New England HERC

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

About Brandeis University

As a medium-sized private research university with global reach, we are dedicated to first-rate undergraduate education while making groundbreaking discoveries. Four major academic units with 3,600 undergraduates and 2,050 graduate students comprise the University: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, the International Business School, and the Rabb School of Continuing Studies. In 1985, Brandeis was elected to membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), which represents the 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada. Brandeis has been ranked among the top 35 national universities by U.S. News & World Report every year since the rankings’ inception. Our 235-acre campus is located in the suburbs of Boston, a global hub for higher education and innovation. Our faculty are leaders in their fields, as passionate about teaching and mentorship as they are about pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Our students are motivated, compassionate, curious and open to exploring new and challenging experiences. Brandeis was founded in 1948 as a nonsectarian university under the sponsorship of th...e American Jewish community to embody its highest ethical and cultural values and to express its gratitude to the United States through the traditional Jewish commitment to education. By being a nonsectarian university that welcomes students, teachers and staff of every nationality, religion and orientation, Brandeis renews the American heritage of cultural diversity, equal access to opportunity and freedom of expression.

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