University Chaplain - School of Divinity

The Chaplain will provide spiritual support, biblical guidance, and help to employees, fostering a nurturing and Christ-centered environment. This role involves offering pastoral care and promoting spiritual growth within the university community. This position will serve under the leadership of the executive director of the Center for Chaplaincy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Spiritual Support: Provide spiritual guidance and counseling to employees, addressing their personal and professional challenges. (Situations requiring professional counseling services should be referred to an approved provider.)
• Religious Services: Assist in worship services, prayer meetings, and other activities as appropriate. Encourage academic staff to be committed to attending a local church and share recommendations of local churches with them.
• Pastoral Care: Offer pastoral care and support during times of crisis, grief, and celebration. Respond appropriately to crises, emergencies, and personal needs.
• Community Building: Foster a sense of community and spiritual growth among employees through various initiatives and programs.
• Educational Programs: Develop and facilitate workshops, seminars, and courses on spiritual development. The Faculty Chaplain serves as a subject matter expert of chaplain ministry, strengthening the spiritual and vocational health of faculty and enhancing the mission and effectiveness of theological education.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other university leaders and administration to integrate spiritual support into the broader university mission.
• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity in all interactions and counseling sessions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES  

None

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience:

• MDiv, MA in Theology, Pastoral Counseling or Chaplaincy, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pastoral care, chaplaincy, or a related role
• Ordination or certification as a chaplain is preferred, not required.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to provide empathetic and compassionate support, and proficiency in leading religious services.
• A strong commitment to the Christian faith and alignment with Liberty University's mission and values.
• Proven leadership abilities and experience in managing religious programs and initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in teaching or facilitating educational programs related to spiritual development is a plus.
• Proficiency in using technology for virtual counseling.

Problem Solving:

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
• Experience in crisis intervention and conflict resolution preferred.

Physical and Sensory Abilities:

• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.  (If not administrative duties, such as labor, define general physical abilities.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment:

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting.  It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.  (Define if outdoor, dusty, weather conditions, etc.)    

Driving Requirements:

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.  Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Time Type

Full time

Location

Onsite

Pay Range

Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure.

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

$60,000.00 - $75,000.00

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.