Union Theological Seminary seeks applicants for a tenure-track or tenured appointment in Interreligious Histories.

We seek a historian with expertise in religious histories shaped by interreligious contact, conflict, and transformation. We are interested in applicants whose work focuses on global geographical contexts in any historical period. The position requires the teaching of Buddhism and Islam in conversation with other traditions and worldviews,and involves developing courses in interreligious histories. Experience with contemplative traditions and spiritual formation is desirable.

The successful candidate will make contributions of the highest quality in their area of expertise through teaching, scholarship, service, and public engagement, as well as through their involvement in shaping the future of Union’s Historical Studies and Interreligious Engagement fields. The position requires an experience in and commitment to teaching and mentoring diverse students and sensitivity to the broader formational needs of students in this religiously diverse community. It also entails active participation in faculty governance.

Teaching will include introductory and upper-level courses designed for students from a range of programs (MDiv, MA, STM, PhD) with varying backgrounds in religious traditions; teaching also includes occasional online courses for the Master of Arts in Social Justice. Faculty members support students through academic advising and research guidance (e.g., theses, independent readings and dissertations) and engage with students through events, theological conversation, and communal activities on a residential campus.

Union Theological Seminary, an equal opportunities employer, seeks a racially diverse, broadly representative faculty that is sensitive to cross-cultural and social justice issues. This position requires an earned doctorate in a relevant field or completion of all requirements for such a degree by the date of appointment.

Starting salary for Assistant Faculty – tenure track $63,000 plus housing.

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2023, with an anticipated start date of July 2024.

Applicants should send a letter of interest that includes research interests, diversity commitments and teaching philosophy; this letter should be no more than 5 pages. In addition, please include a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references to:

Su Yon Pak, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean via
facultysearch@uts.columbia.edu.
Subject line: Interreligious Histories Position

Union Theological Seminary seeks applicants for a tenure-track or tenured appointment in Reformation-Era and Modern Christianities. We seek a historian whose expertise and teaching interests include Christian Reformations of the sixteenth century and early modern to modern Christianities, especially in Europe and North America. Candidates should have scholarly achievements and research publications appropriate to their rank and stage of career. The successful candidate will make scholarly contributions of the highest quality in their area of expertise, support students as a dedicated teacher and adviser, and be an active partner in shaping the future of Union’s Historical Studies field.

This appointment is supported by the Henry Luce III Chair in Reformation Church History, which may be awarded to a senior candidate upon appointment or awarded to a less senior candidate subsequently as part of an internal promotion. The position requires experience in and a commitment to teaching and mentoring diverse students and sensitivity to the broader formational needs of students in this
religiously diverse community. The position also entails active participation in faculty governance and to the evolving needs of the historical field.

Teaching will include introductory and upper-level courses designed for students from a range of programs (MDiv, MA, STM, PhD) with varying backgrounds in religious traditions; teaching also includes occasional online courses for the Master of Arts in Social Justice. Courses should support students’ critical and creative encounters with various religious traditions in a school with Protestant Christian roots. The position involves teaching an annual historical survey course on forms of Christianity from 1500 to the present. The candidate will also be expected to develop upper-level history courses generally suited to MDiv, MA, STM, and PhD students whose levels of academic and personal familiarity with Christianity vary. Faculty members support students through academic advising and research guidance (e.g., theses, independent readings and dissertations) and engage with students through events, theological conversation, and communal activities on a residential campus.

Union Theological Seminary, an equal opportunities employer, seeks a racially diverse, broadly representative faculty that is sensitive to cross-cultural and social justice issues. This position requires an earned doctorate in a relevant field, or completion of all requirements for such a degree by the date of appointment.

Starting salary for Assistant Faculty – tenure track $63,000 plus housing.

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2023, with an anticipated start date of July 2024.

Applicants should send a letter of interest that includes research interests, diversity commitments and teaching philosophy; this letter should be no more than 5 pages.

In addition, please include a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references to:

Su Yon Pak, Vice-President of Academic Affairs and Dean:
facultysearch@uts.columbia.edu.
Subject line: Reformation Era and Modern Christianities

The Center for Earth Ethics (CEE) at Union Theological Seminary is seeking a part-time Communications and Education Associate. The successful candidate will become a key player on a small team working on innovative education and movement-building at the intersection of faith, ethics, and ecology.

This is a part-time (approximately 25 hours per week) position, with the potential to become a full-time position conditional upon CEE needs and resources.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Engages scholars, including UTS and Columbia University faculty, to produce high-quality educational offerings.
• Assist with all CEE communications and marketing.
• Create content for various platforms in collaboration with other team members, and with direction from the Executive Director.
• Assist with website maintenance and help manage CEE’s social media presence.
• Help execute paid, earned, and placed media strategies, including email, social channels, and digital ads.
• Help develop new communications vehicles, such as podcasting and digital storytelling.
• Assist with the monthly CEE update, including designing messages and managing Mailchimp platform.
• Provide support for both in-person and virtual events.

Compensation:

$30 per hour/25 hours per week.

Education and Experience:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• 3-5 years’ experience with digital and traditional communications, ideally related to some combination of ecology, environmental justice, ethics, spirituality, and religion.
• Experience working at the intersection of religion and climate.
• At least two-year’s work experience, preferably in higher education or another not-for- profit setting.
• Experience with video editing, WordPress, design software, G-Suite, and Mailchimp is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as social ethics, climate justice, religion, social science, or communications. A master’s degree is preferred.

Application Process:

To be considered for this position, please submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, and (3) two writing samples (links to online work are acceptable) to tcross@centerforearthethics.org. No phone calls please.

Union Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Financial/Accounting Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead UTS’s day-to-day accounting operations and supervise the general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and bursar functions.
• Make sure that systems and procedures are in place to ensure that the accounting transactions, donor contributions, vendor payments, and employee wages are paid accurately, timely coded, and efficiently recorded in the General Ledger to facilitate the preparation of the Financial Statements.
• Prepare monthly and fiscal year-end financial closes.
• Prepare/review reconciliations monthly to include, but not limited to, bank accounts, investment accounts, and all balance sheet accounts, making journal entries as needed.
• Track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and the appropriate accounting for UTS endowment and investments.
• Establish and maintain internal controls to ensure compliance with all GAAP, regulatory, and funding requirements.
• Oversee and recommend updates to internal policies, procedures, and systems and maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual audit.

Analysis & Reporting

• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate internal and external reports and financial statements monthly, quarterly, and annually; monitor progress toward plans and keep senior leadership abreast of UTS’s financial status and issue monthly reports to departmental managers.
• Develop a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism and oversee cash accounting, including bank reconciliations, cash management, and routine cash flow needs.
• Coordinate and oversee revenue recognition and cash receipt process with the Development Department.
• Assist the CFO and UTS leadership in support of the annual budgeting and planning process; review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Support the CFO in engaging the board’s audit and finance committees around financial and accounting issues and trends.

Team Leadership

• Leverage strengths of the current finance team members, help to clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop and implement training programs in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Ensure financial tools are operationalized in such a way to highlight meaningful insights and guide short- and long-term decision-making, including revenue forecasting and programming decisions.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.

Qualifications

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a leader with seven to ten years of accounting and finance experience, ideally beginning in accounting and audit, followed by experience gathering, evaluating, presenting, and reporting financial information to executive teams and board members. The candidate will ideally have experience in a nonprofit and higher education environment with multiple programs.

Specific requirements include:

•  Bachelor’s or Master’s in Accountancy, Finance, or related degree
• CPA license required w/ 10+ years of related experience
• Solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
• Technology savvy and an advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software with experience in the selection and installation of finance and accounting systems.
• Keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills, which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
• Confident, results-oriented self-starter with time management skills. Flexibility and the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects
• Strong interpersonal skills with excellent oral and written communications.
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to UTS’s mission; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who, in partnership with the CFO, will be an integral part of providing fiscal management and oversight for UTS

Compensation
$125,000

Assistant Director for Alum Relations

Job Description:
The Assistant Director for Alum Relations is an in-person, on-campus, place-based position within the Office of Development & Alum Relations responsible for creating robust programming for Union graduates highlighting the various program areas at the Seminary; creating experiences intersecting with Professional Education and Lifelong Learning, Admissions Office, and Buddhist Studies, as examples; and working with faculty members who span and offer a wide and diverse scholarship to include at least 24 faith traditions. The AD of AR & CD is an integral team member who actively participates in comprehensive capital campaign planning and the strategic direction to engage alums/alum adjacent constituents. This role reports to the Sr. Director for Development & Planned Giving and works closely every member of this team, as well as with team members across the seminary.

Job Duties:

• Increase alum participation in all facets of the Seminary.
• Participate and recommend alum engagement opportunities in activities such as Convocation, Chapel, commencement, admissions recruitment events, & donor cultivation events.
• Prepare graduating students for role as engaged alums as they transition from students to alums.
• Develop and implement an annual calendar of in-person and virtual engagement opportunities in New York City, in areas where there are regional programs, across the country (and internationally*) in key locations where there are conferences, the President is traveling, or where regional programs may want to be established.
• Plan and coordinate all logistics for alum events and programs with building management, catering, facilities operations and grounds, respective campus departments, faculty, staff, and vendors.
• Coordinate and execute events that welcome, educate, and develop relationships with current students, Union’s future alums; activities include alum mentoring, meaningful interactions between students and alums; partnering with scholarship students; sponsoring community lunch; attending chapel; and hosting a reception for students at Orientation.
• Development a link to all Student Senate Co-chairs and other student leaders.
• Oversee the hiring, training, and managing of student volunteers.
• Work closely with respective team members to create marketing materials and electronic postings for all events and programs, determine the best approach to reach our community; and create a feedback loop with community to maximize engagement and satisfaction. Work with team in planning, executing, and overseeing all alum relations events which include 1836 Legacy Circle, Scholarship Luncheon, and Reunion (with milestone class celebrations engaged in their class’s initiatives, fundraising goals, and outreach.)
• Develop annual plan for Trailblazers, working closely with a committee to determine timing and structure of event. The Trailblazers Worship & Reception honors African American alums and students and provides a space for worship and community gatherings in the spirit of the black church experience.
• Supervise and organize volunteers, colleagues, and others who assist throughout reunion, other events, and programs.
• Create and submit to the VP and Sr. Director, budgets for all events and programs, and ensure all necessary purchases are made for the implementation of each activity. Work with Sr. Director to track actual vs. budgeted costs for each event and program.
• Work with the entire Development team, Center for Community Engagement & Social Justice, and Communications to implement the strategic plan for marketing and communicating with alums.
• Develop, promote, and maintain traditions, new programs, and services designed to generate and maintain alum interest and support for the seminary.
• Key stakeholder in overseeing digital communications, including Alum Relations portal – UTS Connect, e newsletter, and social media needs in collaboration with Communications team.
• Support and attend Alum council meetings and assist with recruitment and events.
• Represent the Development Office in strategic initiatives such as its Justice, Equity, and Inclusion committee and any others as they arise.

*While there may not be international travel involved, you may be coordinating international gatherings and supporting the President and VP of Development in different time zones.

Qualifications:

In addition to fulfilling the above duties, successful candidates will:

• Thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment, are adept at juggling many projects at once, with the ability to meet aggressive deadlines and effectively cope with the unexpected.
• Possess an interest in providing a platform for social justice and a strong drive to work
  towards a more just and equitable society.

Education, Computer Skills, and Attendance Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in communication, business administration, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, or a closely related field. Master’s degree is a plus. M.Div. or other theology related degree is encouraged.
• A minimum of five years programmatic and event management experience, with an alum and/or constituency relations background, and fundraising knowledge.
• Strong computer skills and ability to adapt—facility with Microsoft 365 products, Raiser’s Edge, Graduway, DropBox and others.
• Ability to commute on a daily basis to the office at 3401 Broadway at 121st in the City of New York, with exceptions as arranged with direct supervisor.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, which includes evenings and
  weekends, when needed.
• Ability to travel across the country or abroad; possessing a valid driver’s license is
  preferred but not required.

Interdepartmental and Communication Skills

• Must have proven track record of being team-oriented, and be able to relate to and communicate with a wide variety of constituencies including, but not limited to, administration, faculty, religious leaders, volunteer groups, support staff, and students.
• Strong written and oral communications and presentation skills, including the ability to deploy tact and diplomacy in pursuit of results.
• Must be self-motivated, have strong communication skills (both written and oral), excellent organizational abilities and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Ability to develop content for various social media platforms, to include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Ability to market the seminary, increase alum engagement, and connect with students.
• Demonstrated ability to use computers, internet, email and contemporary computer software.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills are required. Public speaking experience is a plus.

The salary range for this position is $65,000 – $70,000, with considerations based on experience. For confidential consideration, please submit your cover letter, resume, to: utsjobs@uts.columbia.edu and be sure indicate the specific job title in the subject line.

No phone calls, please. Those whose candidacy is being considered will be contacted.

Union Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.

Front Desk Supervisor

Description of the Position:
Union Theological Seminary (UTS) is seeking a Front Desk Supervisor who reports to the Security Manager. Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Responsible for assisting the Security Manager.
• Signs visitors in and out by following procedures.
• Takes phone calls and responds to their inquiries.
• Performs security functions such as look for signs of intrusion, investigate disturbances, contact the appropriate authorities in case of emergency, and operate surveillance systems.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Welcomes visitors and pleasantly responds to their inquiries. Controls access to Seminary property by requiring everyone to scan their ID or sign the Visitor’s Log and announces visitors by calling the appropriate department. Duties also include monitoring access control and ensuring room access card procedures are followed.
• Responds to alarms, investigates disturbances, and performs CCTV surveillance.
• Ensures in conjunction with HR that all directories and other pertinent information kept at the desk are up to date.
• Receives reports of emergencies and hazardous conditions in and around UTS properties and reports same to appropriate authorities by radio, telephone, or other means. Acts as part of the Seminary’s fire/safety team and responds appropriately in the event of an emergency.
• Receives deliveries and notifies the appropriate individuals. Ensures the work area is clean and orderly.
• Serves as the face of the institution, offering friendly service to those entering the building or calling in on the phone.
• Follows Union policy which requires appropriate dress i.e., no caps at the reception desk, and prohibits personal phone calls (except in an emergency) or pursuing other activity which distracts from job responsibilities.
• Assists the Security Manager with special projects as needed. Performs such other related duties as may be assigned. Regular attendance at the job site is an essential requirement for this position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To successfully perform these duties, one must understand and be able to utilize internet applications, such as email. Knows how to use the Lenel system. Requires observation skills to quickly recognize intruders and be aware of illegal activity. Must be patient and have strong decision-making skills.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
High School Diploma or GED and one to two years in security and reception.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write correspondence, memos, and reports. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to guests, visitors, delivery agents, vendors, and other employees of the Seminary.

REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in each given framework. Ability to analyze a given situation and make a decision based on a simple and prescribed course of action. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

CERTIFICATES, LICENCES, REGISTRATIONS:
Must have been trained under the NYS Security Guard Act or must successfully complete such training with New York State as a security guard within 60 days of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the incumbent to be alert and awake at all times. Falling asleep while on duty shall be grounds for immediate dismissal.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include near and far vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Position Status: Full-Time
Weekly Hours: 40
Pay Rate: $48,000 per year