Position Summary Information
Primary Purpose
University of the Pacific’s Director of Religious and Spiritual Life / University Chaplain will provide the vision and oversee programming and campus affiliate staffing structure for the University’s Religious and Spiritual Life ecosystem. Working primarily in service to Pacific’s diverse student population, the Director also will serve as University Chaplain, supporting and guiding students and student groups engaged in religious activities, in faith and secular traditions, and seeking personal spiritual growth. The Director will work with administrative and academic colleagues across the University to promote an inclusive and creative campus community. This important role requires knowledge and acceptance of a broad array of faith-based traditions, beliefs and practices, and excellent general organizational and administrative skills. This position will be based on the Stockton campus but will collaborate with partners University-wide to build a stronger religious and spiritual life presence and support infrastructures on the Sacramento and San Francisco campuses as well.
Essential Functions
- Maintain a visible and active presence on campus, engaging students individually and within Pacific’s co-curricular affinity groups, e.g. Athletics, Center for Identity and Inclusion, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s), etc.
- Serve as a resource for students seeking engagement, connection or guidance in navigating campus life and issues of belonging.
- Provide support, assistance and guidance to Pacific’s faith-based RSO’s and their faculty advisers. Facilitate opportunities for faith-based RSO leadership training and interfaith fellowship.
- Hire, onboard, supervise and support a small cadre of Campus Affiliate Ministers, including community faith leaders/clergy, who are engaged either part-time or as volunteers in spiritual life programming and general care of Pacific’s students. Facilitate opportunities for Campus Affiliate Ministers to engage and collaborate with one another in support of Pacific’s students.
- Design, implement and oversee programming and events for a spiritually diverse audience to increase wellness, spiritual development, interfaith dialogue, ethical leadership, community-building and meaning-making on campus.
- Provide opportunities for student dialogue, interfaith exchange, reflection and collaboration across diverse religious perspectives.
- Assist the University’s CARE and CAPS teams, as appropriate, in dealing with students in crisis.
- Assist the University’s recruitment efforts, as appropriate, in demonstrating the vibrant campus culture we are building for students seeking faith-based community.
- Engage in active ministry with religiously committed students of multiple faiths while also providing opportunities for the spiritual growth of unaffiliated students.
- Collaborate with appropriate campus partners to support and/or lead community gatherings, vigils or other services in times of celebration, grief, crisis and transition.
- In partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, lead development and communication of the university’s multi-faith calendar of religious and spiritual observances, ensuring that information is accurate, accessible and supportive of inclusive planning across the institution.
- Serve as an adviser and resource for questions regarding religious accommodation requests.
- In partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, become familiar with local religious communities and make appropriate connections for students and other university partners.
- Serve as liaison between Pacific and the United Methodist Church. Represent the University to UMC’s General Board of Higher Education and California-Nevada Conference organizations.
- Actively continue developing and strengthening Pacific’s partnership with Stockton’s Central United Methodist Church through mutually beneficial programming and collaborations.
- Collaborate with the Pacific Volunteer Center to conceptualize and provide local and mission experiences that focus on spiritual growth through service to others.
- Develop and administer the departmental budget, ensuring responsible fiscal management and compliance with University financial guidelines.
- Actively participate in and support division-wide and institutional programs and events including division and directors’ meetings; student and staff training sessions; Move-in, Orientation and Week of Welcome (fall and spring); Homecoming and Family Weekend; Admitted Student Days; and other key community-building initiatives.
- Some evening and weekend participation is expected for campus events and student engagement activities.
- Other duties as assigned.
University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty and staff.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in theology, religious studies, philosophy, ethics, spirituality or related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of five (5) years’ professional experience relating to chaplaincy, ministry or work with young adults.
- Ability to work positively with diverse populations in the University community.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Administrative experience that includes oversight of personnel, budgets and programming.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience as a campus minister, college chaplain or in young adult ministry.
- Ordination or certification credentials from a faith tradition.
- Experience working within interfaith and multifaith contexts.
- Experience in crisis management and grief and loss counseling.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Interfaith awareness, religious literacy and knowledge of regional faith communities.
- Ability to provide spiritual counseling and one-on-one mentorship and guidance.
- Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
- Confident public speaking skills and the ability to present to both large and small groups.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Ability to produce content for social media channels.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow through on tasks and requests.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Good management, leadership and administrative skills.
- Proficiency in using computers and the ability to learn new computer software easily.
- Good decision-making skills and the ability to use independent judgement.
- Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
- Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Duties require constant sitting and repetitive motion while using computer keyboard and phone. Frequent walking, standing, and simple grasping. Occasional climbing stairs, walking across campus, stooping, and reaching. Constant communication using both spoken and written means. May be required to lift/carry up to 25 lbs.
Work Environment/Work Week/Travel:
This is an in-person role, and the successful candidate must be willing to relocate within California, preferably within 25 miles of the Stockton Pacific campus.
Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with use of computer and phone. Work performed during standard business hours of 8am to 5 pm. Regular evening programming for department/affinity groups and occasional attendance at University and Student Life events on weekends is required. Occasional travel to other campuses may be required.
Valid driver’s license required. Incumbent must also be able to meet the University’s fleet rules and be eligible to drive for University business. The University and its insurance carrier reserve the right to exclude applicants based on their driving record.
Hiring Range
$75,000 - $80,000 per year. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Background Check Statement
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.
AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.
Anti-Discrimination/EEO Policy Statement
University of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity across backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Pacific does not unlawfully discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability, or other legally protected characteristics or combination of such characteristics. While we strive to attract a broad and representative pool of candidates, all hiring decisions are made based on merit, selecting the most qualified individual for each position.
