University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement

  • Elon University
  • Elon, NC
  • Oct 15, 2020
Full time Other

Job Description

Elon University

University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement 

Elon University invites applications for a visionary, accomplished leader to serve as the next University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement, providing strategic leadership for a comprehensive vision to support religious and spiritual life and advance multifaith understanding at Elon.   

Founded in 1889, Elon University has held its core values constant throughout its history: close working relationships between faculty and students, a culture that supports constant innovation, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to fulfilling its founders’ vision of an academic community that transforms mind, body, and spirit. Elon is a selective, mid-sized private university renowned as a national model for engaged and experiential learning. Students work closely with faculty who are dedicated to excellent teaching and scholarship. The curriculum is grounded in the traditional liberal arts and sciences and complemented by nationally accredited professional and graduate programs. Elon University’s success can be attributed to a stable team of strong leaders working within a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture in which new ideas are welcomed and frequently realized. Change is a constant, rooted in the university’s core commitments to excellence, student success through engaged learning, the teacher-scholar model, wise use of resources, and rigorous, flexible planning. 

Today, Elon has just over 7,100 students – 6,291 undergraduates and 826 graduate students – from 46 states, the District of Columbia and 3 U.S. territories, and 49 countries. Global engagement is central to Elon’s experience and the Institute of International Education has ranked Elon #1 in the nation for study abroad for 15 straight years. Elon is ranked among the top-100 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, with a #2 ranking for excellence in undergraduate teaching and #10 for innovation. In addition, Elon is the leader in the “Focus on Student Success” feature – the only college or university ranked in the top-20 in all eight categories of high-impact academic programs. Included are #1 rankings for study abroad and learning communities and #2 rankings for first-year experiences, senior capstone, and service learning. Elon employs more than 560 full- and part-time faculty and 1,000 full- and-part-time staff. Elon sponsors 17 NCAA Division I varsity sports and is a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. 

The Position

In recent years Elon has become known for its innovation and excellence with interfaith engagement through a combination of academic and cocurricular initiatives.  Reporting to the Vice President of Student Life, the University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement will deepen and advance that national model and uphold the value placed on spiritual development, alongside intellectual and social development, as an essential part of Elon’s educational program.  The Chaplain/Dean leads the council of chaplains, supervises the Associate Chaplain and Director of the Vera Richardson Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, and supports university staff and affiliated ministers who lead religious, spiritual, and multifaith initiatives. 

Responsibilities include providing pastoral care for the university community, leadership for religious diversity and multifaith understanding, administrative and programmatic oversight for religious and spiritual life, and representation of the university among community religious leaders. The Chaplain/Dean provides strategic leadership within the Division of Student Life, working collaboratively with all departments and programs, and maintains close working relationships with the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society and the academic Religious Studies department.   The Chaplain/Dean is a senior leader in the Division of Student Life, serving as member of the vice president’s senior leadership team and the division leadership team, and representing Student Life on divisional and university committees. The Chaplain/Dean holds faculty rank and has open-door access to the President. 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a proven track-record of transformational leadership with campus-based ministry and demonstrated experience with multifaith/interfaith engagement and supporting faith communities from varying religious and spiritual traditions.  A master of divinity or related degree and 10+ years of progressive leadership in college/university ministry, at least five of which are at the level of director or above, are required.  The candidate should hold ordination or its equivalent standing in a religious/spiritual tradition.  A doctor of ministry/divinity/philosophy or other terminal degree is preferred.  Candidates must be able to apply theory to practice; demonstrate intercultural competence and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; articulate a vision for religious and spiritual life and multifaith engagement; and demonstrate skills and experience with administrative writing, interpersonal communication, presenting, and relationship-building. Flexibility and the ability to effectively communicate with students, families, faculty, and staff are required for this position. 

Application and Additional Information

For a full job description and to apply for the position go to https://elon.peopleadmin.com/postings/7346.  Review of applications will begin December 1, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled.  Elon University is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body and welcomes all applicants.