Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, seeks its ninth president: a strategic servant leader who will build on the institution's distinctiveness and nurture a vibrant culture committed to the University’s mission to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society. The University seeks a leader who can foster a sense of belonging and community, lead with an ethic of love and graciousness, focus on institutional mission and purpose, and navigate Messiah's future with courage, boldness and humility.
About Messiah
Messiah University is a nationally ranked, private Christian university with a student body of 3,454 undergraduate and graduate students. The scenic 385-acre suburban campus was founded in 1909 by the Brethren in Christ Church and is located just 12 miles from the state capital of Harrisburg. Today, the University’s faith base is broadly evangelical and includes students and employees from a variety of denominations and Christian faith traditions.
Statements of Faith
Messiah University affirms the historic Apostle's Creed as its central statement of faith. In addition, Messiah asks that all community members support the Confession of Faith which expresses the faith orientation of the University in a nonsectarian manner that highlights the specific emphases of the Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan traditions of the Christian faith. It is included frequently in campus worship.
The President, in particular, is a figurehead for the educational, spiritual and community life at Messiah and is expected to uphold professionally and personally the faith and educational objectives documented in the Essential Commitments of the University.
Candidate Profile
There is a spectrum of lived and professional experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description, candidates must, at a minimum, display the following:
- An earned terminal degree from an accredited university and at least ten years of demonstrated leadership in an academic or similar setting is required.
- Personal strong affinity for the University’s Christian values, being either a member of the Brethren in Christ denomination or a member in a theological tradition that stems from the Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan framework
- Ability to commit to Messiah’s motto of “Christ Pre-eminent” and to the “courageous middle” -- where certain extremes can gently collide and engage, demanding a delicate balance of wisdom, courage, thoughtfulness and compassion
Compensation and Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $350,000 to $400,000 with a generous benefits package designed to support physical, spiritual, mental and financial wellness. To learn more about Messiah’s available benefits, please see their website.
The exact salary that will be offered to the President will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills, experience and geography and aligned with Messiah’s compensation policies.
How to Apply
DSG | Storbeck l Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Dr. Ruth Shoemaker Wood and Dr. Susan Kart. Please submit your CV/resumé and a three-to-five-page cover letter via our secure and confidential Talent Profile. Suggestions of candidates and questions may be submitted in confidence to the search team at [email protected].