Muslim Chaplain

Brandeis University invites applications for a part time Muslim Chaplain. The primary focus of the chaplain is the spiritual and religious experience of an exceptionally diverse student body, with particular attention to students of their particular faith tradition. The position coordinates the religious services of their faith community and engages with students through programs and 1-1 pastoral care. The chaplain is part of a team of chaplains in the Center for Spiritual Life, with whom they collaborate in service of the broader Brandeis community, including by identifying and advancing opportunities for faith-based and intercultural interaction and dialogue.

The Muslim Chaplain reports to the Director of Spiritual Life. This is an in-person position requiring evening, weekend, and holiday work.

This is a part time position, 17 hours a week during the academic year (44 weeks per year).

The hourly pay range is $33.36/hour - $38.25/hour.

Job Responsibilities:

Student engagement and community building (60%)

• Cultivate relationships with undergraduate and graduate students from a wide variety of Muslim backgrounds and levels of practice
• Support students through 1-1 pastoral care and mentorship
• Coordinate religious observances, including Friday prayer (Jumâ™ah) and during Ramadan (Taraweeh prayers)
• Create initiatives for learning and community building responsive to the current needs and interests of students
• Advise, collaborate with, empower student leadership in the Muslim Student Association (MSA)

Collaboration with colleagues as part of the Center for Spiritual Life (20%)

• Offer compassionate, non-judgmental listening to all Brandeis students
• Plan and participate in periodic campus outreach efforts and interfaith events
• Attend major university functions as requested

Operations (20%)

• Attend biweekly staff meetings and 1-1 supervision
• Assess current offerings and incorporate with best practices and developments to improve and develop new offerings
• Advise the university [as a subject matter expert] around matters of religious practice and accommodations
• Track student engagement metrics and prepare reports upon request
• Track and reconcile expenses within allocated budget
• Contribute to social media and web presence for the Center

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's Degree (religious studies, theology, or related field) or seminary training preferred. Some experience may be substituted for education.
• 3-5 years of experience with young adults, informal spiritual education, or pastoral counseling strongly preferred.
• Appropriate theological background and/or chaplaincy training, including demonstrated skills in community and leadership development, worship leadership, spiritual education and program development, pastoral care, service and social justice leadership, and/or interfaith engagement
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with students from a wide variety of Muslim perspectives, denominations, and cultural backgrounds
• Understanding of young adult development through a student empowerment and community-organizing approach
• Skill leading complex conversations about faith and spirituality in a way that is accessible and approachable for students at various points in their spiritual identity formation.
• Enthusiasm and confidence creating and implementing new initiatives
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; excellent leadership, administrative, and organizational skills; effective prioritization of multiple responsibilities and deadlines; ability to work independently and as part of a team; actively seeks feedback and continuous improvement
• Excellent professional judgment and discretion; maintains appropriate confidentiality; models integrity, honesty, trust, and professional ethics