Assistant Director Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Muslim Chaplain

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

Position Details

This .83 position works full time for 43 weeks through the academic year and is off during summers.

Wesleyan’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life ( ORSL ) is responsible for ensuring and promoting the spiritual and religious well-being of the campus community. The office provides leadership, counseling, and programming that promotes holistic student development and nurtures the many diverse and vibrant religious communities at Wesleyan.

Reporting to the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, the Assistant Director for the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life/Muslim Chaplin supports Muslim students’ spiritual practice, programming and leadership development.

In addition to serving the Muslim community on campus, this position will also collaborate with ORSL staff in developing a campus-wide engagement strategy that promotes interfaith literacy as well as a multi-faceted approach to exploration of spiritual, religious and contemplative life for all members of the campus community.

Responsibilities Include:

Supporting Muslim students and the Muslim Student Association in their practice of faith, programming, leadership development, educational outreach, advocacy, and community life.

Leading weekly Jumma service or identifying a designee to lead the weekly service.

Developing strategies with campus stakeholders to implement inter-faith literacy on campus.

Collaborating with ORSL staff in planning, developing, and implementing high-quality creative programming including weekly gatherings, holiday observances, retreats, service and social justice projects, dialogue, internships, off campus travel and fellowship events.

Co-Convening the RASLA Council (Multi-faith Student Leadership and Activism Council)

Supervising RISDI Intern(s) (Multi-faith Diversity Student Intern(s)).

Representing ORSL at key celebratory campus events like Baccalaureate/Graduation as well tragic events like memorials and vigils.

Assessing needs and developing short and long-term goals as well as a strategic vision for Muslim life on campus.

Providing pastoral care and counseling for all members of the campus but specifically for the Muslim campus community.

Serving as a resource on matters of Islam, Islamic law for the campus community

Supporting a pluralistic approach to the tradition served.

Other duties as assigned.

This .83 position works full time for 43 weeks through the academic year and is off during summers.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and post-baccalaureate training in Islamic Studies, Muslim chaplaincy, pastoral care, arts of ministry or multi-faith relations and a minimum of two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge of interfaith work and literacy.

Demonstrated ability to facilitate events, programming, or workshops.

Knowledge of developing programming

Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, communication and organizational skills

Ability to work weekend and evening hours or a flexible schedule as needed

Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

A graduate degree in Divinity, Islamic Studies, Muslim chaplaincy, pastoral care, arts of ministry and multi-faith relations.

A minimum of two years of campus experience working with undergraduates in Higher Education.

Understanding of the intellectual and cultural life of private liberal arts communities.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application close date is June 17, 2021

Additional Information

Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Alison Williams, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/ Title IX Officer, 860-685-3927, awilliams@wesleyan.edu.