Interfaith Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

Whitman College • Walla Walla, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Interfaith Chaplain fosters an inclusive spiritual and interfaith environment that supports students’ holistic wellbeing, identity development, and sense of belonging. This role provides compassionate pastoral care, promotes religious literacy and interfaith dialogue, and cultivates spaces for reflection, resilience, and community connection. Reporting to the Senior Director of Belonging and Inclusion, the Chaplain helps guide institutional awareness of religious and spiritual needs, contributing to a culturally responsive, spiritually grounded, and relationship-driven campus climate. This position works 40-hours per week on a 10-month schedule during the academic year (0.83 FTE).

Requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, compassionately, and professionally to students, staff, faculty, and campus partners.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive situations with discretion, and care, and professionalism, while maintaining credibility and trust.
• Ability to build and maintain respectful, collaborative, and collegial relationships across diverse roles and areas of the institution.
• Deep knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in higher education, with a demonstrated commitment to integrating these values into all aspects of the role.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate programs, workshops, and initiatives that support student engagement, wellbeing, and learning.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to student staff and peers, using inclusive and developmentally appropriate leadership frameworks.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, including the capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to align role-specific responsibilities with the broader mission, values, and goals of Whitman College.
• Proficiency with workplace technologies, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and cloud-based tools for communication, planning, and documentation.
• Ability to learn and apply institutional policies and procedures, particularly those related to risk management, program implementation, and fiscal stewardship.
• Commitment to continuous professional development in spirituality, world religions, interfaith leadership, and DEIA practice.
• A Bachelor's degree.
• Ordination or a formal recognition from the candidate’s religious tradition, indicating authorization to perform religious functions.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, anti-oppression frameworks, and inclusive religious/spiritual practices.
• 2+ years of experience in religious ministry or related service, including volunteer roles.
• 2+ years of experience fostering interfaith collaboration, with a demonstrated understanding of the role of religious and spiritual life within a liberal arts, residential college context.
• OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

Nice To Haves

• A graduate degree in theological education or equivalent.
• Training in interfaith dialogue, pastoral counseling, or spiritual direction (e.g., CPE certification).
• Experience working with college students in an advisory, programmatic, or ministry role.
• Experience designing and delivering student-centered programming that fosters engagement and community.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential spiritual care to students across religious, spiritual, and secular identities, honoring diverse belief systems and practices.
• Preside over campus-wide rituals and reflections, including vigils, memorials, celebrations, and the annual Baccalaureate service.
• Design, facilitate, and promote inclusive programming that fosters interfaith dialogue, spiritual development, and ethical reflection.
• Maintain and publish an interfaith calendar of observances, and advise campus partners on respectful and inclusive practices.
• Support student religious and spiritual organizations and affinity groups (e.g., MSA, Kehillat Shalom) through mentorship, advising, and advocacy.
• Partner with faculty and campus leadership to assist students seeking academic accommodations related to religious observance.
• Help students build connections with off-campus worship spaces or communities aligned with their traditions or beliefs.
• Oversee the care, accessibility, and resourcing of the All Faiths Room.
• Recruit, train, and supervise student staff and interns who support religious and spiritual life.
• Manage program budgets, assessment efforts, and donor engagement in coordination with the Division of Inclusive Excellence.
• Cultivate relationships with clergy, religious leaders, and spiritual practitioners to extend support for students.
• Serve on relevant committees that further Inclusive Excellence efforts on campus.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.
• Basic life , accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.
• 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.
• Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days , 12 accrued sick days , 13 paid holidays .
• Tuition Remission – Dependent Children Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Relocation assistance for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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