Reporting Relationship: Principal-Dean

Position Objective: The Assistant Professor will be responsible for teaching, academic advising, supervision and research, principally in the Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy program, and for supporting the ministry and mission of Martin Luther University College.

Term of Appointment: This is a limited-term tenure-track appointment with an initial three-year contract and the possibility for renewal on mutual agreement.

Compensation: Within the parameters of the Luther pay scale.

Closing Date:   March 3, 2025

Martin Luther University College (formerly Waterloo Lutheran Seminary) is seeking qualified candidates to apply for this non-union, full-time limited-term position (with potential for renewal). Applicants should have an earned PhD or equivalent degree, a proven track record of exceptional teaching experience, significant clinical experience including clinical supervision in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, published research, PhD advising, department management and a proven ability to be a collaborative team player.

Luther is a theological school in Waterloo, Ontario, affiliated with Wilfrid Laurier University (Laurier). With over 195 students, Luther offers theological graduate programs including the Master of Divinity; Master of Arts in Theology with fields in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy and Spirituality and Community Engagement; a joint Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology; a provincially approved PhD in Human Relationships, with fields in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy and Pastoral Leadership; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christianity, Interfaith Dialogue and Community Engagement.

The Department of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy currently has two full-time faculty, one part-time Associated Professional Faculty, and twenty-two Adjunct (sessional) Faculty members and is looking to expand the department’s capacity. This department normally offers 26 different courses related to psychotherapy over three terms (Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer) in a variety of formats, including traditional, blended week-long or all-day intensives, and some online courses. In 2013, Luther opened the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre, which serves as a counselling centre for the community and nearby universities, as well as a centre for teaching and research. It is named for Dr. Delton Glebe, who led Luther’s efforts as an early pioneer in the field Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. Luther enjoys numerous partnerships with hospitals and community mental health agencies across Southwestern Ontario.

Founded in 1911, over its one-hundred-year history, Luther was the institution that gave birth to Wilfrid Laurier University and to the University of Waterloo. It is part of the Laurier Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Degrees for Luther academic programs are granted by Wilfrid Laurier University. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance accredit Luther’s graduate programs. For more information, please go to https://luther.wlu.ca/

Duties and Responsibilities:  

Teaching

• Teach a maximum of five graduate and/or undergraduate courses/year in the field of spiritual care and psychotherapy as assigned by the Principal-Dean.
• Advise PhD students throughout their academic journey, including comprehensive papers, proposals, doctoral dissertations.    
• Coordination of student defense committees (x3).
• Sit on student comprehensive paper and doctoral dissertation committees.
• Advise MA-SCP students on academic progress, vocational direction and clinical placements.
• Provide clinical supervision as needed.
• Regular updates of course syllabi.
• Guest teaching as needed for undergraduate courses.
• Relate to other Laurier and Luther departments and practicum partners to identify, develop and support cooperation in academic programs, research and cross-disciplinary collaboration as needed.
• Consult with staff regarding recruitment needs of the program.
• Promotion of program as needed.
• Administrative responsibilities may be substituted as per faculty manual.

Research

• Engage in scholarship, research and publication that advances developments in the field of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy.

Committees, Council and Meetings

• Serve on Luther and Laurier Committees as assigned by the Principal-Dean.
• Faculty council (3 hours per month), departmental meetings (3 hours per month).

Community

• Participate in the community life of Luther and its events.
• Work with community partners as needed (faith communities, clinical partners, agencies, CRPO).
• Participate in the Faculty and Staff retreat (twice per year).

Other

• Comply with the expectations and obligations outlined in the Luther Faculty manual.

Qualifications:

• Three years’ experience in undergraduate and/or graduate-level teaching in the field of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy.
• Minimum of five years of extensive clinical experience in the field of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy; must be qualified to perform clinical supervision.
• Must hold an earned PhD or equivalent.
• Theological background is an asset.
• Certification with appropriate associations, including with the College of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario (CRPO), www.crpo.ca or another recognized regulatory body.
• Proven ability to undertake research and publish in peer-reviewed forums.
• Experience in developing creative and student-centered courses utilizing various pedagogical approaches.
• Experience in curriculum development and program mapping using an outcomes-based approach.
• Experience with building courses on teaching/digital platforms; MyLS is an asset.
• Experience teaching in-person, online synchronous and hybrid formats.
• A working knowledge of computer software and Online Learning Delivery Systems.
• Understanding of and ability to work with churches and faith communities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and strategic planning.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills.
• The capacity to understand and apply University policies and procedures and the ability to apply them accurately.
• Ability to take initiative and to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to participate constructively as a faculty team member and actively contribute to the broader vision of Luther.

Skills

• Ability to work individually as well as part of a team.
• Communication skills, written and verbal
• Maintains a positive working relationship and liaison with all partners (e.g., staff, faculty members, students, third parties, etc.).
• Ability to delegate
• Ability to read, analyze, and process documents
• Adapts to new technology
• Analytical and decision-making skills
• Attention to detail
• Completion-oriented (results/goal driven)
• Conflict management
• Leadership skills
• Listens attentively and responds appropriately
• Organizational skills
• Presentation skills
• Prioritizes and manages conflicting demands
• Strategic thinking
• Time management

Working Conditions

• Office environment (dog friendly main office)
• Frequently required to meet deadlines
• Frequently required to respond to stakeholder demands
• Frequently required to deal with simultaneous immediate demands
• Occasional peak periods, requiring an accelerated work pace
• Occasionally required to travel
• Light physical effort may be required

Applicants for the position(s) are required to submit in writing or by email:

1. A cover letter indicating their interest and qualifications for the position (two pages maximum)
2. A curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information of three references OR three letters of reference
4. A philosophy of teaching (three pages maximum)
5. List of courses taught and sample of syllabi
6. Student course evaluations (if available)
7. Samples of published or written work (no more than 30 pages)
8. Dissertation title and abstract.
9. Research Statement
10. DEI Statement
11. Professional membership certificate.

Candidates who are invited for an interview may be asked to meet constituent groups and make a public presentation. They may participate in a Career Assessment Process (e.g., Pathfinder). Initial interviews may be conducted through video conference.

Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in the recruitment and selection process, and to Luther employees at every stage of employment.

In line with Wilfrid Laurier University’s hiring policies, Martin Luther University College is committed to diversity and creating a culture of inclusion by increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications may be sent to;

Luther SEARCH COMMITTEE
Attention: Rev. Dr. Kristine Lund, Principal-Dean

Martin Luther University College

Wilfrid Laurier University

75 University Avenue West

Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5

Or Applications may be emailed to search@luther.wlu.ca. Please insert “Assistant Professor in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy” in the subject line.