Director of Talbot Admissions and Networking

The Director of Talbot Admissions and Networking is a senior strategic leader responsible for Talbot’s admissions strategy, including building and strengthening partnerships that expand Talbot School of Theology’s impact, visibility, and enrollment. The role is Talbot’s strategic leader for admissions, sitting in a dual role, representing admissions to Talbot and Talbot to admissions. This role develops and sustains vital relationships with churches, denominations, mission agencies, alumni, and global ministry networks to create pathways for prospective students and enhance Talbot’s influence in the wider Christian community. Must be able and willing to travel regionally and throughout the U.S. and work before or after work hours and over weekends as needed The person will be an admissions director, with a dual role as part of the Talbot’s leadership team. The Director will serve a cross-functional role, coordinating admissions functions within Talbot (i.e. doctoral programs), working as a team member in admissions and coordinating with admissions counselors, and then collaborate across academic, enrollment, and advancement divisions to align recruitment, ministry partnerships, and institutional growth initiatives. The role requires vision, creativity, and the ability to position Talbot as the premier center for theological training that equips leaders for a changing church and world. Alignment with Theological Positions Alignment with Theological Positions: The person who fills this position must be someone who personally agrees with Biola’s Articles of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles and who is supportive of the positions taken by Biola as contained in its 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. Supervisor Reports jointly to the Vice President of Enrollment Management and the Dean of Talbot, reflecting shared leadership and strategic collaboration. Essential Duties 1. Admissions Leadership Strategic Enrollment Planning ● Provides strategic leadership for admissions and enrollment initiatives in collaboration with Enrollment Management (EM) and Talbot leadership teams. ● Develops and implements data-informed enrollment strategies to attract, admit, and enroll qualified students in alignment with the seminary’s mission, financial objectives, and institutional priorities. ● Analyzes enrollment data and trends to forecast outcomes, set ambitious yet realistic targets, and inform decision-making. 2. Collaborative Enrollment Coordination ● Oversees Talbot’s recruitment and admissions funnel strategies in partnership with Talbot leadership and Enrollment Management, with a focus on sustainable enrollment growth. ● Collaborates with marketing, faculty, and academic coordinators to deliver a seamless, high-quality, and mission-centered applicant experience. 3. Recruitment and Relationship Building ● Builds partnerships with churches, denominations, networks, and undergraduate institutions to strengthen referral pipelines. ● Represents the seminary at events, conferences, and prospective student gatherings. 4. Admissions Operations, Best Practices, and Policy Alignment ● Promotes best practices in application review, admissions decision-making, and prospective student communication, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. ● Ensures admissions policies, procedures, and practices align with institutional standards and campus-wide policies, supporting fair, consistent, and transparent processes. 5. Collaboration and Institutional Integration ● Works closely with Enrollment Management leaders, academic leadership, advancement, and marketing to align admissions strategies with broader institutional goals. ● Provides regular reports to senior leadership on admissions progress, challenges, and opportunities. Strategic Partnerships External Relations ● Develops and sustains strategic partnerships with churches, denominations, parachurch ministries, and mission organizations aligned with Talbot’s mission. ● Cultivates a robust pipeline of prospective students through ministry networks, alumni pastors, and partner institutions. ● Represent Talbot at key national and international ministry conferences, conventions, and gatherings. ● Actively contributes to the creation of agreements (MOUs) with ministries that lead to internships, scholarships, and enrollment pathways. Vision Strategy ● Shapes and leads Talbot’s outreach and connection strategy in alignment with enrollment growth and global impact goals. ● Anticipates trends in theological education and ministry formation and positions Talbot as a thought leader and trusted resource. ● Collaborates with the Dean, faculty, and Enrollment Management to ensure partnerships support program innovation and long-term growth. Collaboration with Enrollment Management ● Strategic Partnership: Works closely with the Enrollment Management leadership to align ministry connections efforts with broader recruitment strategies and institutional enrollment goals. ● Communication Coordination: Maintains ongoing communication with Admissions Counselors and Enrollment staff to ensure seamless follow-up with ministry-connected prospective students. ● Data Sharing Reporting: Collaborates on tracking, analyzing, and reporting enrollment metrics related to ministry connection initiatives, demonstrating competence in using enrollment CRM systems effectively. ● Joint Initiatives: Partners on events, campaigns, and outreach efforts that target ministry communities, maximizing resources and impact. ● Problem-Solving: Actively participates in cross-departmental meetings to identify and address barriers to enrollment or matriculation for ministry-connected students. Student Alumni Engagement ● Develops networks that connect Talbot students with ministry internships and post-graduation opportunities. ● Strengthens relationships with alumni in ministry leadership roles to foster advocacy, mentorship, and recruitment referrals. ● Serves as a connector between students and ministry partners, supporting a pipeline of leaders equipped for church and mission. Qualifications Required ● Master’s degree in theology, ministry, leadership, or a related field. ● 5+ years of leadership experience in theological education, church ministry, or Christian organizational leadership. ● Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships. ● Strong understanding of theological education and the needs of the global church. ● Proven track record of growing programs, initiatives, or ministries through external engagement. ● Alignment with Biola University’s Statement of Faith and Talbot’s theological commitments. Preferred ● Doctoral degree (DMin, PhD, EdD) in theology, leadership, or related discipline. ● Experience in higher education leadership or enrollment-related roles. ● Extensive ministry networks across denominational, parachurch, and global contexts. ● Familiarity with trends in seminary education, ministry training, and church growth. Personal Qualities Competencies ● Visionary leader with a strong sense of mission and calling. ● Excellent communicator and network builder, comfortable with diverse audiences (faculty, donors, pastors, students, global leaders). ● Strategic thinker who can translate partnerships into tangible results. ● Spiritually mature with pastoral sensitivity and relational warmth. ● Entrepreneurial mindset with a results-oriented approach.