University Chaplain and Director of the Office of Spiritual & Religious Life

University of La Verne • La Verne, CA

16d

About The Position

The University Chaplain & Director of Religious and Spiritual Life is a visionary and compassionate leader who advances a spiritually curious, inclusive, and thriving campus culture. This unique role bridges spiritual care and institutional strategy by fostering interfaith understanding, holistic well-being, and a culture of belonging across the university. Serving as both a spiritual anchor and a culture strategist, the incumbent will champion ULV’s values through pastoral presence, interfaith engagement, and organizational alignment initiatives. They will act as an invisible bridge—navigating diverse perspectives, supporting healing, and catalyzing collaboration among students, staff, and faculty. Core Qualities & Competencies Spiritual Curiosity & Interfaith Fluency: Deep respect for diverse belief systems with the ability to engage across religious, secular, and spiritual identities. Bridge-Builder & Collaborator: Skilled in facilitating courageous conversations and building connections between seemingly disparate groups. Trauma-Informed Care & Emotional Intelligence: Grounded presence with the ability to navigate and help others navigate and facilitate discussions and events connected to grief, complexity, and celebration with grace. Strategic Culture Visionary: Experienced in aligning programs and systems with institutional mission and cultural aspirations. Student-Centered Mentor: Passion for emerging adult development and cultivating belonging across intersectional identities. Systems Thinker & Evaluator: Comfortable navigating organizational dynamics and using data to assess and guide cultural change.

Requirements

• 5 years experience in College Administration or Related Religious Leadership.
• 2 years teaching experience.
• Good communication skills, written and oral.
• Ability to perform ceremonial functions.
• Organizational skills.
• Personable, approachable, team-oriented, collaborative.
• Supervisory skills.
• Budget management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or higher in theology, divinity, religious studies, higher education, psychology, organizational development, or related fields.
• Minimum three years of experience in chaplaincy, spiritual direction, organizational change, DEI , or related roles.
• Ordination, endorsement, or equivalent spiritual recognition is preferred but not required; openness to non-traditional paths is valued.
• Demonstrated experience with restorative practices, grief work, or conflict mediation.
• Proven ability to lead cultural initiatives within complex organizations, especially in higher education.
• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and capacity for trust-building across levels.

What This Job Offers

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