Dean of Memorial Chapel

About the role

The Dean of Memorial Chapel is a full-time, year-round position dedicated to supporting the spiritual, religious, and pastoral needs of the Colgate University community. The dean provides leadership for all chaplains within the Office of the University Chaplains. The Dean also leads interfaith engagement and collaboration with all of Colgate’s chaplains, student leaders, and faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Supports the diverse spiritual, religious, and pastoral needs of the Colgate University community and nurtures the religious and spiritual traditions that make Colgate unique.
• Leads the Office of the University Chaplains, an established and important religious and spiritual hub for campus support, spiritual exploration, community connection, and reflective conversations.
• Collaborates across campus and with off-campus partners to support the religious and spiritual development of students, staff, and faculty.
• Works collegially in a highly collaborative environment with students, staff, and faculty, and brings experience developing and implementing short- and long-term plans in ecumenical and interfaith contexts.
• Provides leadership and a vision for Colgate’s diverse religious and spiritual life, demonstrates strong administrative leadership and management skills to effectively guide the Office of the Chaplains’ operations and strategy.
• Reports directly to the President, overseeing University-wide initiatives, services, and events such as Convocation and Baccalaureate, and supports for faculty and staff.
• Collaborates closely with the Office of the Vice President and Dean of the College for weekly programs, student organization advising, and other activities that create a vibrant student life experience.
• Works with the University President to provide spiritual support and leadership during moments of celebration and crises.

Requirements

• At least six years of full-time religious leadership experience.
• Strong administrative and supervisory experience.
• Strong communication, public speaking, and oratory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build community and foster collaboration among diverse constituencies.
• An appreciation for multifaith understanding.
• Ability to lead with equanimity, discretion, and integrity.

Qualifications

• Prior campus ministry experience or experience working in a college or university setting is strongly preferred.
• Ordination and/or authorization to preside over ceremonies and rituals in one’s tradition.
• An accredited Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or comparable academic credentials or training; an academic or professional doctoral degree preferred.

Skills

• Strong administrative and supervisory experience.
• Compelling communication, public speaking, and oratory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build community and foster collaboration among diverse constituencies.
• An appreciation for multifaith understanding.
• Ability to lead with equanimity, discretion, and integrity.

Benefits

Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.