Dean of Chapel and Campus Ministry, Dillard University; Orleans, LA

Dean of Chapel and Campus Ministry, Dillard University (New Orleans, LA)

Date posted: 1/27/2026

The dean of the chapel serves as the spiritual and theological leader of Dillard University, fostering a campus culture that reflects both its Christian heritage and its commitment to inclusivity, justice, and intellectual inquiry. The dean will guide the university community in worship, spiritual formation, ethical reflection, and service to the world, ensuring that the chapel remains a center for inspiration, moral courage, and transformative leadership.

• Plan and lead weekly chapel services, special convocations, and major ceremonies.
• Preach and teach from a Wesleyan theological perspective, emphasizing grace, holiness, and service.
• Provide pastoral counseling and spiritual support for students, faculty, and staff.
• Offer programs for faith development, vocation discernment, and leadership.
• Strengthen Dillard’s historical ties to The United Methodist Church and UCC while fostering interfaith and ecumenical engagement.
• Manage chapel staff, programming, and budgets.
• Serve as a visible and active member of the president’s leadership team.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach in classroom, workshop, or seminar settings, including courses or modules related to theology, ethics, leadership, or spiritual formation as needed by the University.
• Engage alumni, donors, churches, and community partners in support of chapel programming and the broader mission of the University.
• Lead and support fundraising efforts for chapel initiatives, including donor cultivation, stewardship, grant opportunities, and collaboration with institutional advancement.

• Ordination in The United Methodist Church, UCC, or a Christian denomination with a strong understanding of Wesleyan theology.
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) required;
  
  D.Min. or Ph.D. preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in preaching, pastoral care, and worship leadership.
• Experience in higher education ministry or chaplaincy.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and interfaith and ecumenical understanding.
• Administrative and organizational leadership experience.
• Demonstrated effectiveness as an educator with the ability to engage diverse learners in both academic and formation-based settings.
• Proven fundraising experience, including donor engagement, relationship building, and support of institutional or ministry-based advancement efforts.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate vision and mission to a variety of internal and external audiences.

• Spiritually grounded leader with mature faith and deep love for community.
• Compelling communicator who can inspire and challenge through preaching and teaching.
• Compassionate and accessible presence for students, faculty, and staff.
• Visionary who honors tradition while embracing innovation.
• Servant leader rooted in grace, justice, and transformative love.

The dean of the chapel will reimagine the role of chapel as a center of moral courage and civic engagement, strengthen Dillard’s denominational partnerships, cultivate student leadership and faith formation, and champion faith-informed social justice initiatives in New Orleans and beyond.

This is a full-time, on-campus position located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of faith, and three references (including one denominational leader).

In addition to the required application materials, candidates must submit:

• A recorded video of a sermon delivered in a worship setting.
• A recorded video of a Bible study or teaching session that demonstrates instructional approach and theological depth.

Video submissions and letters of reference must be sent directly to human resources
. Emails should include the subject line “Dean of Chapel.”

Dillard University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Persons of all races, genders, and faith traditions who affirm the University’s Christian heritage and Wesleyan values are encouraged to apply.