Assistant Director for Interfaith Ministry

DePaul University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 56,222 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stable University

Medical/Dental/Vision

8% Retirement Match

Tuition Waivers

Generous PTO & holidays

Full-Time Benefits

Job summary

DePaul University seeks an Assistant Director for Interfaith Ministry and Chaplain for Jewish Life to lead Jewish Life Ministry and support religious pluralism across campus.

The role requires a Master's degree and 2+ years in Jewish chaplaincy, strong leadership, and public speaking; expect some evening/weekend work and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required (Preferred: Jewish studies, religious studies, Rabbinical studies, Pluralistic Jewish studies)
• Requires at least two years of professional experience in Jewish chaplaincy
• Requires experience in pluralistic Jewish theology and leadership
• Experience with interfaith dialogue and religious pluralism
• Public speaking experience required
• Experience managing budgets and events

Responsibilities

• Lead Jewish Life Ministry at DePaul: supervise student leaders and coordinate prayer services
• Manage interfaith initiatives and religious pluralism programs with students
• Participate in divisional meetings and campus events; collaborate with external partners
• Oversee budget for programs and endowment funds; ensure proper financial transactions in Oracle

Skills

Public speaking

Leadership

Interfaith dialogue

Education

Master's degree required

Tools

Oracle (budget system)

Job description

The Highlights:

The Asst Director for Interfaith Ministry and Chaplain for Jewish Life serves within DePaul’s Division of Mission and Ministry (DMM), specifically within the department of Interfaith Ministry. The Asst Director will support the religious and spiritual life of DePaul’s Jewish community and the DePaul community at large by developing, implementing, and supporting DePaul-sponsored, student-centered and led opportunities for Jewish and interfaith learning, spiritual and Vincentian formation, leadership development, and service. They will develop strong intra-Jewish relationships and a pluralistic Jewish community within DePaul and with partner organizations in order to provide pastoral care and support to students. The Asst Director/Chaplain plays lead role in the division’s interfaith and inter-religious dialogue efforts with students, bringing the wisdom of the Jewish tradition into this important mission-based work. This staff person will also collaborate effectively with members of the DMM Faculty and Staff Engagement team and DePaul’s Jewish Faculty and Staff Alliance to build a vibrant Jewish community within the university. The AD will seek to draw support, best practices, and prof dev opportunities from organizations fostering Jewish-Christian and interfaith/interreligious engagement.

What You'll Do:

1. Jewish Life Ministry - As the DePaul Chaplain for Jewish Life, provides leadership of all facets of Jewish Life Ministry at DePaul: Supervise and mentor student leaders; develop learning and formation opportunities, provide spiritual/pastoral support, initiate community building, and foster/support learning opportunities rooted in the Jewish wisdom and spiritual tradition for students, faculty, and staff; oversee event logistics and promotion; provide leadership in coordinating/facilitating Jewish prayer and worship services (particularly around Jewish holidays/celebrations); mentor students around leading Jewish prayers, programs, service, and events; coordinate/collaborate regularly and effectively with external partners around their events in support of the DePaul Jewish community; provide leadership in planning at least one annual Unity Shabbat among/for DePaul’s Jewish partner organizations; ensure external Jewish partners are properly vetted, supported, and adhere to university policies/procedures.

2. Leadership Interfaith Ministry/Religious Pluralism Initiatives - Serves a key leadership role in cultivating a vibrant religious pluralism at DePaul in collaboration with DMM colleagues. Leads student interfaith initiatives such as Interfaith Scholars, dialogue programs, interfaith immersion experiences, etc. Assists in developing annual curriculum and religious pluralism and dialogue calendar; takes lead in guiding students in planning and implementing religious pluralism events and programs. Actively maintains attention to the personal and professional learning and skills needed to lead and facilitate this work.

3. Contributes to Mission and Ministry Divisional Goals - As with all DMM staff, this role involves participating in regular divisional and DMM-area meetings and divisional strategic planning sessions as well as staffing DMM institution-wide signature events as appropriate (orientation, Vincentian heritage events, BUILD program interfaith education training for faculty and staff). Participates as a contributing team member and mission leader on cross-functional divisional and university committees and task groups as assigned, offering thoughtful Vincentian and Jewish religious/ethical/wisdom insights where applicable. These duties may include but not be limited to leading a service immersion trip, facilitating Vincentian Heritage Tours, and assisting in the implementation of large scale Divisional events or university committees.

No direct staff reports. Supervises team of student workers, Jewish Faith in Action Scholars, and Interfaith Scholars and Collaborates with Jewish student religious organization leaders. Manages relationships with relevant external Jewish partners (Hillel, Chabad, JUF, etc.).

Manage assigned annual budget for programs and activities under their purview plus additional High Holidays budget and assigned endowment funds. Consult with manager on budget decisions that fall outside established annual budget parameters. Per university expectations, manages/reports on budget and executes financial transactions in Oracle system.

What You'll Need:

• Master's degree required. (Preferred: Jewish studies, religious studies, Rabbinical studies, Pluralistic Jewish studies)
• Requires at least two years of prof. experience in Jewish chaplaincy. Work with young adults in education setting (preferred).
• Requires an articulate and practical understanding of and commitment to a pluralistic Jewish theology.
• Requires one year of professional experience working within pluralistic Jewish community.
• Requires at least one year of experience in developing and leading/guiding Jewish ritual and/or worship.
• Requires at least one year of experience, study, or work within an interreligious discipline or setting.
• Training or experience in interfaith dialogue preferred.
• Requires public/professional speaking experience.
• Clinical Pastoral Experience (preferred / openness to pursuing at least one quarter of CPE as professional development)
• Training/certification in interfaith/interreligious leadership, dialogue, community-building, and/or facilitation.
• Some formal education in Jewish theology, spirituality, and ethics.
• Articulate understanding of fundamental theological beliefs and practices of pluralistic Jewish traditions.
• Leadership of public prayer, ritual, and worship (particularly related to Jewish and interreligious traditions).
• Encourages and fosters religious pluralism among interreligious groups and within various faith traditions.
• Encourages leadership of students in spiritual learning, exploration, and formation through theological reflections based on spiritual, religious, and/or ethical values.
• Fosters connections between spirituality and social action.
• Communicates effectively on the integration of faith and justice, encouraging and leading students in spiritual learning, exploration, and formation.
• Listens attentively, provides pastoral care and guidance, and responds pastorally, particularly around the specific needs and issues of young adults and in moments of crisis.
• Excellent leadership, professionalism, administration, communication, organization, networking, and collaboration skills.
• Ability as a writer around pastoral/spiritual issues for public consumption highly preferred.
• Some adaptability in work hours expected due to needs of student community and job duties. Will include some evening and weekend work, as well as some short-term travel.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $56,222 to $73,000.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Perks:

• Working for a stable and well-known University.
• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!
• Full-Time Benefits

Vincentian Mission:

Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported.

Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.