University Chaplain/Executive Director, Religious and Spiritual Life

About the role

The University Chaplain and Executive Director for Religious and Spiritual Life has a dual reporting relationship to the Assistant Vice President for Campus Inclusion and Community and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Religious and Spiritual Life is part of the Division of Student Affairs, and the University Chaplain will serve on the Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT).

Responsibilities

• Effectively lead and manage the Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) team which includes an associate chaplain, faculty, and administrative staff.
• Provide vision for the Religious and Spiritual Life team and leverage data and assessment to make informed decisions on the overall direction for RSL.
• Prepare and oversee RSL budgets. Allocate resources in accordance with strategic and operational objectives.
• Manage departmental outreach and development, which includes fundraising and grants, program development, student outreach, and pastoral care.
• Engage as a Lead Team member of the Campus Inclusion and Community team, partnering on student programming and support.
• Liaison, coordinate, and partner with Campus Religious Center (CRC) and affiliated partners. Co-develop multifaith programs and support CRC partner initiatives in service to the student community.
• Provide pastoral care, support, and guidance to those who are in crisis, experiencing grief/bereavement or are in need.
• Lead and/or coordinate services on Evanston and Chicago campuses, including writing and performing worship services, assisting with music coordination, and performing baptisms, weddings, and memorial services for campus community members, as needed.
• Officiate university-wide events, such as Convocation, Baccalaureate, and Commencement, and represent Religious and Spiritual Life on divisional and campus initiatives where appropriate, such as the MLK Day Committee and Religious Exception Committee.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in divinity, theology, or related field is required.
• A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in an academic community and/or highly relevant experience working with young adults to nurture communities of faith.

Skills

• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, along with an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of constituencies within the university and beyond.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with college students and with individuals of a variety of different backgrounds.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to be an effective community builder.
• Skills in counseling, crisis management, and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of a variety of different religious and spiritual traditions.

Pay

The salary range for the University Chaplain/Executive Director of Religious and Spiritual Life position is $118,000 - $128,375 depending on experience, skills, and internal equity.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

EEO Statement

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement.