Job Summary:
Shaw University Divinity School (SUDS) invites qualified, visionary applicants to serve as part-time Adjunct Professors for
online instruction in both degree and non-degree programs. Shaw University Divinity School is expanding its theological education and
professional development programs. We seek committed scholar-practitioners passionate about innovative
theological education, committed to engaging multi-vocational ministry practitioners, and skilled in developing
dynamic and flexible learning experiences. Applicants must be able to develop and teach degree and non-degree
courses for students and post-graduate professionals in traditional and non-traditional learning formats.
Essential Job Functions:
Adjunct Professors will teach courses across various theological and ministerial subjects, build relationships with
prospective students through outreach and recruitment events, and design robust, adaptable syllabi to serve diverse
learning cohorts.
Shaw University Divinity School equips emerging leaders to integrate faith and vocational callings across multiple
sectors. It prepares students for bi-vocational and specialized ministries in churches, nonprofits, education,
healthcare, the arts, and other public and private domains. We are interested in individuals wanting to invest in a
curricular approach that promotes theological depth, ethical leadership, and community impact in topics including.
1. Classical studies in contemporary ministry and traditional theological disciplines
2. Faith in Action: Church Leadership for Community Transformation (MIC 504)
3. Nonprofit Leadership and Spiritual Innovation (THE 590)
4. Compassion in Practice: Health and Human Services in Faith Communities (MIC 503)
5. Teaching Across Generations: Education for Today's Church (CED 502)
6. Healing and Wholeness: Faith, Culture, and Public Health (MIC 510)
7. Creative Worship: Theology, Arts, and Spiritual Formation (PWS 521)
8. Faith-Driven Change: Action Research in Ministry Contexts (MIC 512)
9. Healing the Broken: Trauma-Informed Leadership and Pastoral Care (MIC 524)
10. Liberating the Disenfranchised: Culturally Responsive Counseling (PPC 531)
11. Faith on the Frontline: Congregational Praxis and Social Innovation (MIN 504)
12. Prophetic Economics: Ministry for Political and Economic Justice (RSO 504)
13. Faith-Based Management: Church and Organizational Administration (ADM 501)
Primary Responsibilities:
Deliver high-quality online instruction in assigned courses (degree and non-degree) following the School's
academic and pedagogical standards.
- Syllabus and Curriculum Development:
Create comprehensive syllabi aligned with program learning outcomes, including multi-tiered formats to
accommodate traditional, accelerated, and modular class structures. Update course content regularly to
ensure relevance to contemporary ministry contexts.
- Student Engagement and Advisement:
Maintain active communication with students throughout the course duration. Provide timely, constructive
feedback. Foster online classroom communities that support peer learning and critical theological reflection.
- Prospective Student Engagement:
Attend and participate in online and in-person prospective student events, open houses, webinars, and
conferences as a faculty representative. Offer subject matter insights to assist prospective students in
understanding program offerings.
- Innovative Learning Opportunities:
Develop non-traditional learning modules (e.g., practicums, case studies, service-learning projects, ministry based field assignments) that bridge academic study with real-world, multi-vocational ministry applications.
- Assessment and Reporting:
Evaluate student learning outcomes using prescribed rubrics and submit grades and required assessment
data by deadlines. Participate in programmatic reviews and course improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrates acceptance and support of the mission and goals of the University.
- Effectively teach knowledge-relevant college-level religious courses (Theology, Ethics, Biblical Studies, Pastoral Care,
Preaching, etc.) courses, with a commitment to providing excellence in education.
- Present course teachings in such a way that students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving
skills, to increase motivation, to develop a positive self-image, and to clarify their values.
- Actively engages in planning, developing, and improving curriculum offerings.
- On the first day of class, provides each student a copy of a course syllabus that conforms to University-approved
requirements.
- Teaches the course in accordance with the course syllabus.
- Informs students of the course objectives and requirements, explains the grading system and attendance policy, and
provides a bibliography of suggested readings.
- Participates in orientation sessions conducted each semester, as applicable.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Note: This job description is not intended to provide all duties that may be required of the position.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Doctoral degree in Theology, Ministry, Religious Studies, Christian Education, or a closely related
field (D. Min., Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent).
- Master's degree in Theology, Ministry, or related field (M.Div., M.A.T.M., or M.A.R.) considered for
non-degree course instruction with exceptional experience.
Experience:
- Online teaching experience using LMS platforms (e.g., Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard) is strongly
preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to design, adapt, and teach courses for multi-vocational ministry contexts
(e.g., pastors, chaplains, nonprofit leaders, bi-vocational ministers).
- Experience in creating syllabi with multiple instructional tiers (full term, accelerated, micro-learning
formats).
- Evidence of active engagement in ministry, theological education, or leadership in church,
community, or nonprofit settings.
- Must possess the minimum credential standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS),
which normally include at least 18 graduate semester credit hours in the subject area or suitable approved
justifications.
- Demonstrated success teaching at the college level.
- 3-5 years’ research and teaching experience in the field of religious studies, culture, race, gender, and
women studies required.
- Candidates with teaching experience and expertise in an additional area also offered in the assigned
department is highly desired. Skills and Competencies:
- Mastery of adult learning theory, with a practical focus on experiential and transformative education models.
- Skilled in developing and facilitating non-traditional educational experiences (e.g., workshops, online ministry
practicums, collaborative projects).
- Strong written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
- Ability to embody and promote the mission and vision of Shaw University Divinity School with professionalism
and enthusiasm.
Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations
Must possess the minimum credential standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on
Colleges (SACSCOC), which normally includes at least 18 graduate semester credit hours in the subject area or
suitable approved justifications.
Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior)
Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision,
commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence are critical. Strong oral and written
presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in the organization,
decision-making, problem-solving, and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects
simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.
Physical Demands
Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and carrying.
Specific vision abilities include the ability to use close vision. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and
to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.
Preferred
-
PHD or better in Theology or related field
-
Masters or better in Theology or related field
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
