University Chaplain
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
Huston-Tillotson University is seeking an inspiring and compassionate individual to serve as our University Chaplain. This key leadership role offers a unique opportunity to guide the spiritual life of our diverse and vibrant campus community. As the University Chaplain, you will create meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth, social justice engagement, interfaith dialogue, and leadership development for students, faculty, and staff.
You will play a vital role in shaping a welcoming and inclusive environment by overseeing Religious Life and Campus Ministry (RLCM), offering support through counseling, hospital visits, and community outreach. The Chaplain also serves as a liaison between the University and Austin’s religious community, as well as the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ.
We are looking for a dynamic communicator with strong preaching, teaching, and leadership skills, who is passionate about enriching the spiritual and religious life on campus. If you're committed to fostering personal and collective growth within a multicultural, multi-faith community, we encourage you to apply and join us in this fulfilling mission!
TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the raising of funds for programing for Religious Life and Campus Ministry.
- Plan and implement the weekly Thursday Chapel Hour which addresses the spiritual needs & concerns of students in the spirit of ecumenicism (denominationally).
- Create effective and creative Bible Studies that reach students inviting them to grow spiritually, enabling them to apply principles for success.
- Support and maintain the existing campus ministry programing that has impact and positive influence on students and the HT community.
- Expand the ministries and programs of RLCM by creating new and innovative programming, moving the programing to the “next level”.
- Engage pastoral counseling for students, faculty and staff upon request and during periods of crisis.
- Serve as mentor and advisor to students who express an interest in pursuing a professional career in ministry and to others who should be encouraged to consider a career in professional ministry.
- Serve as a role model of faith and faithfulness and assist members of the university community to grow in personal faith and service to humanity.
- The University Chaplain may be invited to teach as an Adjunct Professor in Religious Studies within the Adult Degree Program.
- The University Chaplain should look to get involved in professional organizations such as Association of College & Spiritual Leaders in Higher Education (ACSLHE, the leading organization for University Chaplains), United Methodist in Campus Ministry (A direct link for Methodism) and either the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASPA) or the American College Personnel Association (ACPA).
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in major gifts, planned giving, or related fundraising roles, preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Proven track record of successfully closing major and planned gifts of $25,000 or more.
- Strong understanding of charitable giving laws, estate planning, and financial planning as it pertains to philanthropic giving.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build meaningful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with donor management software (experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar platforms preferred).
SUPERVISION
- This position reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs
SALARY RANGE
- $58,000 annually plus a comprehensive benefits package!
POSITION STATUS
- Full-Time, In-Person
SETTING
Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University is Austin's first institution of higher education and a historically Black institution. Situated on a 23-acre, tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas, the University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Huston-Tillotson offers undergraduate degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, welcoming students of all ages, races, and religions. Committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement, HT takes a student-centered approach to education with a focus on personalized attention. With a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, faculty members prioritize teaching while maintaining a holistic approach to developing the diverse and multi-faith student body.
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