Interim Associate University Chaplain

Position Overview

Primary Function :

The Associate Chaplain leads or collaborates on those aspects of the Chapel’s life that most closely align with the Episcopal tradition and the Chapel’s role in providing a dynamic, diverse, and student-oriented Episcopal campus ministry with the support of interested faculty, staff, and community members.

This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only the general direction and scope of the work to be accomplished are discussed with the supervisor.

Position Appointment Details :

• Career Band : 2D / 2E depending on experience
• Exempt Position
• Term position : 7 / 1 / 2024 - 8 / 1 / 2026

Position Description

Typical Duties & Responsibilities :

Initiate relationships with students in an ongoing way, invite them to engage with the campus ministry more deeply, and create opportunities for them to build supportive, caring relationships with one another.

Plan, prepare for, and conduct Chapel services and other public worship - including Lessons and Carols - in alignment with the chaplaincy’s larger strategic goals, utilizing the breadth and depth of the Episcopal tradition.

Work energetically with the Lay Chaplain to develop Growing in Grace, the informal student-led worship service.

Recruit student, faculty, and community participants for the worship life of All Saints’ Chapel, including working closely with the sacristans guild, altar guild, and flower guild

Work closely with the University administration & members of the Special Events Team to coordinate major University events held in the Chapel, such as Convocation, Baccalaureate, Commencement, etc.

Work with partners in the School of Theology on the planning of joint liturgies, representing the needs, interests, and strategic direction of All Saints’ Chapel

Provide counseling and crisis ministry as appropriate

Assume all duties of the University Chaplain in their absence.

Judgment Required : Performance of the essential duties of this position is dependent upon independent ingenuity and developmental efforts.

Machines & Equipment Used :

Computer, copy / fax / scanner.

Budgetary Responsibility : None.

Personal Interaction / Communication :

• Student Contact :
• Daily - 1 : 1 meetings and small group conversation, volunteer recruitment, pastoral care
• Regular - worship, consultation, and responding to requests.
• Internal Contact :
• Daily - 1 : 1 meetings to build campus partnerships, volunteer recruitment
• Regular - worship, consultation, responding to requests, coordinating special events.
• External Contact :
• Regular - worship, consultation, responding to requests, coordinating special events.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

Education : Master of Divinity

Master of Divinity

Experience :

5+ years experience in a parish setting, preaching, and teaching

Job-Related Skills :

3 years experience in Office Administration / Parish Management

Licenses & Certifications :

Ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church

Supplemental Information

Confidential Information :

Organizational plans, confidential counseling information

Working Environment : Public spaces across campus, a normal office environment and All Saints’ Chapel

Physical Requirements :

• Must be able to climb (many stairs, ladders),
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds (Sedentary work),
• Must be able to carry up to 10 pounds (Sedentary work)

Any additional requirements specific to this position :

The University of the South, commonly known as Sewanee, comprises a nationally ranked residential College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology.

The University is strongly committed to the values of intellectual inquiry, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and living and serving in community.

Situated on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is known for its stunning natural beauty while providing easy access to Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville.

The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to help employees of all backgrounds and identities flourish.

DEI Institutional Statement :

At the University of the South, our commitment to inclusion and belonging is grounded in our core values of community, courage, flourishing, and inquiry.

We seek to build a community enriched by our diversity and centered on equity, justice, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity :

The University of the South is an equal-opportunity educational institution that is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus environment.