Director of Religious & Spiritual Life/University Chaplain

University of the Pacific•Stockton, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

University of the Pacific’s Director of Religious and Spiritual Life / University Chaplain will provide the vision and oversee programming and campus affiliate staffing structure for the University’s Religious and Spiritual Life ecosystem. Working primarily in service to Pacific’s diverse student population, the Director also will serve as University Chaplain, supporting and guiding students and student groups engaged in religious activities, in faith and secular traditions, and seeking personal spiritual growth. The Director will work with administrative and academic colleagues across the University to promote an inclusive and creative campus community. This important role requires knowledge and acceptance of a broad array of faith-based traditions, beliefs and practices, and excellent general organizational and administrative skills. This position will be based on the Stockton campus but will collaborate with partners University-wide to build a stronger religious and spiritual life presence and support infrastructures on the Sacramento and San Francisco campuses as well.

Requirements

Master’s degree in theology, religious studies, philosophy, ethics, spirituality or related discipline from an accredited institution.
Minimum of five (5) years’ professional experience relating to chaplaincy, ministry or work with young adults.
Ability to work positively with diverse populations in the University community.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
Administrative experience that includes oversight of personnel, budgets and programming.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a campus minister, college chaplain or in young adult ministry.
Ordination or certification credentials from a faith tradition.
Experience working within interfaith and multifaith contexts.
Experience in crisis management and grief and loss counseling.

Responsibilities

Maintain a visible and active presence on campus, engaging students individually and within Pacific’s co-curricular affinity groups, e.g. Athletics, Center for Identity and Inclusion, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s), etc.
Serve as a resource for students seeking engagement, connection or guidance in navigating campus life and issues of belonging.
Provide support, assistance and guidance to Pacific’s faith-based RSO’s and their faculty advisers.
Facilitate opportunities for faith-based RSO leadership training and interfaith fellowship.
Hire, onboard, supervise and support a small cadre of Campus Affiliate Ministers, including community faith leaders/clergy, who are engaged either part-time or as volunteers in spiritual life programming and general care of Pacific’s students.
Facilitate opportunities for Campus Affiliate Ministers to engage and collaborate with one another in support of Pacific’s students.
Design, implement and oversee programming and events for a spiritually diverse audience to increase wellness, spiritual development, interfaith dialogue, ethical leadership, community-building and meaning-making on campus.
Provide opportunities for student dialogue, interfaith exchange, reflection and collaboration across diverse religious perspectives.
Assist the University’s CARE and CAPS teams, as appropriate, in dealing with students in crisis.
Assist the University’s recruitment efforts, as appropriate, in demonstrating the vibrant campus culture we are building for students seeking faith-based community.
Engage in active ministry with religiously committed students of multiple faiths while also providing opportunities for the spiritual growth of unaffiliated students.
Collaborate with appropriate campus partners to support and/or lead community gatherings, vigils or other services in times of celebration, grief, crisis and transition.
In partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, lead development and communication of the university’s multi-faith calendar of religious and spiritual observances, ensuring that information is accurate, accessible and supportive of inclusive planning across the institution.
Serve as an adviser and resource for questions regarding religious accommodation requests.
In partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, become familiar with local religious communities and make appropriate connections for students and other university partners.
Serve as liaison between Pacific and the United Methodist Church.
Represent the University to UMC’s General Board of Higher Education and California-Nevada Conference organizations.
Actively continue developing and strengthening Pacific’s partnership with Stockton’s Central United Methodist Church through mutually beneficial programming and collaborations.
Collaborate with the Pacific Volunteer Center to conceptualize and provide local and mission experiences that focus on spiritual growth through service to others.
Develop and administer the departmental budget, ensuring responsible fiscal management and compliance with University financial guidelines.
Actively participate in and support division-wide and institutional programs and events including division and directors’ meetings; student and staff training sessions; Move-in, Orientation and Week of Welcome (fall and spring); Homecoming and Family Weekend; Admitted Student Days; and other key community-building initiatives.
Some evening and weekend participation is expected for campus events and student engagement activities.
Other duties as assigned.