Interfaith Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

Whitman College

Compensation: $30.58-$34.27 hourly

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Interfaith Chaplain fosters an inclusive spiritual and interfaith environment that supports students' holistic wellbeing, identity development, and sense of belonging. This role provides compassionate pastoral care, promotes religious literacy and interfaith dialogue, and cultivates spaces for reflection, resilience, and community connection. Reporting to the Senior Director of Belonging and Inclusion, the Chaplain helps guide institutional awareness of religious and spiritual needs, contributing to a culturally responsive, spiritually grounded, and relationship-driven campus climate. This position works 40-hours per week on a 10-month schedule during the academic year (0.83 FTE).

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Spiritual Leadership & Pastoral Care (25%)

• Provide confidential spiritual care to students across religious, spiritual, and secular identities, honoring diverse belief systems and practices.
• Preside over campus-wide rituals and reflections, including vigils, memorials, celebrations, and the annual Baccalaureate service.

Interfaith Engagement & Religious Literacy (25%)

• Design, facilitate, and promote inclusive programming that fosters interfaith dialogue, spiritual development, and ethical reflection.
• Maintain and publish an interfaith calendar of observances, and advise campus partners on respectful and inclusive practices.

Student Support & Advocacy (20%)

• Support student religious and spiritual organizations and affinity groups (e.g., MSA, Kehillat Shalom) through mentorship, advising, and advocacy.
• Partner with faculty and campus leadership to assist students seeking academic accommodations related to religious observance.
• Help students build connections with off-campus worship spaces or communities aligned with their traditions or beliefs.

Resource Management & Supervision (20%)

• Oversee the care, accessibility, and resourcing of the All Faiths Room.
• Recruit, train, and supervise student staff and interns who support religious and spiritual life.
• Manage program budgets, assessment efforts, and donor engagement in coordination with the Division of Inclusive Excellence.

Community & External Partnerships (10%)

• Cultivate relationships with clergy, religious leaders, and spiritual practitioners to extend support for students.
• Serve on relevant committees that further Inclusive Excellence efforts on campus.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree.
• Ordination or a formal recognition from the candidate's religious tradition, indicating authorization to perform religious functions.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, anti-oppression frameworks, and inclusive religious/spiritual practices.
• 2+ years of experience in religious ministry or related service, including volunteer roles.
• 2+ years of experience fostering interfaith collaboration, with a demonstrated understanding of the role of religious and spiritual life within a liberal arts, residential college context.
• OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A graduate degree in theological education or equivalent.
• Training in interfaith dialogue, pastoral counseling, or spiritual direction (e.g., CPE certification).
• Experience working with college students in an advisory, programmatic, or ministry role.
• Experience designing and delivering student-centered programming that fosters engagement and community.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program...

APPLICATION REVIEW
Application review will begin on July 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

START DATE
September 2026