Associate Director (Programming), Columbia University
Reporting to the University Chaplain/Associate Provost/Director of the Earl Hall Center. Working with and on behalf of the University Chaplain, the Associate Director (Programming) is responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive interfaith and multi-faith programs to meet the religious and spiritual needs of the Columbia University community.
Responsibilities
A. Develops, executes and evaluates interfaith and multi-faith programs consistent with the mission of the Office of the University Chaplain and the Earl Hall Center. Leads and facilitates discussions with individual students and with recognized student organizations about their spirituality, faith development, religious diversity, community building, interfaith concerns, and social justice commitments. Leads discussions at Office of the University Chaplain programs such as the Common Meals, Town Hall meetings and other open forums. Performs outreach to recognized student groups interested in religious life and in interfaith and intercultural activities. Leads weekly evening programs, provide pastoral care/confidential counseling to students, faculty and staff members; may lead bereavement, sexual identity, spirituality and other pastoral care groups; manage workshops and study groups on sacred texts; mentor and conduct theological reflection with individual students.
B. Oversees the Music at St. Paul’s concert series; including rehearsals and all concerts held in St. Paul’s Chapel or the Earl Hall Auditorium.
C. Provides venue management for weddings and memorial services held in St. Paul’s Chapel including those happening evenings and weekends. Assist in the management of special events co-sponsored by the Office of the University Chaplain.
D. Supports the training of the Earl Hall Religious Life Fellows, Interfaith Fellows, Programming Associates and student employees. Manages the Programming Associates’ weekly work assignments; monitors and confirms timesheets for student programming employees.
E. Manages the administrative tasks of student programming for the Office of the University Chaplain’s Co-Sponsorship Fund and the Kraft Family Fund for Intercultural and Interfaith Awareness. Oversees the preparation of the Kraft Family Fund binder for each semester; drafts the summary letter to be included in the binder. Assists recognized student groups with the design and evaluation of programs co-sponsored by the Office of the University Chaplain and the Kraft Family fund for the Intercultural and Interfaith Awareness. Administers programming budgets and financial transactions for expenses related to all co-sponsorship funds. Attends events co-sponsored Office of the University Chaplain and Kraft Family Fund for Intercultural and Interfaith Awareness, and those sponsored by the Interfaith Fellows. Writes evaluations of all programs attended for departmental records and, as appropriate, for the Kraft Binder.
F. Working closely with the University Chaplain, assist with Human Resources matters including recruitment of new hires, staff training and development, employee relations, policy recommendation and implementation, performance evaluations, disciplinary procedures, and terminations. Participates in the hiring, training, and supervision of work-study students, interns, and interfaith fellows.
G. Attends monthly Religious Life Advisers meetings; arranges orientation and training programs for the Religious Life Advisers.
H. Other duties and projects as assigned.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of four years’ experience.
Must be able to work evenings and weekend hours, may be asked on occasion to come in early, and cover emergencies as needed.
Ordained, eligible for ordination, licensed or certified. Master of Divinity degree from a member seminary or divinity school recognized by the Association of Theological Schools or an equivalent advanced degree in theology or religious studies from an accredited college/University, such as a certificate in Islamic studies or Islamic law (minimum 2 years); or degree in Chaplaincy with Islamic focus. At least four years’ experience in interfaith work and/or a background in higher education, and /or student development (experience prior to advanced degree considered).
Must be able to react to time-sensitive matters as well as manage complex, longer-term initiatives. Excellent written, presentation and communication skills essential. Must have keen interpersonal and organizational skills, exquisite attention to detail, excellent assessment skills and sound judgment, ability to amass information in order to problem solve knowledgeably, and possess a clear understand of confidential communications, pastoral care and counseling, tact and discretion. At all times, must assist in maintaining a climate of decorum appropriate to the Office of the University Chaplain and executive offices at Columbia University. Must work well in a team setting.
A demonstrable commitment to fostering religious pluralism in a university setting. Ability to facilitate programs and discussion groups on religious, spiritual, and social texts and issues of diverse faiths required. Prior programming experience in a college or university setting required. The incumbent must be able to balance multiple priorities and projects, be sensitive in highly emotional situations, and consistently exercise discretion and excellent judgment. Must be a self-starter. Strong computer skills are essential, including simple graphic design. Must be able to work evenings and weekend hours. Experience with university or student development is strongly preferred. Respect for familiarity with services in houses of worship is essential.
Please apply online via Columbia University’s career website:
https://jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1431802280730
Office of the University Chaplain
Earl Hall Center
Columbia University
Grade 13
***This is a regular, 11-month appointment with full benefits and salary***