Employment Opportunities at ACU

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and active, faithful members of a congregation of the Churches of Christ and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of the university. 

The Director is accountable directly to the Dean of the College Biblical Studies for issues related to the administration of the Center and the Chair of Department of Marriage and Family Studies for issues related to teaching. The Dean is responsible for the appointment of the Director in conjunction with the Chair. Appointments are for 12 months as a staff member with half their time reassigned for teaching.

Mission Statement: The mission of the Pruett Gerontology Center is to equip the body of Christ for serving aging members. The Pruett Gerontology Center accomplishes this through research, service, education, and academics in partnership with communities of faith and the ACU community.

The duty of the Director is to fulfill the mission of the Pruett Gerontology Center. Duties may be added as needed by the Dean of College of Biblical Studies to meet the mission of the Pruett Gerontology Center. These duties are in addition to the Basic Responsibilities and Essential Duties of teaching faculty.

Functional responsibility for the Center Director includes five basic areas:
1. Develop educational modules, presentations, and program development guidelines for churches, families, and agencies
2. Develop a research portfolio related to aging populations that elevates the University’s profile
3. Promote interest in serving aging communities among students
4. Develop and teach academic courses
5. Administration of the day-to-day operation of the Pruett Gerontology Center

Within each functional area the Director of Pruett Gerontology Center has specific responsibilities as stated below. This list is representative and not exhaustive.

1. Develop educational materials, presentations, and program development guidelines for churches and families.
A. Apply research findings to the development of educational material and/or courses for ministers, ministry students, and churches
B. Network with churches to be guest speaker on issues pertaining to growing spiritually in later life and the importance of intergenerational ministry
C. Partner with other CBS Centers and Departments for research and service opportunities including the Sibert Institute, the Faulkner Center for Marriage and Family, and the Marriage and Family Institute
D. Initiate or present in on-campus conferences addressing current needs andissues pertaining to churches, families, and communities
E. Consult with campus directors of special programs to develop learning opportunities for the ACU community
F. Consult with academic disciplines to develop course modules and learning opportunities for students
G. Network and cooperate with local aging-related organizations to offer educational opportunities

2. Develop a research portfolio related to aging populations that raises the profile of the University.
A. Conduct research related to aging populations that produces scholarly artifacts or educational materials
B. Apply for outside grants that support gerontology research
C. Support faculty research especially as aging studies relates to their discipline
D. Develop faculty research grant through Pruett Endowment
E. Assist students by mentoring research projects, offering student research grants from the Pruett Endowment, locating outside grant and presentation opportunities for students, and mentoring students for Undergraduate Research Festival as needed

3. Promote interest in serving aging communities among students
A. Develop campus events that highlight aging issues and careers such as Aging Week, photo contests, aging simulations, or career fairs.

4. Develop and teach academic courses
A. Teach a minimum of 12 hours within the Aging Studies minor with 6 hours in fall and 6 hours in spring
B. Develop courses as necessary to fulfill the mission of the Center
C. Network with local agencies to assist students with internship and volunteer opportunities

5. Administration of the day-to-day operation of the Pruett Gerontology Center
A. Plan, recommend, and administer the approved budget in conjunction with the Dean’s Office and the Department of Marriage and Family Studies
B. Prepare job descriptions, assemble, and supervise approved staff and student positions for the center
C. Cooperate with the Dean of the College of Biblical to ensure PGC functions within University policy
D. Plan, publicize and implement short courses, workshops, support groups, and conferences consistent with the purposes of the center
E. Maintain the PGC website and blog
F. Complete other duties as assigned by the Dean of the College of Biblical studies including teaching appointments as necessary.

Basic Responsibilities of Teaching Faculty

1. Provide high-quality instruction, direction and support for students in the classroom environment
2. When requested attend departmental/team meetings to participate with the program faculty in planning, and development of program and curriculum.

Essential Duties of Teaching Faculty

1. Provide high quality instruction, direction and support for students in the classroom environment.
2. Facilitate a range of class sizes, up to 49 students, which may include dividing the class into sections for discussion and group activities.
3. Provide rich and timely feedback on student work, being both encouraging and constructively critical.
4. Hold a minimum of four office hours per week and be available by appointment for in- person or virtual meetings with students individually or in groups.
5. Provide timely and helpful answers to students’ inquiries outside of class time, regarding course material or academic matters.
6. Enter final course grades by deadline, after consultation with lead faculty and/or program

1. Physical Demands

   1. Able to lift up to 25lbs.

   2. Able to drive an automobile or van

   3. Able to work in an office space for extended period

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets.  Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.