Athletics Chaplain (full-time)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking an Athletic Chaplain to provide spiritual, personal, and leadership support for over 500 student-athletes, coaches, and staff. This role involves leading the spiritual life of the athletics department, facilitating retreats, and developing programming based on Ignatian Spirituality.

A Master's Degree in Divinity, Theology, or related field and 3-5 years of ministerial experience are required. The position is integral to nurturing the emotional and spiritual well-being of the athletic community.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of ministerial work experience required.
• Experience working with college student-athletes preferred.
• Understanding of Catholic Church and Ignatian Spirituality traditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead spiritual and religious life of the athletics department.
• Provide one-on-one pastoral support for student-athletes.
• Facilitate retreats and develop spiritual programming.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Emotional and spiritual maturity

Education

Master’s Degree in Divinity, Theology or Pastoral Studies

Job description

Position

Provide on-going spiritual, personal and leadership formation of student-athletes, coaches and staff in the Ignatian tradition. The Athletics Chaplain focuses on the spiritual life, faith development and pastoral care of 500+ student-athletes, 80+ coaches, and staff. This position will report to Mission and Ministry, and will seek direction from the VP of Athletics, the Director of Campus Ministry and the Director of the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality.

Purpose

The role of the Athletic Chaplain is to design, direct and facilitate all aspects of ministry for Athletics and work collaboratively with the STAGS Care team contributing to the emotional and spiritual well-being of student-athletes, coaches and staff.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting the spiritual and religious life of the department and its members through the We Are Stags initiative.
• Providing one-on-one pastoral support for student athletes, coaches and staff.
• Facilitating retreats and developing spiritual programming for athletic teams, coaches and staff focused on themes drawn from Ignatian Spirituality.
• Fostering a lively and engaged spiritual environment within Athletics, embracing those of different Christian faiths and those of no religious beliefs.
• Participating as a member of the STAGS Care team and Stags Athletics Built for Life team, meeting regularly to support student-athletes and other members of the Athletics department.
• Supporting various student-athlete populations, including but not limited to teams, injured athletes, international students, through spiritual programming addressing their various needs.
• Facilitating faith sharing groups, bible study groups and Christian athlete groups.
• Working effectively and collaboratively with the network of Athletics and University staff who have responsibility for different aspects of student well-being.
• Developing a ministry presence in the athletics department.
• Other related duties and responsibilities.

Education/Work Experience

• Master’s Degree in Divinity, Theology, Pastoral Studies or other equivalent formation.
• 3-5 years of Ministerial work experience.
• Previous work in a collegiate setting and/or with college student-athletes preferred.

Qualifications

• A person deeply grounded in faith nourished by personal and communal spiritual practice(s) who desires to serve in this ministerial role and support the unique needs of the modern Division I student-athlete, their coaches and staff.
• Shares an understanding of the tradition of the Catholic Church, Ignatian Spirituality, and the charism of Jesuit Education, as well as other non-Catholic traditions.
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills, and relationship-building skills within a diverse community.
• Displays emotional and spiritual maturity and can engage in ministry of hospitality and pastoral care through accompaniment of student-athletes, coaches and staff of diverse backgrounds and needs.
• Possesses vision and capacity for self-direction in assessing the needs of the division and available resources, is detail-oriented, and can carry a project from start to finish.
• Respects and maintains confidentiality.
• Is available to work weekends and evenings and be present at athletic events.

Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

EEO Statement

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Background Check

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.