Director of Spiritual Life - Bentley University
Acslhe, Waltham, MA, United States
Director of Spiritual Life - Bentley University
This position is responsible for overseeing the spiritual and religious welfare of the diverse student body and the Bentley community. The Director will supervise a team of part-time chaplains and advisors, oversee the budgets, set the vision for the Center’s policies and programs, and steward the use of the Sacred Space and Upper Campus Prayer Room. Working collaboratively with numerous offices across campus, this position reports directly to the Associate Dean for Student Equity and Inclusion. Spiritual growth opportunities for specific religious communities, as well as interfaith engagement, reflection, and relationship building for the overall student population will be envisioned by the Director. The Director will promote a culture of belonging, responding to emerging needs of the campus community.
- Act as a spokesperson for the religious, spiritual and ethical issues of the community, working to build a strong pastoral presence with the student body. In particular, attend to the needs of all students, including those without a religious affiliation or conviction.
- Work with the various departments on campus, both within and outside Student Affairs to provide educational opportunities around issues of religious diversity, spirituality, and ethics to further the development of students.
- Provide personal support and counseling to students when appropriate.
- Work to develop and support the faith traditions on the campus and oversee the Spiritual Life Chaplains and Advisors assigned to religious groups on campus.
- Arrange for weekly services, or other regular sessions for students of different faiths.
- Plan and implement programs sponsored by the Center in response to the ritual and ceremonial needs of the campus, including memorial services, vigils, holidays, etc.
- Design and deliver Invocations at campus-wide ceremonies such as Convocation and Commencement, as well as other campus events as appropriate.
Other Duties
- In addition to supervising Bentley-employed Chaplains and religious advisors, the Director will also be responsible for approving and coordinating with external affiliates of a variety of faiths.
- Supervise a part-time administrator as well as student employees essential for the functioning of the Center.
- Oversee policies related to and ensure proper use of Bentley’s Sacred Space and Upper Campus Prayer Room.
- Create, plan, and execute a day long on-campus Study Retreat each fall and spring on “Reading Day” before exams.
- Oversee Bentley’s Annual Interfaith Day of Service, a program sponsored by the Spiritual Life Center and student interfaith council.
- Participate in the Religious Accommodations working group managed by the Residential Center. Participate in a working group with Bentley Dining to ensure dietary needs of religious students.
- Serve as a BentleyPlus advisor by attending role-specific trainings, facilitating advising sessions, and sending follow-up communications to advisees.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in religious studies, theology or closely related area conferred by Spring 2023 .
- 5 years’ experience in chaplaincy, campus ministry, programming, or counseling, preferably at the higher education level.
- Excellent public speaking and writing skills.
- Demonstrated administrative and strategic leadership skills.
- Knowledge of a broad base of faith-based traditions, beliefs, and practices
- Demonstrated skills and training in pastoral care
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, with an expertise in religious and spiritual identities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ordination within a nationally recognized religious or spiritual organization
- 3 years’ experience in Higher Education chaplaincy
- Demonstrated effectiveness in interfaith engagement and student leadership formation