Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

01/20/2025

Yes

Yes

Susquehanna University is the future-ready institution for today, invested in cultivating intellectual grounding, active learning and global citizenship for all students. Renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges, Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,200 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Our students seize opportunities through exceptional worldwide internships, expert-guided research and an acclaimed study-abroad program, leading to a transformative education that empowers each graduate to realize their unique potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.

The Susquehanna River Valley with its fresh air and overall pleasant year-round climate, provides four distinct seasons amidst a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage, occasional winter snowfalls, flower-filled springs and warm summer evenings illuminated by fireflies. Nearby outdoor recreational areas for hiking, kayaking, fishing and skiing — and the bustling cultural and commerce hubs of New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia within a three-hour drive — present abundant opportunities for learning and discovery.

RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL LIFE AT SUSQUEHANNASusquehanna University is a community that expresses its Lutheran heritage through the free and open exploration of ideas, commitment to service, development of individual talents, and the welcoming of individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs. About 13% of students identify as Catholic, roughly 3% Lutheran, and another 14% identify as members of other Protestant denominations. Susquehanna’s Jewish community (2-3%) is a vibrant and growing presence on campus. A full-time rabbi and a spacious Hillel House, along with engaged students, faculty, and staff, create a supportive atmosphere in which all Jews, no matter their practice, can observe their customs and holidays. The Chaplain also supports the religious and spiritual needs of a growing number of Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim students. The Center for Spirituality and Meaning also supports exploration of profound life questions and interfaith engagement and programming, so that members of the campus community can develop as conscientious citizens of the world.
Holy Communion is celebrated in Weber Chapel at 11 a.m. every Sunday during the academic year. Musical leadership is provided by the university organist and a variety of student musicians. Weber Chapel embraces “without exception, all people regardless of sex, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical-mental ability or disability, religious affiliation, age or station in life.”
Each year, the Department of Religious Studies sponsors a lecture by nationally and internationally renowned religious scholars and leaders. The Alice Pope Shade endowed lecture typically explores the role religion plays in various aspects of public life: civic, social, spiritual, political, moral, environmental, and in the formation of individual character.

Job SummaryThe Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life reports to the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer under the Division for Access, Equity, and Belonging. The Chaplain serves as an advisor, advocate, and resource for the purposeful building of an inclusive community. Serving under a call from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Chaplain is expected to both affirm the faith and traditions of the ELCA to which Susquehanna is related, and to serve a broadly diverse community. This position is defined as an exempt position under FLSA regulations

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide a ministry of word and sacrament through Sunday worship services in Weber Chapel, to be offered when classes are in session.
• In collaboration with the department of music and the Director of Chapel Music, plan and lead annual Christmas Candlelight Service.
• Plan and lead annual Baccalaureate celebration as part of yearly Commencement activities.
• Advocate for and support religious and worldview pluralism on campus, support diverse religious communities in holiday and cultural celebrations, and providing leadership for campus interfaith efforts through such initiatives as the Interfaith Working Group.
• Provide pastoral care for members of the campus community and assist other University staff in dealing with students in crisis.
• Nurture SU’s relationship with the ELCA and particularly with the Upper Susquehanna Synod in which the University is located.
• Represent SU as a member of the Selinsgrove Ministerium.
• Co-Direct the Center for Spirituality and Meaning.
• Co-facilitate the running and maintenance of campus food pantries.
• Maintain Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with affiliate religious life staff (such as those working for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, DiscipleMakers, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life).
• Maintain MOUs with religious congregations in the area that serve members of the SU community (such as St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, Congregation Beth El in Sunbury, Sunbury Islamic Center) to foster interfaith engagement.
• Oversee operations of the office of religious and spiritual life to include supervision of the Director of Chapel Music, graduate student, and undergraduate student staffing and management of student portfolio projects.
• Participate in University ceremonies, and, as appropriate, officiate at memorial services, weddings, and other campus functions.
• Serve on university committees and engage in other services to the university as needed.
• Advise student religious life clubs and organizations.
• Serve as a guest lecturer as needed at the invitation of academic departments.
• Coordinate programming (guest speakers, lectures, community leaders) and community dialogues (open forums, town hall meetings) intended to foster a climate of respect and civility and enhance community relationships, collaborating with the academic/student life partners.
• Support, advise and advocate for students from historically marginalized populations. Collaborate with faculty and staff to solve student issues and offer classroom/organization management techniques that increase the success and sense of belonging for diverse student populations.
• Maintain a visible and active presence in campus life, especially among students, to enhance religious understanding and promote spiritual growth.
• Maintain the operating and restricted budget accounts for Chaplain and Religious and Spiritual Life operations.
• Submit annual report to supervisor.
• Serve as a bias incident investigator when needed.
• Serves as a confidential resource for Title IX.

EducationMaster’s degree in Divinity or its academic equivalent.

ExperienceFive years of experience as a campus minister, college chaplain, or pastor of a congregation with experience in youth ministry, and an active membership in the ordained ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America required. Demonstrated experience ministering to and working with people of diverse backgrounds and faith perspectives is required.
Knowledge, Skills, AbilitiesProven ability as a worship leader and preacher; skilled at written and verbal communication, including formal presentation to groups; skilled in individual and group counseling; and the ability to articulate the traditions and teachings of the Lutheran Church as they interact with current world issues. Skilled at identifying, nurturing, and training youth leaders; strong leadership and managerial skills; and the capacity to supervise, lead, inspire, and mentor talented and diverse staff. Eager to practice ministry in a pluralistic setting and to facilitate and support interfaith programming and conversation. Ability to work independently and collaborate with other departments in the campus community; exercise sound judgment; exhibit resiliency under pressure; set priorities; and achieve goals. A willingness to give intensive concern for religious affairs on the campus from late August through May, utilizing the remaining months for study, self-development, planning, and participation in the ongoing administration of the university. Committed to full and visible participation in the formal and informal life of the campus community; demonstrated ability to collaborate with campus partners; strong interpersonal skills; ability to advise students and organizations from diverse backgrounds and identities; ability to collect and use data to assess initiative effectiveness; project management and program planning skills; and contemporary knowledge of diversity and inclusion in higher education. The Chaplain and Director for Religious & Spiritual Life will also Co-Direct the Center for Spirituality & Meaning with the Director of Jewish Life. The Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life collaborates with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to develop programming and relationship building that supports inclusion and belonging efforts.
Physical DemandExpected office environment. Position requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time. Position requires the ability to move about the campus. Position requires the ability to talk and to hear instruction. Working conditions are largely indoors. In addition to leading Sunday worship services, this position requires occasional night and weekend responsibilities. Position may require travel.

Please submit a Resume, Cover Letter, and a Diversity and Inclusion Statement following the prompt below:

In 1-2 pages, please describe your experiences, values, and commitments regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage you to address:

1. Personal Experiences and Insights: Share any personal or professional experiences that have shaped your understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reflect on how these experiences have influenced your perspectives and actions.
2. Commitment to Inclusivity: Describe how you have contributed to fostering an inclusive environment in your previous roles. Consider specific actions or initiatives you have taken to support underrepresented groups or to encourage diverse perspectives.
3. Future Goals: Explain how you envision contributing to a welcoming and supportive environment in this role. How will you promote equity and inclusivity within our organization or the communities we serve?

Yes

12 months

Full-Time Benefits Eligible

01/22/2025

Full Time

Yes

AH01341