Chaplain and Director of Protestant Life

The Claremont Colleges Services•Claremont, CA

30d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chaplain and Director of Protestant Life is an interfaith chaplain, serving all undergraduate and graduate students of a consortium of seven colleges. The Chaplain operates both independently and as part of the egalitarian Religious and Spiritual Life Team. Independently, the Chaplain offers pastoral counseling, Protestant services and programming, support to at least one other religious group (currently Buddhist), and manages Protestant religious affiliates of The Claremont Colleges (TCC). As part of the Religious and Spiritual Life team, the Chaplain collaborates with the other three chaplains to offer interfaith services and programs, coordinate outreach and community building, and respond to college requests for representation at events. The chaplains serve a religiously, ethnically and culturally diverse community. The Chaplain will model the values of The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS): Act with Integrity, Work Together, Be Respectful, Embrace Diversity, Take Pride in What We Do. Priority Deadline: The deadline for first consideration is August 18, 2026.

Requirements

A master’s degree in theology, divinity, ministry, religious studies, biblical studies, or church history.
Ordained as a minister by a recognized Protestant organization.
Five (5) years of professional ministry and/or leadership experience in a college, university, seminary, chaplaincy program, church, or association.
Excellent workshop, preaching, and teaching skills.
Excellent knowledge of the Christian tradition in general and Protestantism in particular in its U.S. and global diversity.
Ability to engage in multi-faith and interfaith work.
Ability to read and understand the Bible.
Understanding of residential, liberal arts undergraduate and graduate institutions.
Commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion.
Commitment to working in an egalitarian consensus team model.
Advanced interpersonal skills, demonstrating an approachable personality, empathy, and exceptional listening skills.
Demonstrates maturity, tact, resiliency, and composure and sensitivity to others needs in difficult and unexpected situations.
Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with diverse individuals across multiple organizations.
Ability to balance advocacy while maintaining confidentiality.
Advanced public speaking and group facilitation skills.
Knowledge of best practices for campus-based religious and spiritual life programs and services.
Knowledge of and ability to practice the principles of leadership development and collaboration.
Fluent language skills in English, including the ability to write with proper grammar, spelling, and business etiquette.
Proven experience speaking to small and large diverse groups, preferably college-aged individuals.
Ability to be proactive, open-minded, and successful in a collaborative environment.
Ability to determine when to move forward independently and when to seek input or advice.
Ability to contribute effectively to the operations and culture of a large and diverse organizational structure.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral Degree in theology, divinity, ministry, religious studies, biblical studies, or church history.
Demonstrated experience with and commitment to social justice and diversity, including viewpoint diversity.
Demonstrated experience in leadership and administration.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in principles of leadership development and principles of collaboration.
Understanding of and/or experience in residential, liberal arts colleges and graduate institutions.

Responsibilities

Advise/provide spiritual leadership, guidance, and support to all registered Protestant student clubs/groups as well as other non-protestant groups and TCC students as needed.
Pastoral counseling for students.
Programming Weekly Protestant and Inter-Faith worship services.
Direct Protestant and other religious and spiritual observances for religious holidays, convocations, Baccalaureate, commencements.
Develop and assess programs and services which facilitate Protestant and intra/interfaith dialogue (including issues related to social justice, diverse faiths, cultural communities, and the integration of faith and academics among students, faculty, and staff).
Provide engaging trainings for residence hall staff, student peer mentors and others as requested.
Initiate and maintain outreach and support for the diverse student populations of the Claremont Colleges.
Provide regular communication through a Protestant newsletter and contribute to regular Interfaith communications.
Bridge relationships and participate in activities with off-campus Protestant and other faith communities and their spiritual leaders.
Serve as the chaplain liaison to 1-2 colleges through regular meetings and representation as requested.
Collaborate with various offices at TCC such as the Deans of Students, Faculty, Alumni, and Advancement.
Meet regularly, collaborate, and supervise religious affiliates of the McAlister Center.
Attend weekly staff meetings, participate on various community and campus committees, maintain a daily schedule, and routinely produce relevant reports that inform program effectiveness.
Respond to TCC community crises, emergencies, occasional memorial services; respond to requests from The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS) Vice President for Student Affairs and/or other TCCS Executive Officers.
Assist in or contribute to the administration of the McAlister Center.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or needed.