Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual - Susquehanna University

Job Name:
Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

About Susquehanna:

Susquehanna University is the future-ready institution for today, invested in cultivating intellectual grounding, active learning and global citizenship for all students. Renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges, Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,200 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Our students seize opportunities through exceptional worldwide internships, expert-guided research and an acclaimed study-abroad program, leading to a transformative education that empowers each graduate to realize their unique potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.

The Susquehanna River Valley with its fresh air and overall pleasant year-round climate, provides four distinct seasons amidst a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage, occasional winter snowfalls, flower-filled springs and warm summer evenings illuminated by fireflies. Nearby outdoor recreational areas for hiking, kayaking, fishing and skiing - and the bustling cultural and commerce hubs of New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia within a three-hour drive - present abundant opportunities for learning and discovery.

RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL LIFE AT SUSQUEHANNA
Susquehanna University is a community that expresses its Lutheran heritage through the free and open exploration of ideas, commitment to service, development of individual talents, and the welcoming of individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs. About 13% of students identify as Catholic, roughly 3% Lutheran, and another 14% identify as members of other Protestant denominations. Susquehanna's Jewish community (2-3%) is a vibrant and growing presence on campus.

A full-time rabbi and a spacious Hillel House, along with engaged students, faculty, and staff, create a supportive atmosphere in which all Jews, no matter their practice, can observe their customs and holidays. The Chaplain also supports the religious and spiritual needs of a growing number of Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim students. The Center for Spirituality and Meaning also supports exploration of profound life questions and interfaith engagement and programming, so that members of the campus community can develop as conscientious citizens of the world.

Holy Communion is celebrated in Weber Chapel at 11 a.m. every Sunday during the academic year. Musical leadership is provided by the university organist and a variety of student musicians. Weber Chapel embraces "without exception, all people regardless of sex, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical-mental ability or disability, religious affiliation, age or station in life."

Each year, the Department of Religious Studies sponsors a lecture by nationally and internationally renowned religious scholars and leaders. The Alice Pope Shade endowed lecture typically explores the role religion plays in various aspects of public life: civic, social, spiritual, political, moral, environmental, and in the formation of individual character.

Job Summary
The Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life reports to the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer under the Division for Access, Equity, and Belonging. The Chaplain serves as an advisor, advocate, and resource for the purposeful building of an inclusive community. Serving under a call from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Chaplain is expected to both affirm the faith and traditions of the ELCA to which Susquehanna is related, and to serve a broadly diverse community.

This position is defined as an exempt position under FLSA regulations

• Provide a ministry of word and sacrament through Sunday worship services in Weber Chapel, to be offered when classes are in session.
• In collaboration with the department of music and the Director of Chapel Music, plan and lead annual Christmas Candlelight Service.
• Plan and lead annual Baccalaureate celebration as part of yearly Commencement activities.
• Advocate for and support religious and worldview pluralism on campus, support diverse religious communities in holiday and cultural celebrations, and providing leadership for campus interfaith efforts through such initiatives as the Interfaith Working Group.
• Provide pastoral care for members of the campus…