Position Announcement

Grinnell College

Associate Chaplain and Rabbi

Founded in 1846, Grinnell College is a private, highly selective, residential liberal arts and sciences college located on 120-acres in Grinnell, Iowa. The community embraces intellectual journeys of all kinds, and provides students the individualized guidance to dive deeper, define new directions, and encouragement to follow their passions across the world. Grinnell College enrolls approximately 1,600 undergraduate students from every state, including the District of Columbia, and more than 50 other countries. Students have access to 42 areas of study, more than 500 classes, and an open curriculum, allowing the freedom to choose courses that reflect broad interests distributed across the liberal arts.

Grinnell College seeks an inspirational, student-centered, and justice-focused Jewish leader to support Grinnell’s diverse spiritual community. Reporting to the dean of religious life and chaplain, the associate chaplain and rabbi serves as the rabbinical leader for the campus community, responsible for planning and leading Jewish high holiday services. The next associate chaplain and rabbi functions as the advisor to Chaverim, the cultural and religious Jewish student organization, helping the Jewish students to plan cultural and religious events throughout the academic year. This position is grounded in the support of students with the goal of student success.

As a visible and accessible advocate for the student experience, the next associate chaplain and rabbi will demonstrate a commitment to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion; be available as a counselor and an advocate to students, faculty, and staff; and provide support and guidance in response to crises. Additionally, the associate chaplain and rabbi will assist the dean of religious life in advising religious, spiritual, social justice-related groups in campus program planning and implementation and serves as a critical champion for partnership and collaboration in the form of dialogue, programming, and service across the college.

The position is full-time, benefits-eligible term position, serving the Grinnell community from August through June each academic year. To learn about Grinnell College’s COVID policies, please visit: https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/health-wellness/coronavirus /

Master’s professional religious leadership training, with ordination, e.g., Master of Hebrew Letters is required. Five years of experience in professional religious leadership in a college setting preferred.

The successful candidate will have comprehensive Jewish spiritual and cultural knowledge; high personal, ethical and professional standards; excellent verbal and written communications skills; outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills; strong background or appreciation for liberal arts education; and demonstrated respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of campus life.

Review of applications will begin November 11, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Anne-Marie Kenney, amk@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the Grinnell College website at https://www.grinnell.edu/

Grinnell College is committed to establishing and maintaining a safe and nondiscriminatory educational environment for all College community members. It is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in matters of admission, employment, and housing, and in access to and participation in its education programs, services, and activities. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, creed, or any other protected class.