University Chaplain and Director Office of Spiritual & Religious : University of La Verne

University Chaplain and Director of the Office of Spiritual & Religious Life

Job Description

Summary:

The University Chaplain & Director of Religious and Spiritual Life is a visionary and compassionate leader who advances a spiritually curious, inclusive, and thriving campus culture. This unique role bridges spiritual care and institutional strategy by fostering interfaith understanding, holistic well-being, and a culture of belonging across the university. Serving as both a spiritual anchor and a culture strategist, the incumbent will champion ULV's values through pastoral presence, interfaith engagement, and organizational alignment initiatives.

They will act as an invisible bridge - navigating diverse perspectives, supporting healing, and catalyzing collaboration among students, staff, and faculty.

• Spiritual Curiosity & Interfaith Fluency:
  Deep respect for diverse belief systems with the ability to engage across religious, secular, and spiritual identities.
• Bridge-Builder & Collaborator:
  Skilled in facilitating courageous conversations and building connections between seemingly disparate groups.
• Trauma-Informed Care & Emotional Intelligence:
  Grounded presence with the ability to navigate and help others navigate and facilitate discussions and events connected to grief, complexity, and celebration with grace.
• Strategic Culture Visionary:
  Experienced in aligning programs and systems with institutional mission and cultural aspirations.
• Student-Centered Mentor:
  Passion for emerging adult development and cultivating belonging across intersectional identities.
• Systems Thinker & Evaluator:
  Comfortable navigating organizational dynamics and using data to assess and guide cultural change.

• 5 years experience in College Administration or Related Religious Leadership.
• 2 years teaching experience.
• Good communication skills, written and oral.
• Ability to perform ceremonial functions.
• Organizational skills.
• Personable, approachable, team-oriented, collaborative.
• Supervisory skills.
• Budget management skills.

• Master’s degree or higher in theology, divinity, religious studies, higher education, psychology, organizational development, or related fields.
• Minimum three years of experience in chaplaincy, spiritual direction, organizational change, DEI , or related roles.
• Ordination, endorsement, or equivalent spiritual recognition is preferred but not required; openness to non-traditional paths is valued.
• Demonstrated experience with restorative practices, grief work, or conflict mediation.
• Proven ability to lead cultural initiatives within complex organizations, especially in higher education.
• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and capacity for trust-building across levels.

• Develop and articulate a strategic vision for religious and spiritual life that aligns with the college’s mission and values.
• Serve as the university’s primary spiritual and interfaith leader, supporting the religious, spiritual, and philosophical diversity of the campus community.
• Facilitate inclusive rituals, ceremonies (e.g., Baccalaureate, vigils), and reflections that affirm identity and belonging across traditions.
• Provide trauma-informed spiritual care, pastoral counseling, and crisis response.
• Provide pastoral care, crisis support, and confidential guidance to students, regardless of religious affiliation.
• Build and sustain interfaith programming, dialogue series, and student engagement initiatives in collaboration with cultural and wellness centers.
• Mentor and empower students to explore spiritual…