Assistant Director of Retreats and Discernment (Campus Ministry)

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Assistant Director of the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life serves as a member of the Mercy Center team to implement faith formation and social justice programs that will enhance and foster the spiritual life of the Salve Regina community. The Assistant Director contributes to the development of strategic initiatives to advance the mission of the Mercy Center and the University more broadly. The Assistant Director serves as a visionary for retreats and vocational formation across campus and the integration of Catholic Social Teaching education into programs of the Mercy Center. The Assistant Director supervises the Intern for Social Justice, Intern for Retreats, and retreat student leadership teams. This is a 10.5 month, full-time position, reporting to the Director of the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Vocation & Discernment

• Craft and execute vocational opportunities for students in conjunction with the Salve Signature Experience, including the development of a first-year student retreat and a sophomore studio workshop focused on vocational discernment and life design.
• Collaborate with academic departments and Student Affairs to promote a campus culture of vocational discernment including a shared vocabulary, student leader training and retreat program. Cultivate programming which promotes reflection on vocation and practicing discernment skills for students which help them develop tools for a successful and meaningful life.
• Participate in the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) conferences and formation opportunities and collaborate in the development of resources (grants, workshops, etc.) to support vocational development and leadership programming on campus.

Faith Formation and Social Justice

• Engage with students and create occasions for spiritual growth and transformation appropriate to their needs and goals such as retreats and service, social justice, faith sharing groups and service retreat experiences.
• Supervise the work of the Retreat Intern to develop a diverse retreat team each semester, which organizes weekend or daylong student led retreats (spiritual retreats, busy person retreats, service retreats). This includes theme development, schedule, presentations, team building, and weekend logistics.
• Supervise Social Justice Intern to advance the social justice teachings of the Catholic Church and to create educational programming, events and materials.
• Provide social justice education and leadership with Mercy Critical Concerns through Mercy Week visioning, other student leader trainings and in conjunction with the Center for Community Engagement and Service.
• Develop, along with Mercy Center colleagues, presentations, programs, passive education opportunities to promote discussion of the five Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy and the University Mission. Find ways to promote discussion that can lead to understanding and community.
• Support development of the Mercy Center's student group, Mercy in Motion, and encourage growth in mercy leadership capabilities of the student community. Recruit, select, and train leadership team in conjunction with Mercy Center colleagues. Create structure for small faith sharing opportunities through Mercy in Motion team.

Pastoral Care & Leadership

• Provide management of Mercy Center in conjunction with Director of the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life through staff meeting facilitation and oversight of workflow for various strategic initiatives that advance the mission of the Mercy Center and the University more broadly.
• Be available to provide spiritual guidance and support for all constituencies of the university community. Support and walk with students on their journey of faith and self- discovery in both group settings and on a one-to-one basis.
• Participate in various university committees as a representative of the Division of Mission Integration.
• Be an active presence on campus at various university events, programs and athletic competitions.
• Other duties as assigned by the director.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in theology, pastoral ministry, religious education or other appropriate field.? Previous experience in campus ministry at the college level or experience in young adult ministry or adult parish ministry. A collaborative leadership style is necessary. Multiple skill-sets in religious education, retreats, service learning, social media, liturgy, and/or group leadership and development are essential.? Persons of diverse backgrounds and experiences are welcome and encouraged to apply.
• This position requires that the person:
  • Possess public relations skills for effective oral and written communication.
  • Possess the ability to initiate and implement creative programs.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently and effectively with administrators, faculty, staff and students.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work as a collegial team member of the Mercy center staff.
  • Is able to interpret institutional policies, plans, objectives, rules and regulations.
  • Demonstrates a good understanding of catholic faith and tradition and the ability to interpret and follow the guidelines and regulations of the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Providence when designing, scheduling and implementing programs, liturgies and special events.
  • Must be available on nights and weekends as required.
• This position requires twenty-four hour callback in cases of emergency.

Additional Information:

Salve Regina University offers generous benefits to eligible employees including:

• health and dental coverage
• life insurance
• long-term disability
• 403B plan
• tuition benefits and more

Salve Regina University strives to provide equal opportunity in employment and education to all employees, students and applicants. No employee, student or applicant shall be discriminated against or harassed on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, age, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal or state law, in the administration of Salve Regina's employment policies, education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University administered programs. In accordance with Title IX, it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its educational programs or activities. Salve Regina is also committed to making its programs and campus accessible to its visitors and compliant with all applicable non-discrimination laws.


Application Instructions:

Applicants must apply online for any open staff and faculty positions by providing a cover-letter and resume. Pre-employment background checks and reference checks are required of successful candidates. Salve Regina University participates in E-verify.

URL: www.salve.edu