Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

Susquehanna University

Job Type: Staff - Full-Time Benefits Eligible

FLSA: Exempt

Hours per week: 40

Number of months: 12

Location : Selinsgrove, PA

Closing Date: 7/23/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

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.

Job Summary

The Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life serves under the Division for Access, Equity, and Belonging and reports to the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. The Chaplain serves as an advisor, advocate, and resource for the purposeful building of an inclusive community. 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.

Specific Responsibilities

• 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.

• Give intense concern for religious affairs on the campus from late August through May, utilizing the remaining months to study, self-development, planning, and participation in the ongoing administration of the university.

• Provide pastoral care for members of the campus community and assist other University staff in dealing with students in crisis.

• Nurture SU's relationship with the ELCA and particularly with the Upper Susquehanna Synod in which the University is located.

• Represent SU as a member of the Selinsgrove Ministerium.

• Co-Direct the Center for Spirituality and Meaning, with the Director of Jewish Life.

• Co-facilitate the running and maintenance of campus food pantries.

• Maintain Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with affiliate religious life staff (such as those working for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, DiscipleMakers, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life).

• Maintain MOUs with religious congregations in the area that serve members of the SU community (such as St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, Congregation Beth El in Sunbury, Sunbury Islamic Center) to foster interfaith engagement.

• Oversee operations of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life to include supervision of the Director of Chapel Music, graduate student, and undergraduate student staffing and management of student portfolio projects.

• Participate in University ceremonies, and, as appropriate, officiate at memorial services, weddings, and other campus functions.

• Serve on university committees and engage in other services to the university as needed.

• Advise student religious life clubs and organizations.

• Serve as a guest lecturer as needed at the invitation of academic departments.

• Coordinate programming (guest speakers, lectures, community leaders) and community dialogues (open forums, town hall meetings) intended to foster a climate of respect and civility and enhance community relationships, collaborating with the academic/student life partners.

• Collaborate with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to develop programming and relationship building that fosters community and belonging efforts.

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to resolve student issues and offer classroom/organization management techniques that increase the success and sense of belonging for a diverse student population.

• Maintain a visible and active presence in campus life, especially among students, to enhance religious understanding and promote spiritual growth.

• Maintain the operating and restricted budget accounts for Chaplain and Religious and Spiritual Life operations.

• Submit annual report to supervisor.

• Serves as a confidential resource for Title IX.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Master's degree in Divinity or its academic equivalent required.

Experience

Candidates with an active membership in the ordained ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are preferred; candidates with an active membership in a faith tradition in communion with the ELCA will be considered.

Five years of experience as a campus minister, college chaplain, or pastor of a congregation with experience in youth ministry. Demonstrated experience ministering to and working with people of diverse backgrounds and faith perspectives is required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Proven ability as a worship leader and preacher; skilled at written and verbal communication, including formal presentation to groups; skilled in individual and group counseling; and the ability to articulate the traditions and teachings of the Lutheran Church as they interact with current world issues. Skilled at identifying, nurturing, and training youth leaders. Ability to practice ministry in a pluralistic setting and to facilitate and support interfaith programming and conversation. Ability to work independently and collaborate with other departments in the campus community. Committed to full and visible participation in the formal and informal life of the campus community; demonstrated ability to collaborate with campus partners; ability to advise students and organizations from diverse backgrounds and identities; contemporary knowledge of diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Additional Information for Applicant

Additional Requirements

On-Campus residence required.

Physical Demand

Expected office environment. Position requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time. Position requires the ability to move about the campus. Position requires the ability to talk and to hear instruction. Working conditions are largely indoor. In addition to leading Sunday worship services, this position requires occasional night and weekend responsibilities. Position may require travel.

To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/6319835

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