Athletics Chaplain (full-time)

Fairfield University; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield University in the United States is looking for an Athletic Chaplain dedicated to providing spiritual, personal, and leadership formation for student-athletes, coaches, and staff. The ideal candidate will engage with more than 500 student-athletes and 80+ coaches, fostering an inclusive spiritual environment.

Responsibilities include leading spiritual life initiatives, delivering one-on-one pastoral care, and developing retreats. A Master’s Degree in Divinity or a related field and experience in a collegiate setting are required.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of ministerial work experience.
• Previous work in a collegiate setting and/or with college student‑athletes preferred.
• Grounded in faith with personal and communal spiritual practice.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Relationship building

Pastoral care

Spiritual maturity

Education

Master’s Degree in Divinity, Theology, or Pastoral Studies

Job description

Job Overview: Fairfield University seeks an Athletic Chaplain who will provide ongoing spiritual, personal, and leadership formation for student-athletes, coaches, and staff within the Irignatian tradition. This role focuses on the spiritual life, faith development, and pastoral care of more than 500 student-athletes, 80+ coaches, and affiliated staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the spiritual and religious life of the Athletics department and its members through the We Are Stags initiative.
• Provide one‑on‑one pastoral support for student‑athletes, coaches, and staff.
• Facilitate retreats and develop spiritual programming for athletic teams, coaches, and staff centered on Ignatian Spirituality themes.
• Foster a lively and engaged spiritual environment within Athletics, welcoming those of differing Christian faiths and those of no religious beliefs.
• Participate as a member of the STAGS Care team and Stags Athletics Built for Life team, meeting regularly to support student‑athletes and other Athletics department members.
• Support diverse student‑athlete populations, including team members, injured athletes, and international students, through tailored spiritual programming.
• Facilitate faith‑sharing groups, Bible study groups, and Christian athlete groups.
• Collaborate effectively with Athletics and University staff responsible for various aspects of student well‑being.
• Develop a ministry presence in the athletics department.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Divinity, Theology, Pastoral Studies, or an equivalent formation.
• 3–5 years of ministerial work experience.
• Previous work in a collegiate setting and/or with college student‑athletes preferred.
• Deeply grounded in faith, nourished by personal and communal spiritual practice.
• Understanding of the Catholic Church, Ignatian Spirituality, Jesuit education, and other non‑Catholic traditions.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship‑building skills within a diverse community.
• Emotional and spiritual maturity to deliver hospitality and pastoral care to individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Vision and self‑direction in assessing departmental needs, detail‑oriented, and able to bring projects from start to finish.
• Respect for confidentiality.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and attend athletic events.

Additional Duties

Perform any other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by the supervisor and departmental or university needs.

EEO Statement

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.