Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:20254351SPosition Title:Jewish ChaplainPosition Type:StaffLocation:Villanova, PARecruitment Type:Internal/External ApplicantsWork Schedule:part-time/12-monthsAvg Hours Week15-20Department:005-Office of Mission and MinistryPosition Summary:
This parttime staff position (approximately 15-20 hours per week) will respond to the need for ongoing Jewish advisory leadership for the support and development of Jewish Life at Villanova. The Jewish Chaplain will help to foster Jewish life and community among students, faculty and staff through leading Shabbat services, supporting holiday celebrations, offering opportunities for Jewish learning, as well as other programming and support. As a staff member within the Office for Mission and Ministry (OMM), the Jewish Chaplain will serve as part of the Multifaith Ministry team and will assist OMM in navigating Villanova’s multifaith environment, particularly around issues impacting Jewish life.
The Office for Mission and Ministry promotes and supports the mission of the University with a concern for building community that is inclusive, respects and celebrates diversity, and fosters an atmosphere that demonstrates care for our common home. These core values are integral to Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission and OMM’s stewardship of the mission. The Office for Mission and Ministry welcomes and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and identities who share these values and a desire to promote them across the university.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Jewish Life
- Foster Jewish learning, community building and leadership development for Jewish students at Villanova; collaborate with the Hillel Springboard Fellow in supporting Hillel members and Executive Board.
- Develop one-on-one relationships with students and support them in their Jewish identity and practice.
- Lead services for regular Hillel Shabbat gatherings and holiday observances.
- Initiate and support community-building opportunities for Jewish faculty and staff.
- Foster community among all Jewish members of the Villanova community through periodic events bringing together students, faculty and staff.
- Develop and offer programming specific to Jewish learning for undergraduate and graduate students, including connecting with the Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA) to assist with programming as needed.
- Provide Jewish staff presence and collaboration in campus-wide community events (vigils, community conversations, etc.)
Multifaith Advising and Engagement
- Assist the Office for Mission and Ministry in helping to address campus culture (through policies, education, advocacy) related to issues of antisemitism and other forms of religious bias.
- Collaborate with the Director of Multifaith Ministry in guiding and supporting the work of the Interfaith Advisory Council. Coordinate with other campus departments for division-wide and campus-wide initiatives as determined by the Director.
- Develop and lead, with partners, programming for the student Interfaith Justice Cohort and other interfaith programming as appropriate.
- Collaborate with OMM staff and campus partners (TRS, ODEI, etc.) in the development of new interfaith learning, prayer/worship, and community-building events.
Administrative
- Meet 2x/month with the Director of Multifaith Ministry.
- Manage all administrative tasks related to above responsibilities.
- Participate in Office for Mission and Ministry staff meetings and trainings as appropriate.
Other Duties
- Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Formal Education
- Rabbinic ordination (or in late stages of preparation for ordination)
- Graduate degree with emphasis in Jewish studies
- Training in pastoral care and/or spiritual support
Work Experience
- 1-2 years of experience in supporting Jewish young adults in a university or other relevant context
Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent relational skills
Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
- Capacity to communicate/teach Jewish texts, values, and traditions in a variety of formal and informal settings.
- Capacity to navigate Jewish pluralism and engage relationally across the spectrum of Jewish identity and expression.
Preferred Qualifications:
Work Experience
- 2+ years supporting Jewish life/community in an academic context
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
- Tools, machinery and equipment used: General office equipment
- Environmental conditions: General office environment
- Physical requirements: General office environment
Special Message to Applicants:Posting Date:05/01/2025Closing Date (11:59pm ET):05/16/2025Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience
Salary Band:14Job Classification:non-exempt
