"Associate Dean for Spiritual Formation"

Overview

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Associate Dean for Spiritual Formation oversees all YDS initiatives related to student spiritual formation including denominational programs, worship, and programming intended to develop students’ faith and self-growth. The associate dean oversees curricular internship programs and community volunteer opportunities for students as part of their development. The student portfolio and review process is managed by the associate dean as a way of tracking and monitoring student growth. The associate dean partners with the registrar and degree program directors on data collection including job placement statistics and on the degree assessment program. The associate dean works closely with the MDIV Integrative Seminars and the Integrative Seminar faculty. The associate dean stewards resources in support of spiritual formation including staffing, space, and budgets. The associate dean builds relationships with denominational leaders and congregations, as well as with the non-profit and justice communities, in the wider New Haven religious community. The associate dean may be asked to assume additional responsibilities based on circumstances and needs.

Denomination Programs

Recruit and supervise the directors of Black Church Studies, Lay Catholic Studies, Lutheran Studies, Methodist Studies, and Reformed Studies programs. Ensure that the appropriate courses are offered for the fulfillment of the denomination certificate programs. Support programming to foster formation within denominations. Collaborate with the formation directors from ANS and BDS to ensure alignment with spiritual formation program goals and to foster collaboration across denominations.

Worship

Supervise the heads of Marquand chapel and ensure spiritually meaningful and academically enriching worship services. Ensure that all worship spaces are programmed appropriately for student development. Foster collaboration among denomination leaders and chapel staff.

Internships

Hire and supervise the directors of the internship program. Ensure continued placement opportunities for our students and help to develop new partnerships. Support the creation of volunteer opportunities in the New Haven community for our students.

Evaluation and Assessment

Maintain the online portfolio process and supervise the student employees who manage the software. Meet with all students to review their individual progress on meeting their vocational goals. Connect the online portfolios to the work being done in the integrative seminars. Convene mid-degree consultations with all M.Div. students in their second year of study. Collect employment data on each graduating class. Collaborate with the registrar and degree program directors on the annual degree assessment process.

Outreach to New Haven Area Faith Communities

Nurture connections between YDS and the religious communities in the New Haven area, welcoming clergy and leaders to campus, and helping students connect with appropriate faith communities for their own needs and vocational hopes. Develop formalized programs to support religious congregations.

Required Skills & Abilities

1. At least 7 years of experience in spiritual development and formation in an academic, ecclesial, or related setting that involved the supervision of staff and management of budgets.
2. A demonstrated commitment to interdenominational and interreligious work.
3. A demonstrated ability to collaborate and forge partnerships within YDS, Yale, and external communities.
4. Demonstrated strong management, organizational, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

1. An earned doctorate in theology, religious studies, or a closely related field strongly preferred.
2. MDiv degree or experience with MDiv students and curricula.
3. Familiarity with ATS accreditation standards.
4. Connections within the wider New Haven religious communities.
5. Ability to manage grants.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Plays an essential role in advancing strategic and tactical priorities.
2. Takes a lead role in implementing new strategies.
3. Leads and manages major programs, committees or staff.
4. Represents the school on major University programs, committees and projects.
5. Takes on other duties as assigned and as needs of the school evolve over time.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s degree with a minimum of eight years of higher education experience working with students, faculty and university administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $225,000.00

Location: 409 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Job Category: Manager

Time Type: Full time