Dean for Spiritual Life / University Pastor

George Fox University•Newberg, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

George Fox University's Department of Student Life is seeking a compassionate follower of Christ to serve as our Dean for Spiritual Life/University Pastor. As the lead University Pastor, this position encourages and promotes a Christ-like community among undergraduate students, providing opportunities for them to understand the Gospel, grow toward spiritual maturity, and develop a strong vision for God's work in the world. This "movement toward maturity" includes fostering a heart and mind responsive to God's call individually and within the broader community to further Christ's Kingdom. The most visible aspect of this role involves developing and implementing spiritual formation and chapel programs, which include Bible study, worship, discipleship, outreach, and service. Additionally, the Dean provides oversight and supervision for the Office for Spiritual Life, Serve Day, the Human Sexuality Care Initiative (HSCI), and the common student leadership experience. As an active participant on the Student Life Leadership Team, the Dean reports directly to the Vice President for Student Life (VPSL).

Requirements

An evangelical Christian commitment and lifestyle consistent with the institution's goals.
A personally held theological conviction and signed agreement with the George Fox University Statement of Faith, Community Lifestyle Statement, and Theology of Diversity statement remaining in living and personal agreement with these key documents.
Master's degree in a related field required.
A minimum of five years of full-time ministry experience.
Strong understanding of and passion for the spiritual formation of Christian university students.
Strong organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing (including telephone communications), and the ability to understand and follow complex instructions.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
This position does not offer visa sponsorship; therefore, only applicants who do not require sponsorship for employment visas, now or at any point in the future, should apply.
A commitment to the University's Theology of Racial and Ethnic Diversity.
A desire to work with a diverse community of students and employees who represent various cultures, backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, political views, and expressions of Christian faith.
A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a church.
Employees agree to live in agreement with the Community Lifestyle Statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience working with college-aged students and prior counseling experience are highly desirable.
Some pastoral work in a local church or university setting.
Supervisory experience.
Master of Divinity or doctoral degree.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction, focus, and assessment for undergraduate spiritual life programs connected to the Spiritual Life Office within the Student Life Division.
Preach and teach Scripture within the community (including chapel).
Offer pastoral services such as commissionings, anointings, baptisms, and communion.
Maintain availability to students and employees for prayer, spiritual counsel, and mentoring relationships.
Provide pastoral leadership, presence, grief counseling, and spiritual support during campus crises, student emergencies, or institutional tragedies, collaborating closely with the Student Life care teams and University Counseling Services.
Intentionally engage the local and Portland-area church/pastoral community to equip students with a vision and passion for local and global church work.
Connect intentionally with the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends.
Direct, equip, and support the Office for Spiritual Life team - including the University Pastors (Chapel, Spiritual Formation, Service & Soul Care), the Program and Events Coordinator, and the HSCI Care Coordinators - to ensure the successful execution of all campus ministry operations and programs.
Provide supervision, training, and evaluation for direct reports.
Participate in university-wide hiring and training processes that further the spiritual flourishing of the student and employee community.
Support, equip, and oversee the University Pastor for Service and Soul Care in planning and implementing the annual, university-wide Serve Day held on the third Wednesday of the fall semester.
Manage all budgets for the Office for Spiritual Life.
Plan various events and programs designed to enhance student spiritual life (e.g., Baccalaureate).
Work alongside student interns to provide programming that reflects the university's core values.
Serve as a Christian role model to students through actions, words, and lifestyle, whether in casual contact or formal supervisory roles.
Communicate effectively, courteously, and respectfully with employees, students, and the public.
Partner with the Dean for Intercultural Life to encourage a campus climate that is welcoming, nurturing, and supportive for all students.
Demonstrate awareness, respect, and appreciation for diversity of culture, background, race, sex, political views, and expressions of faith.
Provide compassionate pastoral care, mentorship, and leadership for students navigating questions of human sexuality and gender identity.
Anchor this support within the university's traditional, orthodox theological framework, helping students flourish in alignment with institutional convictions.
Communicate effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
By actions, words, and lifestyle, be a Christian role model to students, whether through casual contact or in a formal supervisory role.
Demonstrated experience working cross-culturally with respect, appreciation and humility.
Other duties as assigned.