University Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life

Position Summary

The University Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life provides leadership for the spiritual life of the University community and promotes an environment that supports personal growth, ethical leadership, service, and faith development. The Chaplain serves as a spiritual resource for students, faculty, and staff while fostering meaningful opportunities for worship, reflection, service, and community engagement consistent with the University’s mission and values.

The Chaplain will also serve as a adjunct faculty member and teach one to two courses per semester, based upon academic credentials, professional expertise, and institutional needs.

Reports To: President

Employment Status Full-Time, Exempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Spiritual Life Leadership

● Develop and oversee programs that support the spiritual, moral, and character development of students.

● Plan and coordinate chapel services, inspirational speakers, worship opportunities, and special campus events.

● Promote a welcoming and respectful environment that encourages spiritual exploration and personal growth.

● Collaborate with campus departments to integrate service, leadership, and ethical development throughout the student experience.

● Develop partnerships with community organizations, faith-based groups, and local leaders that support the University’s mission.

Pastoral Care and Student Support

● Provide pastoral care, mentoring, and spiritual guidance to students, faculty, and staff.

● Assist individuals experiencing personal, emotional, or spiritual challenges.

● Support students through life transitions, crises, grief, and other significant circumstances.

● Serve as a trusted resource for members of the University community seeking encouragement and guidance.

Community Engagement and Service

● Coordinate volunteer, outreach, and community service initiatives.

● Encourage student participation in service-learning opportunities and civic engagement.

● Assist in developing programs that promote leadership, integrity, compassion, and social responsibility.

Academic Responsibilities

● Teach one to two courses per semester based upon the employee’s academic qualifications, expertise, and institutional needs.

● Maintain high standards of teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

● Participate in curriculum development, assessment, and other faculty responsibilities as assigned.

● Support the integration of ethics, leadership, service, and personal development within the educational experience.

University Leadership

● Participate in commencement, convocation, orientation, and other major University events.

● Serve on University committees and task forces as assigned.

● Represent the University within the community and at professional organizations.

● Support strategic initiatives that advance the University’s mission and goals.

Qualifications – Education

● Master’s degree required from an accredited institution.

● Doctorate preferred.

● Degree in Theology, Divinity, Counseling, Leadership, Education, Business, Psychology, or a related field preferred.

Experience

● Minimum of five years of leadership, ministry, counseling, chaplaincy, student development, or related experience.

● Experience working with college-age students preferred.

● Prior teaching experience in higher education preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

● Commitment to the mission and values of the University.

● Strong interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.

● Ability to mentor and support individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

● Ability to build collaborative relationships across campus departments.

● Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and program development skills.

● Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Please complete the application at https://apply.appone.com/job/6a32b5940a3fafdd76247446. For questions regarding the submission of application materials, please email Anna Benefield, Human Resources Administrator, at abenefield@thomasu.edu.