Job Description

The Program Coordinator (Coordinator) in the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life (CSRL) is a vital member of the CSRL team of the Student Affairs division at Vanderbilt University. The Coordinator is a key contributor to programming, support services, and campus engagement that fosters vibrant spiritual and religious life for students and the broader campus community. This position supports a wide range of interfaith initiatives and intersectional programming through a lens of faith, identity, and belonging. Reporting to the Director of the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life, the Coordinator will help plan, implement, and assess programs that advance religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue, spiritual wellbeing, and the integration of faith with other dimensions of identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, nationality, and socioeconomic background).

The Coordinator may serve as a liaison to specific spiritual and religious student organizations and support chaplaincy-related initiatives across campus. This is an onsite, full-time position that may require non-traditional office hours as programming needs necessitate. The position is fully benefits eligible.

This is a Regular, Full-Time, Benefits Eligible, Exempt, role. Need for evenings/weekends may be required.

This position IS NOT eligible for sponsorship.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

Programming and Campus Engagement

• Design, coordinate, and implement campus-wide programs, workshops, and events related to spiritual wellness, religious literacy, interfaith dialogue, and the intersection of faith with diverse identities and social issues.
• Support signature events such as Interfaith Week, religious and cultural observances, community vigils, and reflective gatherings.
• Collaborate with student leaders, affiliate chaplains, faculty, and campus partners to develop programming that reflects the breadth of religious and worldview diversity on campus.
• Develop program assessments to measure outcomes and improve future initiatives.
• Partner with other Student Affairs offices and academic departments to co-sponsor programs and initiatives that explore faith in conversation with culture, justice, leadership, and belonging.

Student Advising and Support

• Serve as an advisor to student religious, spiritual, and worldview-based organizations, supporting leadership development, community-building, and mission alignment.
• Meet with students individually to provide referrals, support, and guidance around spiritual, ethical, vocational, or identity-related questions.
• Assist in mentoring students interested in careers in ministry, chaplaincy, nonprofit leadership, or faith-informed public service.
• Support programs and initiatives that uplift historically marginalized religious and philosophical communities and promote inclusive engagement across traditions.

Administrative, Marketing, and Operational Support

• Manage logistics for assigned events, including space reservations, catering, marketing, and financial reconciliation.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies for programs and initiatives to increase visibility and engagement.
• Design promotional materials using Canva (or similar platforms), ensuring alignment with CSRL branding and divisional guidelines.
• Create and manage content across social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) to support digital engagement and storytelling.
• Maintain records, communication, and documentation relevant to program areas and student group engagement.
• Support the daily operations of the Center and manage projects, as assigned.
• Participate in divisional events (e.g., Move-In Day, MLK Day, Belonging and Communities Week, cultural celebrations) to support campus-wide engagement.
• Serve on relevant Student Affairs committees or working groups to promote collaboration and strategic alignment.
• Maintain compliance with university financial and administrative policies, including travel, procurement, and expense reporting.

Institutional, Divisional, and Department Administration

• Contribute to the broader mission and objectives of Student Affairs and the University by serving on divisional and institutional committees, task forces, and working groups.
• Actively participate in key divisional initiatives and events, including Move-In Day and all-division meetings and gatherings.
• Maintain a working knowledge of relevant university policies, procedures, and systems—such as those related to travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting—to ensure effective, compliant, and responsible operations.
• Demonstrate a collaborative spirit by supporting divisional colleagues and engaging in efforts that advance shared goals and strategic priorities.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility for professional staff. The position may provide oversight to student workers or interns. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Directors of the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life.

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A master’s degree in divinity, theology, religious studies, student affairs, higher education, or a related field is preferred.

Experience and Skills

• At least one year of professionally relevant experience is required.
• At least two years of related experience, particularly in higher education, student affairs, campus ministry, or community engagement, is preferred.
• Familiarity with religious diversity, spiritual care, interfaith programming, and intersectional engagement is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with marketing and communications, including proficiency in Canva (or similar design tools) and knowledge of social media platforms for program promotion and engagement, is preferred.
• Excellent decision-making, communication, and organizational skills are required.
• A strong interest in mentoring and developing students is preferred.
• Experience working with students from diverse religious, cultural, and social backgrounds is preferred.
• Event planning and project management skills are preferred.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships across campus constituencies is preferred.

About the Department

The Center for Spiritual and Religious Life (CSRL) is committed to providing care, guidance, and community for students navigating life’s questions of meaning, faith, purpose, and identity. The Center promotes interfaith literacy, supports diverse religious and philosophical traditions, facilitates spiritual formation, and cultivates space for reflection, dialogue, and ethical engagement.

The Center works with affiliate chaplains, student groups, and campus partners to foster a culture of belonging and holistic student development, recognizing that faith and worldview intersect meaningfully with other aspects of students’ lived experiences.

About Student Affairs

Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.