly into the new creation to which God is calling.

Its graduates serve as pastors of Christian congregations, directors of Christian education, chaplains, non-profit leaders, social workers, and professors of Bible, theology, or religious studies at colleges, universities, and seminaries.

Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, occupies a 56-acre campus in historic Ginter Park in Richmond’s Northside, with classroom buildings, a mix of student housing options, landscaped grounds, and one of the finest theological libraries in the United States. The campus is on the National Historic Registry. Classes are offered in a hybrid format consisting of both online sessions with a 4-day residency on campus each term. Students are able to live on campus as part of our Community Scholars program, or commute to the residency sessions as best suits their life/study/work balance. During these residencies, students participate in gatherings, lectures and discussions, community service opportunities, and social events. Students are encouraged to become involved in the life of local congregations in Richmond or their hometowns.

The Seminary also offers programs at a second hybrid campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, located in a state-of-the-art facility on the campus of Sharon Presbyterian Church. The curriculum at Union Presbyterian Seminary is designed especially for second-career students who continue full or part-time work while pursuing theological study. The hybrid campus in Charlotte offers Saturday-based and evening courses. Students commute to campus once a month on Saturday for in-person class sessions. 

The institution provides a variety of degree programs for those seeking to serve the church of Jesus Christ. Both the Richmond and Charlotte campuses offer the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), the Master of Arts in Christian Education (M.A.C.E.), a dual degree option (M.Div./M.A.C.E), and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) degree. Both campuses also offer the Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree and a Master of Arts in Public Theology (M.A.P.T.), the latter to deepen the capacity of individuals engaging in public theology, a field that draws on biblical, historical, theological, ethical, and practical resources of the Christian faith in order to serve the common good of society.

Its faculty has given the institution a reputation for excellence. These scholars, teachers, and preachers express a profound and vital Christian faith and have written hundreds of books, articles, and curricula that continue to strengthen the life of the contemporary Christian church. Jacqueline E. Lapsley, the Seminary's president, is a leading scholar of the Old Testament. Union Presbyterian Seminary has approximately 180 students enrolled in programs to prepare for ministry as pastors, educators, and scholars in service to the church.

About the Vice President of Enrollment Management

Union Presbyterian Seminary seeks a Vice President for Enrollment Management to implement a strategic recruitment and retention plan that attracts degree and non-degree learners to our hybrid and online programming for its campuses in Richmond, VA, and Charlotte, NC. The Vice President for Enrollment Management will join Union Presbyterian Seminary at an exciting time as we are living out a new Strategic Plan (adopted in April 2024) that lays a bold vision for the future. UPSem seeks a VP who resonates with this vision of the future and who brings the experiences, skills, and passion to make it a reality.

The Vice President for Enrollment Management sets the strategy to cultivate an integrated and comprehensive student experience from first contact to successful enrollment for both degree and non-degree learners through matriculation. The VP facilitates the development and implementation of the Seminary’s strategic enrollment management plan, including retention; promotes institution-wide recruitment; and collaborates with faculty, staff, administration, and student organizations to promote and support the development of prospective learners. The VP will collaborate with the Leadership Institute and the four Centers to communicate the message of their work to enable recruitment of new learners to UPSem’s nondegree programming that may lead to interest in degree programs. The VP also cultivates strong relationships and partnerships with external constituencies, including congregations and nonprofit entities. The VP oversees recruitment, admissions, scholarship awarding, financial aid, philosophy, distribution, and coordinates with the Communications team in marketing the Seminary’s educational programs. The VP works collaboratively with the Dean of Students to ensure student retention and success.

The Vice President of Enrollment Management's responsibilities include:

• Create, implement, assess, and regularly update a data-informed strategic enrollment management plan that aligns with the mission of the Seminary, meets and exceeds enrollment goals, and diversifies enrollment streams.
• Define enrollment management and department outcomes/goals, including inquiries, applications, acceptances, and retention.
• Develop a contact management recruitment strategy that utilizes a client relationship management (CRM) tool (e.g., Slate, Blackbaud, Populi), digital marketing, and social networking to recruit students.
• Leverage financial aid and scholarship funds to meet recruitment and retention goals.
• Understand technological innovations and assess emerging technologies, particularly AI, to refine operational procedures and policies.
• Embed principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion through decision-making and impactful strategies, ensuring accessible opportunities for all learners.
• Implement effective retention strategies and oversee placement services that serve graduating students and alumni.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Vice President of Enrollment Management:

Education and Experience

• A master's degree in Enrollment Management or a related area (such as Higher Education Administration, Business Administration/MBA, Strategic Marketing, Educational Leadership, or similar)) is required.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in enrollment management at the director level or higher.
• Theological education experience is preferred, but explicitly not required; candidates from other backgrounds, such as community or 4-year colleges, who possess deep enrollment management expertise are highly encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High-level experience with student recruitment strategies, including digital marketing, social media, and CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Blackbaud, Populi).
• Expertise in data reporting, developing strategic enrollment models, and leveraging financial aid.
• Strong ability to manage or adapt to change, make difficult decisions, and implement conflict resolution strategies.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• A steady, even-keeled personality who is not easily stressed, providing a reliable and trusted advocacy presence for their team.
• Relationally adept, hospitable, and able to clearly communicate technical or data-driven concepts (such as CRM implementation) to non-technical staff without using excessive jargon.
• Progressive and inclusive, fully affirming and supportive of the Seminary's diverse, LGBTQ+ inclusive community.
• A collaborative servant leader who is willing to be hands-on, values shared governance, and possesses a healthy sense of humor.

What it's like to live in Richmond, VA, and/or Charlotte, NC

For Richmond-based candidates (Preferred), Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Richmond campus is located in the historic Ginter Park neighborhood, one of Richmond’s most distinctive residential communities known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. The Seminary’s 56-acre campus provides a beautiful and peaceful setting with historic architecture, green space, and a walkable environment that supports reflection, learning, and community engagement.

Richmond is a vibrant and growing capital city that offers an appealing balance of professional opportunity and quality of life. The region is known for its thriving arts and culinary scene, extensive park system, and outdoor recreation along the James River, which runs through the heart of the city. Residents enjoy a variety of cultural amenities, historic landmarks, and a strong sense of civic and community involvement. The city’s central location on the East Coast also provides convenient access to Washington, D.C., the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Virginia’s beaches, making Richmond an attractive place for professionals and families who value both career opportunity and lifestyle.

For candidates choosing to live in Charlotte, NC: The Charlotte Campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary is located at Sharon Presbyterian Church, placing you in the heart of the polished and established SouthPark community. Living in this area offers a unique blend of quiet, suburban sanctuary and high-end urban convenience. On any given weekend, you might start with a peaceful stroll through the church’s scenic grounds or the nearby Sharon Woods neighborhood, only to find yourself minutes later amidst the bustling luxury of SouthPark Mall or the upscale boutiques at Phillips Place.

The neighborhood is defined by its architectural variety, ranging from mid-century ranch homes and stately brick estates to modern luxury apartments. While the area is known for its sophisticated atmosphere and top-tier dining like Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, it remains deeply grounded by its green spaces and proximity to Park Road Park. Staff and faculty at the Seminary enjoy a premier 'city-within-a-city' environment - perfect for those who appreciate having vibrant local culture and quiet spaces for reflection just steps away from the office.