Director of Field Education

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Director of Field Education overseeing the Field Education Program at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Integrating theological reflection with supervised ministry in various settings including nonprofit and chaplaincy.

Posted 5/27/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serves as the primary administrator and instructor for the Vanderbilt Divinity School (VDS) Field Education Program.
Integrating theological reflection with supervised ministry across congregational, chaplaincy, nonprofit, and higher education settings.
Mentoring and training of students, supervisors, and Field Education seminar leaders.
Extensive cultivation of partnerships for student placements.
Develops and implements policies to impact the field education experience.
Leads administration of the Field Education Program, managing student placements and program assessment.
Advises students on placement selection.
Recruits, trains, and supports field education supervisors and seminar leaders.
Increases participation in field education among Master of Theological Studies students.
Confers with faculty and advisors to align the Field Education program with curricula and student needs.
Evaluates program impact and manages the program budget in collaboration with the VDS Office of Finance and Administration.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent graduate theological degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
A Doctor of Ministry (DMin) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
A minimum of four (4) units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) is preferred.
At least eight years of experience in ministry, chaplaincy, pastoral care, or related community-based vocation is necessary.
Demonstrated track record of teaching, administrative, and/or guild excellence related to theory praxis learning within theological education is necessary.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse student populations and across a broad spectrum of theological traditions and ministry contexts is necessary.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary.
Excellent interpersonal skills, along with the ability to build consensus and work effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community are necessary.
Related clinical or pastoral counseling experience is preferred.
Knowledge of Christian religious traditions is preferred.
Demonstrated ability and experience in networking, developing, and maintaining effective collaborative relationships with university and/or non-profit community organizations is necessary.
Demonstrated financial and budget management skills are necessary.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Professional development opportunities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Master of Divinity (MDiv)Doctor of Ministry (DMin)Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)program assessmentbudget management

Soft Skills

teachingadministrative excellencecommunication skillsinterpersonal skillsnetworkingcollaborative relationshipsmentoringtrainingconsensus building

Certifications

accredited theological degreeACPE accreditation