The Organization
Cambridge House Christian Study Center (CHCSC) joyfully serves the students, faculty, and staff of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Their location on the edge of campus is a safe haven for the W&M community to explore faith and to experience the riches of the Christian tradition. Supported by alumni and a broad cross-section of the local church community, Cambridge House practices warm hospitality and provides an inviting place to integrate faith and learning, with a robust schedule of events, and strong partnership with other Christian campus ministries.
The Opportunity
Cambridge House is seeking a talented individual called to be its Executive Director whose ministry experiences and academic background will serve as a natural entrée into the William & Mary community. This servant leader will extend a warm, relational invitation to students, faculty, and staff to join a “communal table of faith,” working to advance the mission of the Study Center through faithful and intentional service, as well as being a winsome ambassador for the mission in the community.
THEIR STORY
Believers have prayed for a Christian study center in Williamsburg for decades. Blake and Paula Puckett purchased a large home next to William & Mary for such a purpose in 2018. In 2020, they unveiled the vision for Cambridge House to the wider community.
They received a tremendous level of support, formed a Board of Directors, and incorporated in 2021. Paula served as the first Director in a year with modest programming. Dr. Jon Thompson served as ED in years 2 and 3, and CHCSC grew. They have raised enough money to supply operating expenses, an ED salary, staff support, and for the past two years have hosted an intern, the first provided by the Consortium of Christian Study Centers.
Following the ED’s departure in June 2024, Paula stepped in to serve as Interim Director. Supported by an involved board, a talented intern, a wide network of volunteers, and a host of devoted prayer warriors, today Cambridge House stands as a testament to faith. They support a thriving Fellows program and are in the process of forming a Faculty Advisory Council that connects Cambridge House with a growing community fostered by InterVarsity’s existing outreach to W&M Faculty and Staff
WHAT THEY DO
The Christian Study Center serves the students, faculty, and staff of William & Mary. They have set a table with the riches of the Christian tradition, inviting the community to partake in “thick” community, fostering moral, spiritual, and intellectual growth. More than anything, this organic connection of listening, growing and learning together is the goal of all the more formal programs.
On a more formal level, Cambridge House hosts a variety of events for faculty, students, and/or the entire community, either on campus or in their homey and inviting space just steps from the business school. This serves a crucial function on this walkable campus, where many students do not have cars and get to most places on foot. Some popular events include faculty dinners, a robust student Fellows program, public lectures, and ongoing weekly hospitality.
While they are a small, relatively new Christian Study Center, Cambridge House is known for its Fellows program and positive relationships with the other Christian campus ministries. Their "Study Days" and Advent “Nine Lessons and Carols” in the historic Wren Chapel and proximity to campus are winning features as well.
As a member of the Consortium of Christian Study Centers, Cambridge House is a faithful multiplier of the gifts of the Christian community; committed to William and Mary, prayer, and creating a safe place to explore the intersection of faith and academia, grounded in the riches of the Christian tradition.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
OPPORTUNITIES
1. CHCSC holds a unique position on a small but historic academic campus. It blends
warm hospitality with strong connections to campus ministry and local church resources
that provide students a chance to contextualize their faith in a safe and supportive
environment. No other organization on campus blends the academic, spiritual and
relational elements as seamlessly or intentionally.
2. There is an opportunity in this relatively young organization to build something that will
leave a legacy to generations of students, faculty and staff. The board is connected,
supportive and open to creative strategies of outreach and service.
CHALLENGES
1. The flip side of running a new organization is that relatively few policies and procedures
are in place. Someone with a need for bureaucracy or structure will struggle with the lack
of firm precedent, while an entrepreneurial leader will find it the perfect launch pad for
creativity.
2. This role will require equal parts academic rigor, pastoral warmth and entrepreneurial
drive. It is not a scholar in residence program, and someone who doesn’t relish the
opportunity to do a little of everything will not thrive in this position. It will require
fundraising, connection with the community, attracting renters, and managing programs
as well as giving more academic talks and leading study groups.
WILLIAMSBURG, VA
Williamsburg is bursting with charm. This small town nestled on the coast of Virginia features The College of William & Mary, a “Public Ivy,” which has been the heart of this town since 1693 and is the second-oldest university in the United States, and the site of the oldest Law School in the nation. It also is home to the largest living history museum in the world--Colonial Williamsburg is a must-see for any history lover! One can experience colonial life firsthand in this town that functions almost entirely the way it did in the 18th century. From the blacksmith and millinery to the armory and Governor’s Palace, visitors literally step back in time. Nearby is Jamestown and the original landing site of the first English settlers, as well as a top-notch museum and Powhatan village. Yorktown and other important Revolutionary War sites form the third point of the Historic Triangle.
Williamsburg features modern amenities, too, from its growing food industry and impressive collection of breweries to its shopping, art museums, and thriving small business scene. A great place for families, Williamsburg is safe and features plenty of green space, parks, and waterways for outdoorsy types. There’s something for everyone, including camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more. The average home price for a typical 3 BR is $330K to $550K and the cost of living is lower than the national average. Housing may be available for some applicants.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: Executive Director
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: The Board of Directors
Travel: Minimal
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Summary:
The Executive Director is responsible for advancing the academic, spiritual, theological, and invitational mission of Cambridge House Christian Study Center (CHCSC). This is achieved by casting vision, setting priorities, developing funding, and overseeing all aspects of operations of CHCSC. The Executive Director enables the development of CHCSC programs and activities that engage the William & Mary community in the integration of faith and learning.
Subscribing to CHCSC’s Statement of Faith and grounded in the foundational teachings of the historic Christian faith, the Executive Director will work with the Board of Directors to set strategic planning for future growth and development. The Executive Director reports to the CHCSC Board of Directors.
This is a full-time job that involves minimal travel. Occasional weekend or evening work may be required.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key duties and responsibilities would include:
(Below are examples of responsibilities, but not exhaustive)
Organization Mission & Strategy: (30%)
Works with the Board of Directors and staff to ensure that the Mission, Vision and
Values are fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.
Responsible, directly or indirectly, for the oversight, design, presentation, integration, and evaluation of all programs and activities of CHCSC.
Collaborate on strategic planning to ensure that CHCSC will successfully fulfill its Mission into the future.
Represent CHCSC as a spokesperson to various constituencies, developing strategic relationships, and opportunities for the Center.
Actively seek feedback from donors, potential donors, alumni, parents, and other stakeholders regarding the work and effectiveness of CHCSC.
Guard the theological integrity of the ministry.
Provide spiritual leadership to staff, faculty, and students, including tenants, and pastoral care when appropriate.
Engage, directly or indirectly, with the William & Mary community across a range of academic and theological disciplines as a voice for CHCSC.
Development: (30%)
The ED takes the lead in ensuring the financial health of CHCSC, collaborating with the board for guidance and oversight.
Generate the revenue necessary to fulfill the mission and vision of CHCSC.
Develop and execute a board-approved annual budget and development plan.
Continually grow the base of prospective supporters through letters, emails, personal contacts, etc.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and engage major donors.
Diversify revenue streams with grants and program service revenue where appropriate.
Manage Staff & Volunteers: (20%)
Manages, supervises, and directs the activities of staff, volunteers, and contractors.
Collaborate with the Board in developing, reviewing, and revising employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for day-to-day operations.
Conduct staff recruitment, evaluation, and appraisals; recommend salary, benefits and compensation, for approval by the Board.
Guide volunteers.
Review and approve contracts for service.
Maintain active involvement in the Consortium of Christian Study Centers.
Collaborate with the Faculty Advisory Council in support of the CHCSC mission.
Board of Director Governance: (10%)
Effective and timely collaboration with the Board of Directors in order to fulfill CHCSC’s Mission. Serves as a non-voting member of the Board.
Responsible for leading, evaluating, and communicating issues that affect the overall governance of CHCSC.
Attend Board meetings to inform and/or update items that require the Board to make informed decisions.
Collaborate with the Board on new member Board recruitment and Board development.
Responsible for the fiscal integrity of CHCSC, including submission to the Board of a proposed annual programming budget and regular financial statements.
Manage Cambridge House Physical Infrastructure: (10%)
Oversee the recruitment of residents/tenants of Cambridge House.
Work with the Board to ensure the proper care of owned or leased property of Cambridge House.
Supervise day-to-day operations of Cambridge House facilities, ensuring extension of hospitality, safety, and well-being of residents and visitors.
Direct Reports: CHCSC Intern
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:
Advanced degree (Masters) required, PhD or equivalent preferred.
Management: Previous organizational management experience required, preferably 3-5 years, and ideally in the nonprofit sector.
Character
Mature Christian Faith: Must subscribe to the CHCSC full Statement of Faith and its Mission, Vision, and Values.
Servant Leadership
Integrity
Strong work ethic
Competence
Finance and fundraising
Biblical, theological, and liturgical literacy
Leadership
Strategic visionary
Impeccable written and spoken communication skills
Strong pastoral warmth and interpersonal skills
Public speaking
Chemistry with Culture
Discretion
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Hospitality
Collaborative
High Energy
Compensation Package:
Salary based on qualifications and experience, and commensurate with the organization’s budget.
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you believe this role fits you well, or if you
know someone you would like to recommend, please contact:
Dr. Rich Kidd
Partner
MISSION:LEADERSHIP
mobile :: (757) 642–0622
company main :: (615) 422–0884
email :: rich@missionleadership.org
web :: www.missionleadership.org