Chaplain

Sweet Briar is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders.  Sweet Briar College is repeatedly named by the US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation.  Sweet Briar College is growing rapidly, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts and its legendary equestrian program. Its finances are robust, and validated by balanced budget and positive bond ratings.

Located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 54 miles south of Charlottesville. Its campus is one of the nation’s most spectacular, replete with nature sanctuaries, lakes, forests, trails, and most recently, vineyards, apiary and greenhouses.

The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing.

When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, students lead research, ask questions and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.

Classification: Part-time, non-benefits eligible position

Reports To: Dean of Student Life

Job Summary/Objective: The Chaplain is responsible for overseeing a program of activities that promote spiritual life as an integral part of the campus environment and a student’s college experience. The Chaplain assesses student religious and spiritual needs and creates and implements programs and responses to those needs promoting the religious and spiritual well-being of students. In addition, the Chaplain will help to organize and support equitable and inclusive spiritual supports and opportunities for students of all faiths.

Position Type/Expected Work Hours: Staff, part-time

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide pastoral care, personal counseling, and consultation to members of the College community.
• Design and implement opportunities for prayer, worship, and study.
• Advise, or support, spiritually-based student organizations.
• Create venues for fellowship and community service.
• Represent the College at appropriate functions, such as Founder’s Day, Baccalaureate, Commencement, etc.
• Co-chair, with the Dean of Student Life, the Spiritual Life Committee.
• Assist in maintaining the interfaith prayer room.
• Be available for campus emergencies.
• Foster positive relationships with local community partners and religious organizations.
• Assist students in connecting with local faith communities.
• Make recommendations to the Spiritual Life Committee and the Dean of Student Life based on data and best practices within higher education for supporting student religious and spiritual well-being.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in theology, ministry, or a related field required from an accredited institution or ordained minister.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students
• Ability to maintain confidential information

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in higher education, or working with college-aged population.

Work Environment: Indoors

Physical Demands: bending, sitting, and lifting

Travel: None

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.