Dean of Memorial Chapel

THE SEARCH

Colgate University, a thriving, highly selective liberal arts university located in Hamilton, New York, invites applications and nominations for the Dean of Memorial Chapel (Dean) position. In a newly established position, the Dean will support the diverse spiritual, religious, and pastoral needs of the Colgate University community and nurture the religious and spiritual traditions that make Colgate unique. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced spiritual leader and religious life professional to set a vision that makes Colgate University a model of how religious and spiritual life creates a vibrant community for all, across faith and non-faith traditions.

The Dean will lead the Office of the University Chaplains, an established and important religious and spiritual hub for campus support, spiritual exploration, community connection, and reflective conversations. The Dean also leads interfaith engagement and collaboration with all of Colgate’s chaplains, student leaders, and faculty and staff.

Reporting directly to the President, the Dean will provide leadership and a vision for Colgate’s diverse religious and spiritual life, demonstrate strong administrative leadership and management skills to effectively guide the Office of the Chaplains’ operations and strategy, and collaborate across campus and with off-campus partners to support the religious and spiritual development of students, staff, and faculty.

The ideal candidate will hold an accredited Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or comparable training with at least six years of full-time religious leadership experience. There is a strong preference for candidates with a terminal academic or professional degree and experience leading religious and/or spiritual life programs in a higher education context. The Dean will bring strong administrative and supervisory experience, compelling communication, public speaking, and oratory skills, demonstrated ability to build community and foster collaboration among diverse constituencies, an appreciation for multifaith understanding, and the ability to lead with equanimity, discretion, and integrity.

Colgate University has retained the services of Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in conducting this important search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. For best consideration, full applications (resume, cover letter, and a sample written pastoral reflection or sermon) should be submitted by July 1. The salary range for this position is $135,000 - $160,000. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website.