Lead University Chaplain & Program Coordinator

Institute of Knowledge; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute of Knowledge seeks a Lead University Chaplain & Program Coordinator to provide direct chaplaincy services to Muslim students and to coordinate the IOK Chaplaincy Program across campuses in Southern California. The role blends pastoral care with program leadership, external relations, communications, and fundraising responsibilities.

Reporting to IOK CHESS leadership, the position requires travel between campuses, travel to events, and occasional evening/weekend activities.

Qualifications

• Alimiyyah degree from a recognized Islamic seminary or institution.
• Strong Islamic knowledge, character, and commitment to serving Muslim university students.
• Experience in Islamic education, mentorship, pastoral care, or community leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide Islamic spiritual guidance, mentorship, and pastoral care to university students.
• Organize halaqahs, workshops, religious programming, and other campus initiatives.
• Build relationships with Muslim Student Associations, university administrators, faculty, and student leaders.
• Coordinate activities, communication, and collaboration among chaplains across participating campuses.
• Support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, grant opportunities, and community outreach.

Skills

Strong Islamic knowledge

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Relationship-building

Team coordination

Willingness to travel

Education

Alimiyyah degree

Job description

500 Sustainers Strong providing University Chaplaincy to 10 SoCal Campuses

Lead University Chaplain & Program Coordinator

Job Description

Lead University Chaplain & Program Coordinator | Full-Time Exempt Employment

IOK CHESS – IOK Chaplaincy Program
Insitute of Knowledge Center for Counseling, Higher Education, & Spiritual Support – IOK CHESS

About IOK CHESS

The Institute of Knowledge (IOK), through its Center for Counseling, Higher Education, & Spiritual Support (CHESS), provides Islamic education, spiritual care, and support to strengthen Muslim individuals and communities. The IOK Chaplaincy Program serves Muslim students across university campuses through spiritual guidance, pastoral care, mentorship, and educational programming.

Position Summary

The Lead University Chaplain & Program Coordinator will provide direct chaplaincy services to university students while coordinating the IOK Chaplaincy Program across participating campuses. The position combines pastoral care and student engagement with program coordination, external relations, communications, and fundraising support to strengthen and expand IOK's campus presence.

Key Responsibilities

1. University Chaplaincy

• Provide Islamic spiritual guidance, mentorship, and pastoral care to university students.
• Organize halaqahs, workshops, religious programming, and other campus initiatives.
• Build relationships with Muslim Student Associations, university administrators, faculty, and student leaders.
• Refer students to appropriate professional services when needs fall outside the scope of chaplaincy.

2. Program Coordination

• Coordinate activities, communication, and collaboration among chaplains across participating campuses.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, maintain program calendars, and monitor campus engagement.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of chaplains as the program grows.
• Work with IOK CHESS leadership to establish goals, evaluate outcomes, and identify opportunities for expansion.

3. External Relations and Communications

• Serve as the primary point of contact for university partners, students, community members, and external inquiries.
• Represent the program at university meetings, community events, and relevant gatherings.
• Coordinate media inquiries, public relations, social media content, program updates, and impact stories in collaboration with IOK's communications team.

4. Fundraising and Development

• Support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, grant opportunities, and community outreach.
• Prepare program summaries, impact reports, and fundraising materials in collaboration with IOK CHESS leadership.
• Communicate the program's mission, accomplishments, and funding needs to prospective donors and supporters.

5. Administration and Reporting

• Maintain program records and provide periodic reports on activities, engagement, and outcomes.
• Assist with program planning, budgeting, and implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate confidentiality, professional conduct, and compliance with university and organizational policies.

Qualifications

Required

• Alimiyyah degree from a recognized Islamic seminary or institution.
• Strong Islamic knowledge, character, and commitment to serving Muslim university students.
• Experience in Islamic education, mentorship, pastoral care, or community leadership.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to coordinate teams, manage multiple responsibilities, and work independently.
• Willingness to travel between university campuses and attend occasional evening and weekend activities.

Preferred

• University chaplaincy experience or formal chaplaincy training, including Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
• Experience in program management, nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, media, or communications.
• Familiarity with university administration and Muslim Student Associations.

Reporting Structure

The Lead University Chaplain & Program Coordinator will report to designated IOK CHESS leadership and collaborate with IOK's administrative, communications, and development teams, as well as chaplains serving other campuses.

• Employment: Full-time or part-time, depending on organizational needs and candidate qualifications
• Location: Southern California, with travel to participating university campuses
• Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

IOK CHESS seeks a qualified, service-oriented individual committed to nurturing faith, supporting students, and strengthening Muslim campus life through spiritual guidance, meaningful relationships, and institutional collaboration.