Program Coordinator

Position Summary
The Program Coordinator (Coordinator) in the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life (CSRL) is a vital member of CSRL team in the Belonging and Communities area of the Student Affairs division at Vanderbilt University, and is a key contributor to programming, support services, and campus engagement that fosters spiritual and religious life for students and the broader campus community. This position may include a focused portfolio in supporting Muslim Life, working in close collaboration with the community Imam and Muslim students, faculty, and staff to enrich religious life experiences and promote interfaith awareness and understanding. Reporting to the Director of the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life, the Coordinator will help plan, implement, and assess programs that advance religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue, student wellbeing and intersectional identities. The Coordinator may also serve as a liaison to specific spiritual and religious student organizations and support chaplaincy-related initiatives across campus. This is an onsite, full-time position that may require non-traditional office hours as programming needs necessitate.

About the Work Unit
The Center for Spiritual and Religious Life (CSRL) is committed to providing care, guidance, and community for students navigating life’s questions of meaning, faith, purpose, and identity. As part of the Belonging and Communities cluster, the Center promotes interfaith literacy, supports diverse religious practices, facilitates spiritual formation, and cultivates space for reflection and ethical engagement. The Center works with affiliate chaplains, student groups, and campus partners to foster a culture of belonging and holistic student development.

About Student Affairs at Vanderbilt:
Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance
Programming and Campus Engagement
• Design, coordinate, and implement campus-wide programs, workshops, and events related to spiritual wellness, religious literacy, and interfaith dialogue.
• Support signature events such as Interfaith Week, religious observances, community vigils, and reflective gatherings. 
• Collaborate with community Imam and Muslim students, faculty, and staff to coordinate programs supporting Muslim Life, including religious observances, educational events, and community gatherings, as desired.
• Develop program assessments to measure outcomes and improve future initiatives.
• Partner with other Student Affairs offices and academic departments to co-sponsor programs and initiatives.
Student Advising and Support
• Serve as an advisor to student religious and spiritual organizations, supporting leadership development, community-building, and mission alignment.
• Meet with students individually to provide referrals, support, and guidance around spiritual, ethical, or identity-related questions.
• Assist in mentoring students interested in careers in ministry, chaplaincy, or nonprofit spiritual leadership.
• Support programs that uplift marginalized religious communities and traditions.
Administrative and Operational Support
• Manage logistics for assigned events, including space reservations, catering, marketing, and financial reconciliation.
• Maintain records, communication, and documentation relevant to program areas and student group engagement.
• Support the daily operations of the Center and manage projects, as assigned.
• Participate in divisional events (e.g., Move-In Day, MLK Day, Belonging and Communities Week, cultural celebrations) to support campus-wide engagement.
• Serve on relevant Student Affairs committees or working groups to promote collaboration and strategic alignment.
• Maintain compliance with university financial and administrative policies, including travel, procurement, and expense reporting.

Supervisory Relationships
This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility for professional staff. The position may provide oversight to student workers or interns. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life.

Education and Certifications
• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A master’s degree in divinity, theology, religious studies, student affairs, or a related field is preferred.

Experience and Skills
• At least one year of professionally relevant experience is required.
• At least two years of related experience, particularly in higher education, student affairs, or campus ministry, is preferred.
• Familiarity with religious diversity, spiritual care, or interfaith programming is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with Muslim communities and/or supporting Muslim student life is preferred.
• Excellent decision-making, communication, and organizational skills are required.
• A strong interest in mentoring and developing students is preferred.
• Experience working with students from diverse religious, cultural, and social backgrounds is preferred.
• Event planning and project management skills are preferred.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships across campus constituencies is preferred.