Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and Campus Chaplain, Emerson College
The Director of Religious and Spiritual Life at Emerson College serves as the College’s Chaplain and provides support and guidance for students and groups involved in religious activities, faith traditions, and personal spiritual growth. Emerson College is committed to the principle that each religious tradition is a vital and valued part of our community, and we celebrate and nurture religious and spiritual diversity.
Primary Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks
- Hires, supervises and evaluates a part-time Catholic Chaplain, Hillel/Jewish Life advisor, and Protestant Chaplain and student workers to support the office.
- Coordinates and implements co-curricular programs including interfaith and intercultural dialogues to enrich the religious and spiritual lives of students in collaboration with the Hillel/Jewish Life Advisor, Catholic Chaplain, and Protestant Chaplain.
- Develops and publishes a monthly e-newsletter highlighting religious observances and traditions.
- Provides support and guidance for students, student groups, faculty, and staff involved in religious activities.
- Provides pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, and referral to all members of the campus community, including those without a religious affiliation or conviction.
- Oversees and manages departmental budget.
- Evaluates spiritual needs and develops a strategic plan to address unmet faith needs of the community.
- Coordinates, organizes, and presides over community worship, memorial services, and other spiritual observances.
- Provides care, comfort, and counseling to students in crisis and/or experiencing grief and loss (e.g. hospitalization, parent/family death).
- Assists with special on-campus events such as New Student Orientation, Family Weekend, Admission Visitation Days, and Commencement.
- Collaborates with departments across the campus including Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Diversity and Inclusion to provide educational opportunities around issues of morality, spirituality, and ethics.
- Serves as the liaison between Emerson College and religious leaders and faith communities in the City of Boston.
- Supports the Family Emergency Team in the event of a crisis or emergency.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Education
Advanced academic training (e.g. master’s in divinity or related field); a deep faith commitment, which is reflected in leadership within a faith community; experience working in the college environment or with college-aged populations; experience with interfaith programming; excellent public speaking skills; excellent pastoral care and counseling skills; solid administrative skills, including the capacity to effectively manage a budget, supervise staff, facilitate meetings, build a team, and plan events. Knowledge of a broad base of faith-based traditions, beliefs, and practices, sufficient to support the diverse religious or spiritual needs of the campus.
Preferred/Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Education
Advanced technical skills preferred. Working knowledge of Banner, Google Docs, and standard office word programs.
Annual Clery Report
In accordance with the federal Clery and Campus SaVE Acts, Emerson College commits to providing all current and prospective students and employees with access to the annual campus security reports for each of our campuses.
Compensation
Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Emerson College also offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Diversity Statement: Emerson College believes diversity enriches the educational experience by providing students with the opportunity to learn from individuals who may have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Engagement with diversity in the curriculum, in our co-curricular offerings, and all other aspects of the College enhances the personal and intellectual growth of all members of our campus community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr