Dean of Spiritual Life

Shenandoah University is seeking applications for a Dean of Spiritual Life. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.

The Dean of Spiritual Life advances the University’s mission by providing oversight for spiritual support and council which includes spiritual leaders of several faiths to promote student development and well-being, and serves as a liaison between the United Methodist Church and Shenandoah University. The Dean of Spiritual Life is responsible for budget management of the Office of Spiritual Life, supervision of professional staff and student employees, officiating spiritual rituals and events, and leading established university traditions such as but not limited to the following; Baccalaureate, Convocation, Commencement, etc. Additionally, this position is responsible for the co-curricular components of the Institute for Church Professions including but not limited to the following: Calling 21, Faith Seeking Justice, and the Youth Theology Institute (until September 2021).

The Dean of Spiritual Life reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs and provides oversight and leadership for the Office of Spiritual Life and the Institute for Church Professions. In this role, the Dean of Spiritual Life will be responsible for supervising two full-time employees and one 10-month employee.

Responsibilities:

• Supervision of the following staff members: Worship Arts Coordinator and Campus Minister (12-month employee), Chaplain and Muslim Community Coodinator (10-month employee), and Director of the Youth Theology Institute (until August 2021), and an Administrative Assistant/Interfaith Coordinator (12-month).
• Maintain a visible and active presence on campus, especially among students to promote spiritual growth and reflection, and overall support for students of any/no religious beliefs. Perform and participate in other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President for Student Leadership Development.
• Oversee student religious life organizations and coordinate student programmatic initiatives with other departments and affinity groups on campus.
• Lead the university community in offering spiritual and other forms of pastoral care to students, faculty, staff, and alumni who experience joy, sorrow, and loss. Creatively leads worship service by preaching and engaging the campus community. Visit members of the campus community in hospitals and prisons.
• Teach at least one course per academic year (Fall, Spring or Summer) in Christian Leadership and Mission.
• Cultivate relationships with the department of Religion and Philosophy as well as other organizations including but not limited to the following: Virginia Conference of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, local and regional congregations within the Districts of the United Methodist Church, Virginia United Methodist Conference, Valley Interfaith Council and Downtown Clergy.

Required Skills

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Divinity, Theology, Religion, Pastoral Counseling or equivalent
• 3-5 years of experience

How to Apply:

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check and drug screen will be required as a condition of hire. If the job requires driving for University business, a satisfactory driving record will be required as well.

At this time, SU is requiring that individuals within certain groups specifically those who have high levels of contact with others at the university or pose a greater risk to our community to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by August 1 for Fall 2021 or have at least the first dose by June 1 for groups that will be in person this summer (with full vaccination following as soon as possible), unless they have a SU-approved medical or religious exemption.

Shenandoah University prohibits discrimination against and harassment of any employee or any applicant for employment because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.

Salary Type
Not Applicable