Position Description

FT/PT: Part-time, non-exempt

Hours: Approximately 10-12 hours per month, flexible work schedule

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Remote (must reside in Canada or the U.S.)

About Emmaus Formation Centre:

Emmaus Formation Centre is a registered Canadian non-profit, providing sacred spaces for people to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ, and be equipped for transformation in life, ministry, and leadership. Our fully online certificate programs in spiritual formation and spiritual direction bring together contemplative practice, theological reflection, and a deeply relational learning serving the church across Canada, the United States, and beyond. We also offer a variety of in-person and online retreats, workshops, seminars and additional resources for the Christian church to grow deeper with God and be equipped for transformation in life and ministry.

Position Summary:

Emmaus seeks a thoughtful and collaborative Director of Education, with significant experience in spiritual direction, to help steward the academic life of our School for Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction. This role oversees the integrity, coherence, and delivery of our educational programs, supporting teachers and students while ensuring that courses reflect the mission and spirit of Emmaus. Working closely with the Executive Director and the administrative team, the Director of Education helps cultivate a learning environment that is spiritually grounded, academically thoughtful, and relationally attentive.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Has a Masters or Doctorate (minimum Masters) in Practical Theology, Ministry, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation or similar with 10+ years in higher education, ministry, or non-profit education.
• Has substantial spiritual direction training and is a practicing spiritual director, with a solid understanding of group spiritual direction and supervision of spiritual directors.
• Is deeply passionate about Christian theology, spiritual formation, and spiritual direction. 
• Enjoys supporting and encouraging teachers and students, helping them flourish in a fully remote environment.
• Is a proactive, energetic leader, attentive to structure, clarity, and program quality, while also valuing relational and spiritual dimensions of learning.
• Is comfortable working in a collaborative, small-team environment.
• Is confident using online learning platforms and digital communication tools.
• Resonates with the mission and values of Emmaus Formation Centre.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Delivery and Development
• Ensure the continued online delivery of Emmaus programs, maintaining the integrity, coherence, and sequence of the existing Emmaus curriculum, including the selection, scope, and distinction of courses within the certificate programs.
• Monitor the curriculum over time and recommend refinements or adjustments where appropriate.
• Recommend refinements to program admission applications and assess requests for advanced standing or general equivalency.
• Develop and maintain the annual course schedule and coordinate with instructors regarding course syllabi and materials.
• Oversee course syllabi, ensuring consistency in course format and expectations, teacher–student contact hours, student on-task hours, and assignments and teaching-learning activities
• Approve syllabi prior to the start of each course, ensuring they are distributed to students through administration in a timely manner before courses begin.
• Ensure that teaching platforms and communication tools are used consistently across the program (e.g., Zoom, Google, Dropbox, email).
• Oversee course completion reporting and work with administration to maintain archives of syllabi, course resources, teacher bios/CVs, and relevant program materials.
• Ensure that website information related to certificate programs remains current, communicating updates to the Executive Director for implementation.

Faculty & Staff Support

• Work with the Executive Director to identify and confirm instructors for upcoming courses.
• Ensure course contracts are distributed approximately two months prior to course start dates.
• Orient new instructors to Emmaus teaching practices and expectations.
• Provide ongoing support and coaching for teachers, helping maintain consistency and excellence in the learning experience.
• Continue the development and dissemination of the Guidelines for Emmaus Teachers.
• Teach one course per academic year (or as agreed), and arrange for substitute instructors when needed.
• Recommend to the Executive Director the hiring, renewal, or non-renewal of instructors when appropriate.
• Select and connect Spiritual Direction Supervisors with third-year students, overseeing the practicum element of spiritual direction training.

Student Experience and Program Engagement

• Plan and host Emmaus Preview events for prospective students, introducing the vision and structure of the School’s programs.
• Develop and implement online book studies, community connection gatherings, spiritual direction practice groups throughout the academic year to support student growth and development.
• Participate in Emmaus graduations and program celebrations.
• Review course evaluations, ensuring they are collected and communicated to instructors, with follow-up conversations when appropriate.
• Support students in understanding Emmaus policies and practices.
• Monitor concerns involving students, teachers, or staff and help ensure the Emmaus grievance process is followed when needed.

Continuing Education and Community Engagement

• Create a quarterly Student e-Newsletter, with key insights and opportunities for students prior to the start of each semester.
• Help plan and participate in continuing education workshops or seminars for the Emmaus Society of Spiritual Directors (ESSD), alumni, and the wider community, typically offered in the spring and fall.

Education & Skills Required:

• Ideally holds a doctorate (minimum of a masters) in Practical Theology, Spiritual Formation, Ministry, Theology, or similar graduate degree.
• Significant experience as a practicing spiritual director, preferably with experience as a Supervisor of Spiritual Directors, who has received training for spiritual direction.
• Experience in related program management, preferably in non-profit, ministry or higher education settings.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines.
• Able to work with a diverse remote team and interact with team members via digital task management systems and virtual meeting environments. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.
• Technologically savvy with proficiency in Google, Zoom, CRMs, Dropbox, and other online applications.
• Energetic self-starter with ability to work independently.

Additional Remarks:

Must be willing to abide by Emmaus’ Faith Statement / Community Standards.

To apply for this position please submit this form. https://form-can.keela.co/director-of-education-job-application.