College Chaplain and Christian Life Coordinator

Wellesley College; Wellesley (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

hybrid work environment

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Wellesley College seeks a College Chaplain and Christian Life Coordinator to advance spiritual and pastoral life across a diverse student body. The role leads Protestant worship, coordinates Catholic Mass with the Archdiocese, mentors Christian student groups, and collaborates with ORSL and Student Life to foster interfaith engagement.

The position emphasizes multifaith programming, crisis response, campus events, retreats, and theological education, with a hybrid work model on campus and strong

Qualifications

• Master of Divinity or equivalent required or strongly preferred.
• Experience in college religious life and student affairs is expected.
• Ability to lead multifaith programs and mentor students across traditions.

Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral care and crisis response for students on campus.
• Oversee Protestant worship and Catholic Mass; cultivate student leadership of services.
• Develop and sponsor multifaith programming with clear learning objectives.

Skills

Pastoral care

Crisis response

Interfaith engagement

Program development

Multifaith leadership

Communication skills

Education

Master of Divinity or equivalent

Ordination (preferred)

Job description

At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative community, comprising of faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by our shared commitment to educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey!

Job Posting Title

College Chaplain and Christian Life Coordinator

Job Description Summary

Administrative Exempt

Wellesley College is an exceptionally diverse place. The presence of chaplains, rooted in a variety of religious and spiritual traditions, supports this diverse population of students in navigating the joys and challenges of being part of an inclusive campus community. The College Chaplain and Christian Life Coordinator serves the spiritual and pastoral needs of all Wellesley students, while serving the Christian identified students in particular. The College Chaplain leads Protestant worship and coordinates weekly Roman Catholic Mass in collaboration with the Archdiocese and other Catholic resources in the Boston area. They provide outreach and support for the more than twenty-five Christian denominations and nine registered Christian student groups represented in our student body. This work is accomplished in collaboration with members of the ORSL team, through partnership with Student Life Division staff, faculty, students, and the broader Wellesley community. The College Chaplain and Christian Life Coordinator supports the ORSL mission by bringing breadth and depth to the search for meaning, belonging and purpose for all students, and also strengthens and sustains the campus Christian community through services, retreats, religious education, pastoral care, and the promotion of interfaith understanding. They provide ecumenical support, mentorship and advising across Christian traditions, denominations, expressions, and doctrines. The College Chaplain and Christian Life Coordinator will play a key role in promoting and participating in the multifaith model of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Working closely with chaplains and advisors from a variety of traditions, they will provide strategic vision and leadership to spiritual programming for students of diverse religious traditions and non-religious spiritual expressions. This position will help plan and lead multifaith college traditions such as Flower Sunday and Baccalaureate. The College Chaplain will attend and participate in the coordination of Orientation events, Soulful Sunday, Friends and Family Weekend, Christmas Vespers, Reunion, Holy Week and others as needed.

Primary Position Responsibilities

• Pastoral Care and Crisis Response: Provide pastoral care and personal guidance to students, and serves as a regular pastoral presence for the Wellesley community. Serve as a responder to crisis situations on campus.
• Religious Services: Oversee and promote participation in weekly Protestant worship and Catholic mass, cultivate student leadership of services, provide reflection and educational content, coordinate and lead major festival celebrations, and host retreats.
• Programming: In addition to Christian Life programming, sponsor programs that include interfaith and intercultural engagement with clear learning objectives and goals that support the overall mission of the Division of Student Life. Assess programs in order to measure impact on the Wellesley student experience. Thoughtfully complete mid and end of year written assessments in a timely manner.
• Retreats: In partnership with the Dean of ORSL, take a leadership role in developing content, coordinating, leading, and attending the WC Connect retreat. This work includes collaborating with key campus partners in the recruiting of students and developing retreat content.
• Interfaith: Collaborate with other chaplains and campus staff on interfaith programs and services, serve as the Christian representative in interfaith dialogue, be present to other religious campus communities, offer prayers/words of wisdom at college events, advocate for the interests of multifaith groups as needed. All interfaith programs should have clear objectives to strengthen students' religious and spiritual identities in a global, pluralistic world.
• Religious Literacy: Promote appreciation and understanding of Christianity across the college community by hosting talks, guest lectures, and discussions. Work with Student Life partners to promote religious literacy and appreciation of religious diversity. Facilitate at least one program per semester in which students have the opportunity to collaborate with another college chaplain, student religious organization or college department.
• Community-Building: Contribute to a vibrant and inclusive campus community, host outreach and community-building programs, advise Christian student groups in their programming, student leadership development, provide mentoring, attend meetings and events as needed.
• Administration: Oversee communications and represent the ORSL department on college committees as assigned. Manage the Christian Life Community budget and other administrative responsibilities expected of all ORSL team members. Attend and participate in regular department and division meetings. Oversee Christian student orgs in collaboration with Office of Student Involvement.
• Community Relations: Build connections with local Christian resources, and advise college leadership in matters concerning the Christian community.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• The College Chaplain assists the Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life in the supervision of other religious student group advisors. Supervise the Newman student org, among other E-boards, and oversee their SOFC funds.
• Hire, train, and supervise student workers.
• Supervise student workers and student organizations.

Performance Profile

• Ability to relate to and mentor students
• Ability to program effectively and reliably
• Ability to collaborate within the ORSL department and across campus
• Ability to prioritize and multitask while providing a high level of service
• Ability to work on location on campus
• Ability to work weekends and evenings if need arises

Education Required

Master of Divinity, Masters of Theological Studies, or other relevant master's degree or equivalent qualification in religious and spiritual life.

Education Preferred

Ordination in a recognized Christian denomination and completion of a Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education are strongly preferred.

Experience Required

A minimum of two to five years of related experience including, but not limited to, work in higher education in positions related to religious and spiritual life and student affairs. Experience with college age programming along with pastoral care, mentoring, and advising. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer's sponsorship now or in the future.

Skills and Abilities Required

This position requires training and education in pastoral care; exposure and understanding of the diversity of beliefs and practices within Christianity as well as cultural competency to work in a diverse community; experience of and commitment to working in a multifaith context with young adults in teaching, mentorship, and leadership roles; exceptional communication skills, including the ability to establish and maintain relationships; and a successful record of planning and implementing programs. A strong ability to respond to crisis and emergency situations in a calm, caring, and appropriate manner. The College Chaplain and Christian Life Coordinator must have the ability to translate the Christian tradition, scripture, and theology into a contemporary context that is both authentic and accessible in order to nourish students with a wide range of observances, practices, and identities. Successful candidates will have an understanding of the complexity of bringing together a diverse community of Christian students, experience in and enthusiasm for interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Other

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) serves students of all faith traditions and philosophical worldviews. Students need not identify with any tradition to seek support. All who serve in a chaplaincy capacity on the ORSL team are confidential resources, meaning they do not share identifiable information without permission, unless sharing is required to address an imminent safety risk, or if a student is a minor. ORSL team members support students through both acute crises and emerging life transitions. This office plays a significant role in the student experience at Wellesley College.

Salary

The pay range for the role is $65,000 - $70,000.

Company Description and Benefits

• Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world.
• We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.
• Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth.
• Competitive Compensation : Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
• Paid Time Off : Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
• Retirement Savings : Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits : Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
• Campus Privileges : Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

EEO Statement

At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish. Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.