University Chaplain

Wingate is one of the fastest-growing independent universities in the state, serving more than 3,600 students on three campuses. We emphasize faith, knowledge, and a spirit of service in all our programs regardless of the field of study. At Wingate, we are committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment for working, learning, and living. As an equal employment opportunity employer, we respect each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. Wingate’s main campus is located on 400 acres of beautiful landscape and is only 25 minutes from the Charlotte metropolitan area. Learn more at www.wingate.edu.

Position Title:  University Chaplain, Office of the University Chaplain and Spiritual Life

Position Location: Wingate Main Campus

Position Summary: Wingate University is excited to welcome a University Chaplain in the Office of the University Chaplain and Spiritual Life to our campus community.  The University Chaplain will be an inspirational leader available to support, guide, and assist students, faculty, staff, and Town of Wingate and Union County residents to find purposeful connection, meaning, and spiritual relevance in everyday existence and relationships.  The University Chaplain reports to the Vice President for Strategic Partnerships/Special Assistant to the President. 

Living, learning, and working at Wingate University is an extraordinary laboratory of difference-making that bridges campus and community aspirations for transcendent significance.  The University has a core commitment to Christian values and interfaith understanding and the application of shared principles through community service.  Wingate University fosters comfort, openness, engagement, and exploration in all manners of faith dialogue and development.

The University Chaplain will anchor spiritual initiatives on campus, develop collaborative experiences in the community, teach, and support faculty in faith conversations with students.  Connected to a range of internal and external constituencies, the successful candidate will be capable of leading a variety of activities and experiences from large events to small group conversations. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Nurture and support a campus faith environment where all are welcome, all can grow in knowledge, belief, and application, and all benefit from the association of well-intentioned people with different perspectives and experiences.
• Provide pastoral care to students, faculty, and staff to meet the spiritual and religious needs of the University community.
• Plan, execute, and promote meaningful activities within Christian ecumenical (priority) and interfaith traditions including chapel services, community discussions, faith exploration, and select themed events.
• Develop faith-based community and University service projects for students and employees characterized by shared sentiments of hospitality and charity.
• Plan and populate a University Chaplain and Spiritual Life microsite integrated to the Wingate University website that is available for social media access.
• Craft a strategic plan that integrates faith activities, dialogue, gatherings, and ceremonies to a diverse Wingate University culture.
• Network and organize to connect students who seek a faith community with local organizations and leaders.
• Represent Wingate University in matters of faith at local, state, and regional levels.
• Preach and speak on a consistent basis on campus and in the broader local community.
• Form advisory councils of (1) community faith leaders; (2) faculty and staff; and (3) students to inform the work of the Office of the University Chaplain and Spiritual Life.
• Leverage connections with the extended faith community to expand mental health services for campus constituents.
• Collaborate with Student Life to monitor and encourage the expansion of faith-based student groups coordinating any affiliation with like-minded community interests.
• Advise senior and executive leadership teams on matters of faith and spirituality related to emerging trends, campus climate, local issues, and peer and aspirant institutional norms.
• Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team.
• Strategize with the Career Center and the Collaborative for the Common Good to create and execute values-based and faith-based student internships and externships.
• Teach an undergraduate class, or classes, based on credentials, curricular needs, and staffing requirements.
• Seek grant opportunities for programs and projects that advance the work of the Office of the University Chaplain and Spiritual Life.

Qualifications and Experience

• Earned master’s or doctoral degree(s) from an accredited institution
• Ability to manage stress associated with ministering to members of the campus community who seek counseling and conversation
• 10+ years of experience in higher education, ministerial vocation, non-profit leadership, chaplaincy, counseling, or related work
• A vision for integrating faith exploration and spiritual development within the context of an independent institution committed to community impact and local and regional partnerships
• An understanding of the Christian, interfaith, unaffiliated, and atheist sentiments and dynamics in society, within organizations, and on university campuses
• Effective communicator across multiple mediums and a wide variety of audiences
• A biblical, persuasive, engaging, contemporary faith and worship leader
• Interfaith knowledgeable
• Academically prepared and credentialed to teach
• Relational, inspirational, motivational
• Proven bridge-builder and connector
• Highly organized
• Skilled in data management and research to ensure program success
• Committed to a vocational calling focused upon faith development at Wingate University on campus, in the classroom, and through service to the community

To apply, submit the following to Mr. Vint Tilson, Search Committee chair, at tilson@wingate.edu and to Human Resources at careers@wingate.edu.  (1) Letter of interest; (2) Resume; (3) Statement of vision on matters of equity and inclusion; (4) Contact information for three references.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Wingate University abides by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination solely on the basis of a person’s race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age (over 40), sex, marital status or physical handicap, except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists. Wingate University is committed to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments. Wingate University expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status.