Julia Thompson Smith Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Agnes Scott College

Reports to: Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

GENERAL

SUMMARY:

The chaplain/director of religious and spiritual life is a student-centered, creative and strategic leader who provides direction for spiritual and religious life at Agnes Scott College within the guidelines of federal, state and local laws and office, division and college policies and procedures. The chaplain serves as one of the many faces and voices of religious and spiritual life at college gatherings, ceremonies, and occasions that call for prayer, spiritual support and guidance.

At times, the individual plays a healing role on campus. The chaplain is visible, available and accessible, offering assistance during crises and challenges, as well as providing connection, comfort, and counsel where needed in times of both celebration and challenge. The chaplain reports to the vice president for student affairs and dean of students and works with a broad range of campus constituents, students, faculty and staff, community leaders, members of professional organizations, and establishes strong church relations with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

The chaplain/director is also responsible for meeting the needs of all faiths by encouraging a wide spectrum of religious traditions on campus, fostering dialogue about social justice, and overseeing religious clubs/organizations on campus. Key responsibilities include engaging in outreach to students, providing pastoral care, planning, and the administration of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Given the religious diversity represented on campus, a strong collaboration with the Gay Johnson McDougall Center for Diversity and Inclusion is essential to support the religious and spiritual growth and development of our students and the campus community.

The opportunity to teach seminars and/or courses in religious studies or related fields may also be afforded.

• Responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive interfaith and multi-faith programs that champion the religious and spiritual needs of our students.
• Conceptualize and develop a vibrant, inclusive religious, spiritual and ethical life environment in which reflection and free inquiry are valued.
• Support the engagement of interfaith liaisons to the campus community by establishing and maintaining connections between the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and local religious leaders.
• Facilitate and support the religious and spiritual needs of the Agnes Scott community, by working in partnership with representatives from the Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant communities, as well as religious, spiritual, and interfaith organizations in the Decatur and greater Atlanta areas.
• Identify and respond to the religious and spiritual needs of students by providing reliable communication and appropriate guidance; serve as a resource to individual students in their spiritual and/or religious inquiry as part of their identity development offering resources and opportunities to further exploration and learning.
• Act as liaison with the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Presbyterian College Chaplains Association and the Synod of South Atlantic.
• Utilize awareness of the greater Atlanta community to encourage Agnes Scott students to access available resources, and local and varied faith communities.
• Lead ongoing planning and assessment for the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
• Manage the fiscal and budgetary process for the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
• When necessary, make hiring recommendations, train and supervise religious life staff, as approved.

• Coordinate innovative and collaborative programs that engage in ecumenical and interfaith dialogues, discussions, and experiences.
• Provide leadership and coordination for a variety of programs and has primary responsibility for all aspects of the Faith and Learning lecture and activities related to it.
• As a member of the Faith and Learning Committee and Student Affairs Division, promote a multi-religious ethos, contributing to its on-going strength and development; work in close cooperation with other campus constituents, and encourage honest and authentic relationships between different faith communities by exploring modes of engagement.
• Participate in campus-wide events and promote multi-faith awareness and appreciation;…