Head Chaplain

Oregon Episcopal School•Portland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Oregon Episcopal School seeks a Head Chaplain to begin duties on July 1, 2027. OES is an inclusive, pluralistic Episcopal school welcoming people of all faiths and perspectives. The Head Chaplain is the primary voice in preaching, liturgy, and teaching, and coordinates the sacramental, pastoral, and educational ministry of the chaplaincy. The role also serves as Upper School Chaplain and teaches religious studies classes in the Upper School. The Head Chaplain provides pastoral care to students, families, employees, and alumni; advises student groups; coordinates relationships with outside organizations and communities; and interprets, preserves, and promotes the School’s Episcopal identity. Working collaboratively with the Head of School and other colleagues, the role sets strategic direction for chapel and spiritual life in connection with school initiatives, including inclusion and justice, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and civil discourse. The Head Chaplain works across divisions with the Middle and Lower School chaplain and in partnership with the Office of Equity & Inclusion. This senior leadership position serves on the Administrative Team and reports directly to the Head of School. The role oversees a meaningful PK–12 chapel program, leads weekly Upper School chapel, supports worship across all three divisions, and plans all-school worship with the chaplain team. Teaching responsibilities include setting learning objectives, designing assessments and activities, differentiating instruction, providing feedback, fostering inclusive learning environments, and participating in professional development and broader school life. Administrative and educational work includes supervising the chaplaincy team, supporting strategic initiatives, coordinating the Pre-K–12 religion curriculum, teaching religion courses, supporting community engagement, and maintaining relationships with the parish of St. John the Baptist and the Diocese of Oregon.

Requirements

Active as an ordained Episcopal priest, ordained deacon, or active in the ordination process.
Master’s degree in religious studies or a related field.
One to three years of experience in Episcopal schools as a chaplain or in a similar ministry setting.
Intercultural competence and ability to work sensitively and effectively with students, families, and colleagues of diverse backgrounds and identities.
Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion for people of all backgrounds and identities.
Digital literacy, including intermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite, Google Docs/Sheets, and other web-based applications.
Database and video-conferencing experience as appropriate to job duties, and flexibility and willingness to learn evolving digital tools.
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Knowledge of current best practices in school chaplaincy.
Excellent interpersonal skills and sensitivity when dealing with difficult situations.
Verbal and written communication skills, including ability to manage confidential information.
Ability to consistently apply principles of equity and inclusion in the broader workplace community.
Organizational skills and ability to work well on teams.
Ability to sit at a computer and keyboard for moderate periods, move around campus including climbing stairs, and communicate clearly with adequate sight and hearing.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years teaching in an Episcopal School as an ordained Episcopal priest and chaplain.
Master of Divinity degree or higher.
Demonstrated successful history of innovation in teaching Religious Studies, curriculum design, and leadership of school chaplaincy programs.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the sacramental, pastoral, and educational ministry of the chaplaincy.
Serve as the primary voice in preaching, liturgy, and teaching, and as Upper School Chaplain.
Oversee and facilitate a meaningful Pre-K–12 chapel program with the divisional chaplains.
Plan, facilitate, and lead weekly Upper School chapel and support chapel programming in all three divisions.
Plan all-school worship events and provide worship opportunities with the chaplain team.
Facilitate connections between Chaplaincy and the music program, and support environmental stewardship, equity and inclusion, and community engagement.
Teach Upper School religious studies courses and collaborate on the Pre-K–12 religion curriculum.
Create learning objectives, assessments, and activities; differentiate instruction; provide constructive feedback; and foster student learning and growth.
Build relationships with students and families, promote cultural awareness and inclusivity, and use Restorative Practices to address student needs and behavior.
Participate in professional development, school activities, meetings, grade-level overnight trips, advisory, and Winterim.
Provide pastoral care to students, employees, families, and alumni, and promote the spiritual well-being of the community.
Coordinate care for students of concern with divisional chaplains and support services teams, particularly in the Upper School.
Support divisional chaplains’ personal and professional growth and development.
Serve on the senior Administrative Team, All-School Community Engagement Committee, Head’s Vision and Advisory Committee, and Mount Hood Climb Observance Committee.
Plan and coordinate the Mount Hood Climb Observance in May.
Partner with the Office of Equity & Inclusion to build community and support strategic DEIA initiatives.
Recruit, orient, support, evaluate, and supervise the chaplaincy team.
Support Admissions and Advancement by articulating a clear and accurate definition of Episcopal identity.
Nurture the relationship with the parish of St. John the Baptist, serve on the OES/SJB Liaison Committee, and maintain an active presence in the Diocese of Oregon.
Create opportunities for parent education concerning spiritual development.
Attend regional NAES meetings, promote programs, and maintain an active presence in NAES.