Associate University Chaplain and Director of Dharmic Life

Tufts University•Medford, MA

About The Position

The Office of Religious and Philosophical Life (RPL) at Tufts University is dedicated to supporting the religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural lives of all community members across its campuses. The team offers spiritual care, supports diverse religious and philosophical communities, educates on spiritual and ethical issues, and fosters interfaith dialogue and service. The University Chaplain leads the RPL team, which includes various chaplains for different traditions, program staff, and student workers. RPL supports numerous student religious and philosophical communities, offers its own programming, and manages campus facilities like Goddard Chapel and the Tufts Interfaith Center. It also collaborates with Tufts Hillel.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Divinity, Theology, Religious Studies, or related field
Practitioner of one of the Dharmic traditions, with ability to lead spiritual and educational programs specific to that tradition
Minimum of two years of experience working with young adults (experience may include campus ministry, university chaplaincy, community-based spiritual care, clinical pastoral education, and internships)
Demonstrated experience in spiritual and ritual leadership, reflective of one’s tradition
Demonstrated experience in spiritual care
Demonstrated experience in program development
Demonstrated experience in community building
Understanding of the internal cultural, religious and philosophical diversity within each tradition
Commitment to interfaith collaboration and pluralism
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Excellent leadership, administrative, and organizational skills
Excellent professional judgment and discretion
Ability to work as part of a team
Understands when to lead and when to seek input and support others
Actively seeks feedback and continuous improvement
Knows how to advocate within multiple responsibilities
Maintains appropriate confidentiality
Models integrity, honesty, trust, and professional ethics
Multicultural knowledge and skills
Commitment to nondiscrimination and social justice
Demonstrated experience working in spiritually and culturally diverse settings
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Nice To Haves

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent degree
Ordination or similar institutional recognition of spiritual leadership within one’s tradition
At least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

Responsibilities

Provide primary leadership, organization, and advising for distinct religious and philosophical communities.
Develop and implement programs and events in collaboration with students and other community members.
Coordinate regular university ritual and spiritual gatherings and holiday/seasonal observances.
Arrange educational programs related to specific traditions for diverse audiences.
Facilitate graduate and undergraduate interfaith student programs.
Serve as interfaith liaisons to various schools, departments, offices, and centers.
Provide spiritual care to individuals and groups during times of celebration and crisis.
Support and develop inclusive and pluralistic communities in partnership with student organizations.
Plan and lead weekly gatherings, holiday celebrations, and communal life observances.
Organize spiritual formation and educational opportunities such as study programs, retreats, and community service.
Lead meditation and programs consistent with expertise in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, or Jainism.
Coordinate the schedule for guest leaders and the Dharmic Spirituality Series.
Partner with student organizations to offer dynamic programs and events.
Maintain and promote the use of the Dharmic Shrine Room.
Maintain regular communication with Dharmic communities through social media and newsletters.
Attend and participate in RPL signature events highlighting pluralism and interfaith cooperation.
Support and co-facilitate assigned graduate or undergraduate student councils/groups.
Co-facilitate the Graduate Interfaith Circle.
Communicate and educate about RPL resources and programs.
Affirm existing collaborations and strengthen partnerships with student-facing offices.
Integrate cultural, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions of living and learning.
Build collegial relationships and deepen connections within the Tufts community.
Serve on specific committees or workgroups.
Serve as a liaison to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Health Promotion.
Provide short-term spiritual care to individuals and groups.
Offer spiritual guidance and leadership during times of celebration, transition, and crisis, potentially officiating services and planning vigils.
Participate and offer leadership in campus-wide rituals and rites of passage.
Participate in campus-wide responses to critical incidents and community needs.
Manage annual budgets, communications, and program logistics.
Maintain active communication through various channels.
Prepare an annual report assessing programming, funding, and effectiveness.
Participate in scheduled RPL team and supervisor meetings.
Serve on university committees related to the RPL mission.
Engage alumni, families, and community partners in support of the RPL mission.
Maintain and build relationships with local congregations, denominational partners, and faith leaders.
Participate actively in professional organizations, conferences, and collegial groups, seeking professional development opportunities.