Administrative Coordinator, Black Church Rural & Small Towns Ministry Initiative

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS)
Full-Time Position with Benefits

Organizational Relationship

Department: Black Church Studies (BCS)
Reports To: Director of Black Church Studies/ Grant Director – Black Church Rural & Small Towns Ministry Initiative

Position Overview

The Administrative Coordinator is an integral member of the Black Church Studies team helping to implement the Black Church Rural & Small Towns Ministry Initiative, a transformative program funded by the Lilly Endowment. The initiative focuses on supporting Black Church leaders and congregations in rural and small-town contexts by offering education, resources, and subgrants to strengthen pastoral leadership, heritage engagement, evangelism, and the empowerment of Black women in ministry.

This role involves providing administrative support to the Grant Director and Associate Grant Director, managing day-to-day program operations, and coordinating high-impact events and activities aligned with the initiative's goals. The Administrative Coordinator serves as a key point of contact for program participants, collaborators, and stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities

Administrative Support

  • Maintain comprehensive program databases and records, including participant and collaborator data.
  • Assist with correspondence, scheduling, and document management to support the Program Director and Associate Director.
  • Organize and document meetings, including Advisory/Consulting Committee and collaborator gatherings.
  • Prepare grant reports and track metrics to ensure alignment with program objectives.
  • Manage program budgets, reconcile expenses, and ensure compliance with grant requirements.

Event Coordination

  • Plan and execute key events related to the initiative, including:
    • Black Church Rural Heritage/Sankofa Project gatherings to document and reflect on Black Church traditions.
    • Seminars and workshops focused on pastoral leadership, evangelism, and ministry innovation for rural and small-town Black congregations.
    • Leadership summits and cohort meetings designed to provide spiritual formation and leadership development for Black women and other marginalized leaders in rural and small towns ministry.
    • Annual Black Church Studies Consultation events, including dedicated tracks for rural and small towns ministry leaders.
    • Virtual network meetings to foster collaboration among rural & small towns Black Church leaders and denominational partners.
  • Manage all logistical details, including:
    • Coordinating speaker engagements, transportation, and accommodations.
    • Reserving venues and securing required technology and audiovisual needs.
    • Overseeing participant registration, creating materials (e.g., registration packets, name tags), and communicating event details effectively.
    • Arranging catering and hospitality for in-person events.
  • Support the dissemination of program outcomes by collaborating with the Communications Office to produce marketing materials, event summaries, and evaluations.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for participants, speakers, and collaborators to ensure seamless execution of events aligned with grant objectives.
  • Evaluate the success of events by collecting and analyzing participant feedback and preparing detailed reports for stakeholders and grant compliance.

Program Communication and Outreach

  • Develop and disseminate newsletters, promotional materials, and social media content to engage program audiences.
  • Support the creation of educational resources, including materials for leadership cohorts and certificate programs.
  • Build and maintain connections with rural and small-town Black churches, program collaborators, and denominational organizations.

Participant Support

  • Assist with Black Church Studies certificate and cohort registrations, track participants' progress, and manage communications regarding program offerings.
  • Coordinate microgrant application and reporting processes for congregations engaging in ministry projects aligned with the initiative’s priorities.

Key Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred, with equivalent administrative experience considered.
  • Experience: At least 3 years in an administrative or program coordination role, preferably in non-profit or faith-based organizations.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced knowledge in Excel, budgeting tools, and familiarity with virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom).
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft content for newsletters, reports, and social media.
  • Organizational Skills: Detail-oriented and adept at managing multiple tasks, events, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Collaborative and culturally sensitive, with an understanding of Black Church contexts and rural and small towns ministry challenges.
  • Adaptability: Able to work independently and adapt to changing responsibilities and priorities.

Preferred Attributes

  • Familiarity with Black Church and Black Rural leadership and traditions.
  • Experience with grant-funded programs or reporting.
  • Knowledge of Louisville, KY, and Black Church Studies.
  • Familiarity with event planning and participant engagement.

Application Process

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Dr. Perzavia Praylow at bcs@lpts.edu. Applications will be reviewed starting January 6, 2025.

About Louisville Seminary

Founded in 1853, Louisville Seminary offers an inclusive and diverse learning community, welcoming students from wide ecumenical backgrounds while maintaining its long, historic commitment to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Louisville Seminary is led by the Holy Spirit to educate people to proclaim the Gospel, to care for all, and to work for justice in communities everywhere. It is distinguished by its nationally-recognized marriage and family therapy and field education programs, its black church studies program, the scholarship and church service among its faculty, and a commitment to training people to participate in the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ. For more information, call (800) 264-1839 or log onto www.lpts.edu.

Louisville Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability.