Program Director for Religious and Spiritual Life Initiatives – Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs

Carnegie Mellon University; Oakland (PA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote day option

Restorative Practices training

Tuition benefits

Transit bus pass

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University seeks a Program Director in Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs to guide religious life initiatives and interfaith leadership development for students. You will collaborate with CMU students, faculty and Pittsburgh partners to design and implement education and dialogue opportunities that support holistic wellbeing.

Key duties include coordinating spaces for worship and reflection, advising student groups, and creating communications to connect faith-based resources

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years in coaching, pastoral care, program development or related fields.
• Demonstrated commitment to pluralistic and interfaith approaches.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement programs through a lens of meaning making and interfaith exploration.
• Serve as the university’s key resource for all faiths and provide reflections at major university events.
• Provide spiritual leadership and consultation for the Council of Religious Advisors and expand partnerships with local houses of worship.
• Create training to enhance religious literacy and pluralism among students, faculty and staff.

Skills

Energy management

Personal growth

Interfaith collaboration

Communication skills

Initiative and prioritization

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Under the leadership of the Director of Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs, the Program Director will play a key role in providing vision and direction for programs and resources that assist Carnegie Mellon students in exploring religious life and faith-based opportunities and developing skills for interfaith leadership. The individual in this position will orchestrate a variety of initiatives and services designed to support community members’ holistic development in connection with the university’s commitment to personal and institutional wellness. In serving as a point of contact for religious life, the Program Director facilitates connections to campus and Pittsburgh organizations representing a wide range of faith traditions. With significant collaboration with CMU students, faculty, and staff as well as Pittsburgh partners, this individual also designs and implements educational initiatives aimed at fostering reflection, introspection and dialogue.

The Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs department within Student Affairs at Carnegie Mellon is well-being and people-centered. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners with integrity, curiosity and compassion and nurture these same competencies in others.

Core responsibilities will include:

• Partnering with the campus and community entities to design and implement a comprehensive slate of programs through a lens of meaning making and interfaith exploration. Complete tasks related to program implementation including the various aspects of securing speakers, marketing, program budget compliance, and assessing outcomes
• Serve as the university’s key resource for all faiths, and offer spiritual reflections at university wide events like convocations, memorial services, interfaith lectures, invocations, and commencement ceremonies
• Providing spiritual and leadership support and consultation for the Council of Religious Advisors in achieving its mission on campus and expanding the University’s network of relationships with local houses of worship, particularly related to faith traditions that reflect the diversity of our campus community
• Creating training initiatives designed to enhance religious literacy and pluralism among students, faculty and staff. This includes restorative practice work and convening proactive and responsive community circles in the faith or bridge-building arena
• Managing or supporting the utilization of multiple faith-based spaces including prayer rooms, the Wright-Rogal Chapel, the Interfaith Room, the Well-being Lab and other venues to support increased offerings for the campus community. This includes working with campus partners and academic officers to enhance sacred venues on campus and mapping areas around campus that may prompt re-imagining existing nooks and spaces
• Serving as a resource for and as advisor to student organizations and projects that are religious, interfaith or spirituality-based
• Creating and expanding communication and marketing tools designed to facilitate and enhance access to faith-based organizations and programming
• Providing individual and group opportunities for students, faculty, staff and family members to receive pastoral support and spiritual care during times of individual and community crisis
• Building pre- and post-vention content for spiritual support in emergencies as well as building campus-wide response plans
• University-wide consulting that includes guidance to support organizational dynamics, accommodations, assessments, procedures, and processes as they relate to religious, spiritual, interfaith, and secular campus climate
• Work with the Provost’s Office and academic colleges on expanding resources for religious observations and accommodations
• Create the University’s religious observations calendar
• Serve as a university wide resource for interfaith expertise and as a direct referral for students seeking spiritual consultation and support
• Other duties as assigned

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Exceptional energy management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to personal growth, reflection and renewal
• Proven record of success and commitment to work well and support a globally diverse population
• Ability to take initiative and to professionally handle multiple competing priorities
• Proven record of working collaboratively to build strategic relationships with a diverse group of colleagues, vendors, and other stakeholders
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills including the ability to manage conflict and maintain clear professional boundaries

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education required; master’s degree preferred
• 3-5 years’ experience in coaching, pastoral care, program development and implementation, case management, higher education, and/or related fields required
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
• Demonstrated commitment to and literacy with a pluralistic and interfaith approach to religious and spiritual life
• Experience collaborating and developing partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, preferably in a higher education context
• Demonstrated experience as a presenter and educator
• Ability to work independently, with complex levels of discernment and critical thinking skills required to understand the institutional, organizational and eco-social needs of the community and to provide support accordingly

Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
• Position will require regular evening and week-end hours as needed in order to facilitate events occurring in person

What we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements that include one remote day when schedule permits and if desired
• Opportunity to expand knowledge and expertise, with specific resources set aside to be trained in Restorative Practices, Mental Health First Aid, and other skill building sessions
• Time set aside each year for restorative and contemplative practices

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.