Director of Spiritual and Religious Life

Southwestern University invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of Spiritual and Religious Life. The Director of Spiritual and Religious Life promotes and supports a vibrant and inclusive community for students of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds. The Director will provide leadership in developing multi-faith and interfaith programs and offerings including educational initiatives focused on spiritual issues, justice, ethics, and values in both formal and informal settings. The Director is also responsible for providing formal and informal advising to religious and spiritually-focused student organizations. The Director will assist in the coordination of and participate in key campus events including Welcome Week, Commencement, Homecoming, the Annual Candlelight Advent Services, and Family Weekend, and enhance collaboration with religious and spiritual resources in the local community.

The Director will also be responsible for aligning the mission and goals of Spiritual and Religious Life with the broader goals of the division of Student Life and the University, including a strong focus on diversity, inclusion, and belonging; therefore, they must possess a strong desire to work with college students of diverse cultural backgrounds and religious traditions, particularly traditionally underserved populations (i.e. first-generation college students, students from low-income households, students of color, and/or LGBTQ+ students). This is a full-time, exempt, fully benefitted position who reports to the Assistant Vice President for Student Life.

Candidates must be intentionally open and thoughtful in working with those of different faiths and with those who describe themselves as spiritual but not religious or as having no religious affiliation or belief.

Primary Duties:

• Directs Spiritual and Religious Life activities, particularly student-focused activities, independently and in collaboration with other offices and with local churches and spiritual leaders. Understands, embraces, and fosters Southwestern University's Statement on Religious Diversity (found at: https://www.southwestern.edu/about-southwestern/university-profile/statement-on-religious-diversity/). Actively contributes to the overall goals and responsibilities of the Division of Student Life. Maintains 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. Engages students in the exploration of values, faith, belief, and religious and spiritual practice. Provides religious and spiritual support and education to individual students. Mentors students considering ministerial careers and advises Pre-Ministry students. Provides care, comfort and counseling to students in crisis (e.g. hospitalization, parent death). Facilitates Chapel services during the academic year and special services (i.e. Candlelight, Homecoming, Ash Wednesday, Commencement, memorial services). Provides oversight, facilitation, and scheduling of all activities and events in the Lois Perkins Chapel. Creates and promotes the Chapel as a welcoming environment for a number of activities including religious services, intellectual discourse, and meditation. Coordinates the Willson Lectures. Communicates and promotes religious holidays and observances to the campus community and is responsible for educating the Southwestern community about the Religious Holiday Policies of the University. Serves as administrative liaison to the Spiritual Life Committee of the Board of Trustees. Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in higher education, counseling, divinity, social work, religious studies, or relevant field is required. Understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education. Demonstrated ability to unite the various constituencies represented within the University community. Demonstrated flexibility and knowledge, understanding, acceptance, and a willingness to serve and interact with all individuals without regard to sex, race, religion, age, disability national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. Work independently yet collaboratively, provide attention to detail, balance multiple projects, and meet deadlines successfully. Willingness to adhere to the University’s core values. Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written). Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, and produce a reliable work product. Proven ability to perform well in stressful situations. Ability to attend work consistently and maintain a regular work schedule.

Southwestern University offers competitive salary and benefits including health, dental, life, long term disability, retirement, 15-paid holidays, two weeks of vacation, sick leave, tuition assistance, access to athletic facilities, free parking and discounted meal rates.  Southwestern University is a selective, undergraduate institution committed to a broad-based liberal arts, sciences, and fine arts education. Southwestern University is deeply committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and especially encourages applications from members of groups traditionally under-represented in academia.  For information concerning the University, visit our Web site at www.southwestern.edu.

To apply:  The University will only accept application materials through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/110657 Interested persons must submit a letter of interest, resume, the name and contact information of three professional references, and salary expectation.  Email and paper applications will not be accepted.  Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Search Committee.  The Committee will review all completed applications until the position is filled.  All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process.  EOE/M/F