Director of Religious and Spiritual Life Bucknell University
Job no: 496134
Position type: full-time
Location: Lewisburg, PA
Categories: Student Affairs
The Director of Religious and Spiritual Life is a student-centered, creative and strategic leader who provides direction for spiritual and religious life at Bucknell University. The Director serves as one of the many faces and voices of religious and spiritual life in university gatherings, ceremonies, and occasions that call for prayer and spiritual support and guidance. The Director is responsible for meeting the needs of all faiths by encouraging a wide spectrum of religious traditions on campus, fostering dialogue about social justice, and overseeing religious organizations that seek university recognition. Key responsibilities of the Director include engaging in outreach to students, providing pastoral care, leading the Rooke Congregation, serving as Protestant Chaplain, strategic planning, and the administration of the professional and support staff, budget and facilities.
This position requires evening and weekend availability.
Job Duties:
Leadership:
- Responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive interfaith and multifaith programs that champion the religious and spiritual needs of our students
- Supervise and inspire a team that includes the Chaplains for the Catholic, Jewish and Muslim Communities, Orthodox Campus Minister, Religious and Spiritual Life Office Coordinator, Rooke Chapel Organist, and Director of the Rooke Chapel Vocal Ensemble
- Support the engagement of campus liaisons, which currently includes DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, as well as religious and spiritual organizations in the community
- Coordinate innovative and collaborative programs that engage in ecumenical and interfaith discussions and experiences
- Work to enhance the understanding between members of different religious faiths, deepen appreciation for religious diversity, and increase cooperation between different religious communities
- Lead ongoing planning and assessment for the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
- Manage the fiscal and budgetary process for the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
- Oversee vibrant communities and facilities: Rooke Chapel, Fellowship House for Protestant Life, Berelson Center for Jewish Life, Newman House, and the Muslim Community Space
Protestant Chaplaincy and Rooke Congregation:
- Plan and lead weekly worship services in Rooke Chapel, ensuring they embrace the diversity of Christianity across nationality, culture, and denomination
- Recruit and involve students in the planning, execution, and evaluation of worship services
- Provide pastoral care to students and other members of the campus community
- Develop and host a variety of programs that center on religious, spiritual, and ethical values
- Encourage the expression of religious and moral convictions in compassionate service to others by involving students in civic engagement
- Participate in various ceremonial occasions of the university (providing prayers of invocation, benediction, etc.)
- Create welcoming and inclusive environments and programming in the Rooke Chapel and Fellowship House
Departmental and Divisional Responsibilities:
- Assist with the management of Diversity and Inclusion departmental projects, strategic planning, and staff development
- Represent the Religious and Spiritual Life team, Diversity and Inclusion, and Division of Student Affairs by serving on university committees
- Attend and actively participate in office, departmental, and divisional staff meetings, retreats, and trainings
- Collaborate with offices within the Division of Student Affairs and other university departments to ensure cohesive programming and services
- Maintain a high degree of visibility to students, faculty, and staff
- Manage complex and sensitive issues with compassion and confidentiality
- Complete other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate degree
- Demonstrated experience with inter-religious work in the context of serving young adults, preferably in a higher education environment
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience leading, managing, and supervising professionals
- Ordination or similar credentialing in a Protestant religious tradition
- Demonstrated experience in planning, implementing, and assessing programs
- Demonstrated successful experience with preaching and pastoral abilities, leading worship services, retreats, educational workshops, or other related experiences
- Effective communication, interpersonal, and intercultural skills
- Dedicated commitment to student growth and development
- Ability to work collaboratively and successfully across cultures and styles at all levels of the organization
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and experience ministering in multicultural and multi-denominational contexts
- Ability to effectively interface with a wide variety of constituents including students, faculty, staff, prospective students, parents, alumni, and community members
Preferred Qualifications:
- Doctoral or terminal degree in related field
- Working knowledge of liberal arts institutions and student affairs
- Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and supervising religious life professionals
About Bucknell
Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering, and management programs. Our students choose from more than 50 majors and 60 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning, and research opportunities.
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status, or disability in admissions, employment, and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
Application Information
Postal Address:
Bucknell University
One Dent Drive
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Online Application Form:
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