Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, invites nominations and applications for the role of Rector and Dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminaryat Capital University, with an anticipated appointment beginning Summer 2027. The next Rector and Dean will assume leadership at aconsequential and promising moment in the life of both the Seminary and the University. As one of seven seminaries of the EvangelicalLutheran Church in America (ELCA) and one of only three embedded ELCA seminaries within a broader university, Trinity occupies a distinctiveplace in theological education. The Rector and Dean will help define and communicate a compelling vision for Trinity's future - onedeeply rooted in Lutheran theology and the formation of leaders for Christ's church while responsive to changing patterns of ministry,theological education, and congregational life. The leader will be called to strengthen sustainable enrollment, nurture a culture offormation and belonging, advance innovative and accessible approaches to theological education, deepen relationships across the ELCA andbroader church, and expand Trinity's public witness and external visibility. As Trinity's chief executive and administrative leader,the Rector and Dean reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as an active leader within Capital University.

The successful candidate will bring theological depth, pastoral credibility, academic judgment, strategic imagination, and relationalstrength and will be able to work effectively at the intersection of church, university, community, and vocation. A full position prospectus , including information about Trinity LutheranSeminary, Capital University, Columbus, institutional resources, governance, and the complete leadership agenda, is available on the CapitalUniversity website. Leadership Agenda The next Rector and Dean will be called to advance the followingpriorities: Clarify and Champion Trinity's Distinctive Future Articulate a clear and compelling vision for whatit means for Trinity to flourish as a seminary of the ELCA, a graduate theological school in a changing landscape, and an integral part ofCapital University. The Rector and Dean will honor Trinity's Lutheran heritage while helping shape a future responsive to the needs of thechurch and theological education. Nurture a Culture of Formation, Belonging, and Accompaniment Cultivate a communitymarked by trust, spiritual depth, academic rigor, belonging, and shared purpose. The Rector and Dean will understand formation as central toTrinity's mission and support worship, spiritual practice, mentoring, vocational discernment, leadership development, and pastoral care. Build Sustainable and Mission-Aligned Enrollment Lead the development of thoughtful and creative enrollment strategiesresponsive to changing pathways into ministry and the evolving needs of church leaders and learners. This includes strengthening degreeprograms while considering certificates, non-degree opportunities, lifelong learning, ecumenical audiences, and new pathways intotheological education. Advance Innovative Models of Theological Education and Formation Guide the development ofaccessible and responsive models of theological education, including hybrid and flexible formats, continuing education, interdisciplinaryprograms, certificates, partnerships, and other pathways that extend Trinity's reach while preserving the depth and integrity of theologicalformation. Deepen Trinity's Place Within Capital as One University Lead Trinity as an integral part of Capital University,building partnerships across academic and administrative areas and contributing to the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural life of theinstitution. Opportunities include collaboration in vocation, ethics, community engagement, spiritual life, social work, law, business,music, humanities, and other areas. Expand Public Witness, Ecumenical Reach, and Community Engagement Strengthen Trinity'srole as a visible theological voice within the University, the church, Columbus, and beyond. The Rector and Dean will support ecumenical andinterfaith engagement, continuing education, community partnerships, public theological reflection, and engagement with questions ofjustice, ethics, vocation, leadership, and civic life. Lead with Stewardship and Entrepreneurial Energy Exerciseresponsible stewardship of Trinity's people, programs, relationships, and resources. The Rector and Dean will engage actively inadvancement, donor and alumni relations, partnership development, enrollment, external storytelling, and strategic prioritization whileworking closely with University leadership to strengthen the Seminary's long-term vitality. Build Capacity Through Faculty andStaff Leadership Foster a healthy, collaborative, engaged, and adaptive faculty and staff culture grounded in shared governance,academic integrity, accountability, and common purpose. The Rector and Dean will support others in leading and contributing meaningfully toTrinity's future. Strengthen Relationships Across the ELCA and Broader Church Serve as a trusted ecclesial leader whocultivates relationships with bishops, synods, congregations, candidacy leaders, alumni, churchwide leaders, and other partners intheological education and ministry formation. The Rector and Dean will represent Trinity with authenticity and credibility while invitingthe church more fully into the Seminary's life and future.

Required Qualifications Candidates must:

At the time of appointment, be a rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament in good standing in the Evangelical Lutheran Churchin America, consistent with ELCA requirements for the chief administrative officer of an unincorporated seminary, and be eligible to receiveand maintain the appropriate call for service as a seminary administrator. Hold an M.Div. or equivalent graduate theological degreeand an earned doctorate or other terminal degree appropriate to the candidate's field and the work of graduate theological education, withacademic and professional credentials sufficient for appointment to the Trinity Lutheran Seminary faculty under Capital University facultyqualification standards. Demonstrate deep grounding in Lutheran theology and the Lutheran Confessions, commitment to the faith andpractice of the ELCA, and the ability to articulate the distinctive role of Lutheran theological education in forming leaders for Christ'schurch and for the sake of the world. Bring substantial and progressively responsible leadership experience in theologicaleducation, higher education, congregational or synodical ministry, the churchwide organization, or another closely related mission-drivensetting. Demonstrate the capacity for academic and administrative leadership, responsible stewardship, collaborativedecision-making, and effective implementation. Demonstrate a record of effective preaching, teaching, theological reflection,ecumenical engagement, and communication appropriate to a leader representing Trinity among students, faculty, congregations, synods, theELCA, the academy, and the wider public. Desired Characteristics and Experience Competitive candidateswill demonstrate many of the following: Experience in congregational ministry and a strong understanding of therealities facing congregations, pastors, deacons, and candidates for rostered ministry. Knowledge of ELCA candidacy, formation,assignment, and first-call processes. Experience in theological education, teaching, scholarship, curriculum, assessment,accreditation, or shared governance. Success leading faculty and staff and building healthy, collaborative organizationalcultures. Understanding of enrollment management and the relationship between recruitment, mission, formation, and institutionalsustainability. Experience developing innovative academic models, partnerships, certificates, hybrid learning, continuing education,or other emerging forms of theological education. Financial and budgetary acumen and demonstrated responsible stewardship ofinstitutional resources. Experience in advancement, fundraising, alumni engagement, donor cultivation, or externalpartnerships. A record as a compelling preacher, teacher, theologian, communicator, and public representative. Ecumenical,interreligious, and global perspective. Commitment to inclusive community, belonging, and engagement acrossdifference. Experience leading within a complex institution and the ability to thrive in the distinctive environment of an embeddedseminary within a comprehensive university. A collaborative leadership style characterized by pastoral wisdom, humility,transparency, courage, emotional intelligence, accessibility, and the ability to lead meaningful change. Applications,Nominations, and Expressions of Interest Capital University is conducting this national search directly.

Candidates must submit:

A cover letter that specifically addresses the leadership agenda and thequalifications, characteristics, and experiences outlined in this posting and the full position prospectus; and A currentcurriculum vitae. PDF format is preferred for both documents. The full Rector and Dean search prospectus , including detailed information about Trinity Lutheran Seminary,Capital University, institutional resources, governance, and the leadership opportunity, is available on the Capital University website. References will be requested later in the search process. The position will remain open until filled; however, applications received by October 23, 2026, will be guaranteed full consideration. Confidential inquiries,nominations, and expressions of interest may be directed to: president@capital.edu For more information on Capital University, visit our websiteat www.capital.edu . Capital University offers a rich benefits package thatincludes medical, dental, vision, retirement, family education benefits, short-term and long-term disability, life and critical illnessinsurance and free parking.