Director of Community Life

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, Order of Saint Benedict • College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University - St. Joseph, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Theology and Seminary at Saint John’s University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Director of Community Life. The Director of Community Life cultivates a vibrant community life aimed at the integration of study, prayer, and the communal life within the School of Theology and Seminary (SOT/Sem). The director’s work falls into three primary areas of leadership: direction of student life, coordination of student activities in collaboration with SOT/Sem liturgies and formation, and management of residential life particularly in Emmaus Hall. The director develops, oversees, and manages the budget for a robust range of student experiences including student government, orientation programs, days of service, residential life, engagement with the Catholic intellectual and Benedictine monastic traditions, and reflection on intellectual and ministerial formation. The director ensures strong integration of programming with leadership and resources available across the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSB and SJU), as well as our partner monastic communities and apostolates of Saint John’s Abbey and Saint Benedict’s Monastery. The director develops and oversees a residential living program for SOT/Sem students residing in Emmaus Hall and other residential units at Saint John’s University and manages the facilities connected with the program, especially Emmaus Hall.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in theology and/or ministry or equivalent.
• Two or more years of experience in student affairs, student life, residence life, campus ministry, higher education administration, community engagement, or a closely related field, including Catholic diocesan, parish, campus, or ecclesial ministry.
• Familiarity with Catholic and monastic practices around community living
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute administrative responsibilities around co-curricular development and assessment.
• A commitment to inclusive excellence and intercultural humility within Catholic Social Teaching and Benedictine values.
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal relation skills
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team
• Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends as needed to support community life programs and events
• Requires working at a computer for extended periods, including sitting, typing, reading from a screen, and using various software programs essential for the role.
• Occasional local and regional travel in support of accreditation workshops and events.

Responsibilities

• Envision and build a series of community life events that support the residential and online, domestic and international, as well as lay and ordination-track student communities.
• Oversee and empower SOT/Sem Student Government to plan and implement student-envisioned and student-led programming.
• Plan and execute weekly community events with particular focus on Thursday “Convivium.”
• Establish and support student groups dedicated to service, Benedictine practices, and the larger Catholic intellectual and liturgical traditions.
• Partner with the SOT/Sem Formation programs, centers, and grant initiatives to schedule and host events on a weekly and monthly basis that support the curricular and co-curricular goals of the SOT/Sem.
• Support the work of intercultural humility and awareness among student life and activities.
• Liaise with the Director of Student Services on special initiatives and events for the school.
• Develop and maintain a plan for regular assessment of community life and needs.
• Participate in SOT/Sem administrative staff life and planning initiatives.
• In collaboration with the Director of Student Services and Director of Admission, design and implement a vision for SOT/Sem residential student life in Emmaus Hall and related facilities.
• Envision optimal practices for residential living and community life consistent with our Catholic and Benedictine missions as well as our institutional commitment to the integration of study, prayer, and communal life.
• Manage and oversee student workers including Residential Assistants and custodial personnel.
• Participate in the on-going development of residential life policies and procedures.
• Manage Emmaus Hall and related facilities as they relate to guests and public events.
• Liaise with SJU Physical Plant and Custodial Services to ensure facilities support optimal community life.
• Identify, build, and fortify, institutional relationships and resources across CSB and SJU for collaboration on community life events.
• Identify and strengthen vital relationships with Saint John’s Abbey, Saint Benedict’s Monastery and the apostolates of the monastic communities to develop points of programmatic need, design, and collaboration in support of community life
• Coordinate with SOT/Sem Alumni Council for opportunities to connect current students with alums in support of student life.
• Work with key CBS and SJU offices such as Dining Services, Events, Life Safety, Counseling Services, etc. to ensure support for student life and community events in the SOT/Sem.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 18 Paid Holidays Annually
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Remission for Eligible Dependents
• Employer Contributions to a Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free or discounted counseling, legal guidance, financial coaching, and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level