The University Pastor and Director of Spiritual Life serves as a key leader within the Student Experience Leadership Team and reports directly to the Vice President for Student Experience and Dean of Students. The University Pastor is called to minister and provide pastoral leadership to the Lenoir-Rhyne University community, including students, faculty, and staff. This role guides and enriches the spiritual and religious life of the university by engaging a spiritually diverse campus community through the design and promotion of interfaith and religious programming for all faith traditions.
Supervisory Responsibilities- Student workers and sacristans, providing guidance and mentorship.
Pastoral Leadership and Spiritual Life Responsibilities- Provide compassionate pastoral care and spiritual counseling to students, faculty, and staff.
- Plan, coordinate, and support all campus worship services, including Baccalaureate and university-wide services.
- Oversee the operations of Grace Chapel, including policy development, reservations, and space management.
- Provide prayer, devotions, and spiritual leadership at major university events and gatherings.
- Serve as advisor for the Lutheran Student Movement and support student faith leadership development.
- Cultivate ecumenical and interfaith engagement and coordinate a diverse cohort of volunteer chaplains and faith leaders.
- Organize campus programs and events that strengthen community, belonging, and spiritual formation.
- Serve in an on-call capacity for campus emergencies, providing pastoral care as needed.
Lifelong Learning Program Coordination Responsibilities- Provide coordination and leadership for the Lifelong Learning Program as a central initiative of the LTSS Strategic Plan.
- Coordinate with the Dean and Rector of LTSS and faculty to develop an annual non-degree program (certificates, lectures, and continuing education offerings), including Public Safety Chaplaincy and the Spiritual Direction Certificate Program and assist with the development of new certificates, micro-credentials, or courses for non-degree learners.
- Build strategic partnerships with ELCA Region 9 synods, UMC conferences, alumni, congregations, and theological education partners.
- Cultivate relationships with the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries, the Atlanta Theological Association, and peer institutions.
- Identify and develop funding sources and philanthropic partnerships to support program growth.
- Lead marketing and recruitment efforts in collaboration with LRU Marketing and Communications.
- Host lifelong learning events and programs, demonstrating hospitality and institutional leadership.
Additional Requirements and Expectations- Serve on the LTSS Leadership Team.
- Manage departmental and program budgets with responsible financial stewardship.
- Prepare reports and assessments as required.
- Maintain strong collaboration with university colleagues and external partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of institutional mission and strategic priorities.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Ability to travel with students, faculty, and staff throughout campus.
- Standard office hours Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends based on demand. Subject to change based on university needs.
Education and Experience- Master's degree (M.Div.) with at least 5 years of related experience preferably as a campus minister, college chaplain or congregation pastor with experience in young adult ministry.
- An ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA.
- Proficiency with the traditions and values of Lutheran higher education.
- Proven ability as a creative and innovative worship leader.
- Experience working with undergraduate and graduate students, accompanying them on their spiritual journey and faith development.
- A commitment to interfaith work and experience working with individuals of diverse faith traditions.
- Dedicated to creating an inclusive community that embraces difference and works to champion and sense of belonging and a welcoming environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills in development of campus ministry programming.
- Ability to work collaboratively with university colleagues and community partners.
Behavioral Expectations- Maintain high integrity, confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Maintain a healthy and safe environment.
- Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
- Treat other individuals with dignity, respect and kindness.
- Adhere to all university policies, procedures, standards, and values, and comply with all federal, state, and local laws.
Position requirements in the above mentioned role indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the job competently. Role descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested and acquire new skills and responsibilities. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify, add, remove or waive the position's responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
