Executive Director - Brock Barnes Center for Leadership

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Position Title: Executive Director, Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership Reports To: President Location: Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Georgia Employment Type: Full-Time Start Date: Fall 2025
Position Summary The Executive Director of the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership (BBCL) will lead a transformative initiative at Covenant College, dedicated to cultivating Christ-centered, biblically grounded leadership across all facets of the institution. This role is pivotal in advancing the College's mission by integrating leadership development into the academic and co-curricular life of students, faculty, and staff. The Center is a conduit for engaging new potential partners-particularly Christian leaders from business, government, and other sectors-thereby expanding Covenant College's philanthropic base and fostering deeper community connections. The Executive Director will lead in program development, relationship building, fundraising, teaching, and public engagement, positioning Covenant College as a premier destination for leadership formation in the Reformed tradition.
Core Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership and Vision Develop and articulate a compelling vision for Christian leadership grounded in the preeminence of Christ and in biblical principles. Ensure the Center aligns with the College's broader mission and supports institutional advancement. Cultivate strategic relationships with churches, organizations, and Christian leaders across sectors. Fundraising and Donor Engagement Serve as a strategic ambassador for Covenant College, using the Center's programs and presence to introduce, engage, and cultivate new potential donors, especially those with leadership influence and philanthropic interest. Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and corporate partnerships. Engage with alumni, churches, and philanthropic organizations to secure financial support and build lasting relationships. Represent the Center and the college at leadership forums, conferences, and community events. Conduct ongoing research on prospective donors and work closely with the Vice President for Development and the Covenant College Foundation to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities. Program Development and Implementation Oversee the Brock Forum on Authentic Christian Leadership , an annual event that brings a nationally recognized Christian business leader to speak to Covenant College students, engage in dialogue with members of the Covenant College community, and interact with the Chattanooga business community. Manage the Executive-in-Residence Program , bringing to campus Christians who are serving, or have served, in executive leadership roles to guest speak in classes, engage with students in out-of-classroom settings, and interact with the Chattanooga business community. Develop and lead a "Family Business Stewardship Certificate and Conference" to support Christian families engaged in business, with biblical guidance on succession, governance, and spiritual leadership. Teach the Business Leadership in Practice course, integrating biblical perspectives with applied leadership skills in the marketplace. Support curriculum development and the work of existing leadership programs at the College. Establish partnerships with like-minded organizations to promote a healthy view of leadership excellence. Administration and Governance Form and lead the BBCL Advisory Committee, in partnership with the Covenant College Foundation. Oversee the development and management of the Center's annual budget and activity schedule. Maintain the BBCL website and quarterly newsletter to communicate program impact and opportunities. Promote the Center's mission and thought leadership through media, public speaking, and digital outreach. Prepare annual reports for the Covenant College Board of Trustees and the Covenant College Foundation Board detailing fundraising, program impact, and strategic progress.
Qualifications: Spiritual and Theological Commitments Strong Christian faith consistent with Reformed theology and Covenant College's mission. A biblically grounded view of leadership as service and stewardship, not status. Education and Experience Advanced degree required; terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Min., or equivalent) preferred. Proven leadership experience in academia, ministry, nonprofit, or business sectors. Enthusiasm and capacity to initiate and expand fundraising for identified priorities and to winsomely engage donors. Experience in teaching, event planning, and organizational development. Familiarity with family business dynamics and Christian stewardship is a plus. Skills and Competencies Ability to engage a wide range of constituents-students, donors, business leaders, and academics-with humility and wisdom. Exceptional interpersonal, teaching, and communication skills. Strategic vision combined with a strong operational track record. Entrepreneurial thinker with a clear sense of mission and ability to build from the ground up.
Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Process: Interested applicants should apply at . Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to attach supporting documents to the application. Documents required for this position include: Cover letter of interest outlining your vision for biblically rooted leadership development. Curriculum Vitae or Resume. A statement or expression of your personal faith, sharing about your faith journey and the ongoing work of Christ in your life, including your understanding of and commitment to Scripture, the Westminster Confession of Faith ( ) , and the doctrinal standards of the Presbyterian Church in America ( ) . Philosophy of Leadership. Contact Information for Three Professional References.
About the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership The Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership honors the legacy of Covenant College's longest-serving presidents, Frank Brock and Marion Barnes, by promoting excellence in leadership across all aspects of the College. The Center approaches leadership development through a distinctive lens grounded in Covenant College's identity as a Christ-centered, residential, liberal arts college. It emphasizes leadership as stewardship, the development of skills and character, community and collaboration, and leadership perspectives from the liberal arts. Through creative programming and collaborative partnerships, the Center seeks to shape the perspectives and practices of students, nurture a culture of selfless, Christ-like leadership at Covenant College, and stimulate a broader conversation about the nature of leadership excellence.
Location:
Lookout Mountain
Job Type:
FullTime