Advisor for Muslim Student Life (Part-time)

Vassar College

Advisor for Muslim Student Life (Part-time)

Department: Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices
Duration of Position: Academic year / Part time
Work Schedule:
Employee Type: Administrator
Posting Date: 11/09/2022
Union Representation: Not Applicable
Posting Number: AS300P
Pay Rate:

About Vassar College
Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar stands upon the homelands of the Munsee Lenape.Vassar College is deeply committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community and to promoting an environment of equality, inclusion, and respect for difference. The College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and especially welcomes applications from veterans, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of racial, ethnic, and other historically underrepresented groups.Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus.Note: Vassar College has a universal vaccination policy requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster, for all employees except for those exempt for medical or religious reasons.

Position Summary and Responsibilities
The Advisor for Muslim Student Life is a newly expanded part-time position, one of three core staff members in the Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP) Office, who all participate in the larger Dean of the College area. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a Muslim religious life professional to help the college deepen a vibrant program and vision for Muslim life at an institution known for its commitment to educational access, its challenge norms, its courage to challenge norms, and its aspiration to prepare students to do transformative work in the world. RSLCP supports vibrant communities of practice centered in specific traditions, while also cultivating shared practices that bring these traditions into robust conversation. This “both/and” approach is central to the mission of the office.The Advisor for Muslim Life provides support for the Muslim student community at the College, and works with the RSLCP core team to design and support contemplative and inter-religious programming for the wider campus community. The Muslim Life Advisor reports to the Associate Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP).Responsibilities:

• Advise and mentor Muslim student communities, providing student-leadership development, guidance, education, and support with programming and community involvement, including fostering community for daily prayers, weekly Jumu'ah prayer, and the full cycle of Muslim holidays.
• Foster a pluralistic ethos for Muslim life, pastorally attuned to the ways Muslim students are navigating complex cross-pressures across race, gender, religion, culture, ethnicity, sexuality, etc. on a contemporary liberal arts campus. Welcome and mediate differing views on Muslim learning, observance, and politics, in order to develop a vibrant cultural, educational, and religious program.
• Embrace and contribute to the core work of the RSLCP office—which includes serving as point person or active collaborator on one or more projects within the office's campus-wide initiatives, such as: RSLCP's annual program activities; promoting inter-religious engagement and fluency; developing student leadership; encouraging relationships within and across our different spiritual communities; exploring partnerships and collaborations on campus and in our neighboring communities; planning and facilitating religious services and seasonal observances, including office sponsored inter-religious gatherings for the campus; working in close cooperation with the other RSLCP staff and advisors; and providing supportive counsel for students, faculty, and staff.
• Work collaboratively with campus constituencies in identifying and implementing appropriate support for Muslim life.
• Support and initiate new educational programming, responding to and supporting student-led initiatives and priorities and deepening our campus' collective understanding of our spiritual, religious, and cultural diversity.

The Advisor of Muslim Student Life at Vassar College is expected to serve in-person for the academic year, working 25 hours each week for 42 weeks; the position includes year-round benefits. The Advisor will also be responsible for the oversight of a dedicated Muslim prayer space in a separate building on campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts degree required.
• Practicum experience in Muslim chaplaincy, with experience in Muslim campus life or other Muslim communal settings preferred.
• Master’s degree or in the process of completing a Master’s degree, preferred.
• Highly motivated and innovative spiritual care professional, with an understanding of and experience in mentoring and inspiring Muslim young adults.
• Capacity to work effectively within the parameters of a part-time position
• Broad knowledge of and engagement with Muslim histories, cultures, traditions, spirituality, and practices.
• Ability to facilitate prayer and study circles as well as to mentor students to lead such gatherings.
• Commitment to pluralism within Islam, and ability to mentor students from different Islamic traditions and forms of practice.
• Ability to think critically and creatively about the place of Muslim religious and cultural life in an inter-religious campus setting, as well as about how young adults navigate their religious commitments within a vibrant campus culture.
• Excellent organizational skills, as well as oral, written, and interpersonal communication are expected, as is the ability to display imagination, ingenuity and humor in solving problems, and mentoring students.
• Ability to work with a diverse student population and demonstrated commitment to foster inclusive communities are expected, as well as the ability to work productively, joyfully, and collegially as part of a team.

Special Instructions to Applicants
To complete your on-line application, you will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820.

For full consideration applicants should apply by:

All applicants must apply online at: https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/2934.



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