Transylvania University

Transylvania University, a private liberal arts college, seeks an experienced, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Religious Life.   Located in the heart of downtown Lexington, Kentucky, Transylvania University features a personalized approach to undergraduate education through 46 liberal arts majors. Founded in 1780, it is the 16th oldest institution of higher learning in the country with approximately 1,000 students.

Position Summary: 

This position supports our community’s needs, providing support for students to be heard in a non-threatening and encouraging space; where students, faculty, and staff will be nurtured in their personal beliefs and offered support during difficult times. The director will bring students, faculty, and staff together across religious identities to learn alongside one another, thus engaging and strengthening their own identity.

The position also leads externally focused work including enhancing and cultivating relationships with the Disciples of Christ (DOC) denomination, DOC churches, and other area churches.  In addition, this person serves in the critical role of partnering with the Office of Admissions on student recruitment, particularly from DOC churches.

Because of the internal and external engagement needs, this position will require work on evenings and weekends.

Essential Duties: 

• Provide appropriate ethical spiritual and pastoral care and counseling to students, faculty, and staff from a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds. Pastoral Care includes making informal contacts with students, faculty, and staff, providing counseling to members of the community, and assisting students, faculty, and staff with personal and family challenges and crises.
• Serve as the primary administrator for Spirituality and Religious Life by overseeing the office budget, calendar, and policies, as well as event publicity and social media for the Office. 
• Facilitate small group activities and groups by co-sponsoring activities when appropriate; advise Disciples of Christ (DOC) and Interfaith Alliance student groups; and recognize and assist denominational and para-church religious groups. 
• Lead and partner on student programming related to religious life and facilitate ongoing and consistent student events and programs.
• Partner with the Office of Student Life on student programming and campus involvement.
• Partner with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on student programming and campus involvement.
• Assist with developing, programming, and resourcing student religious organizations with the goal of transitioning them into independent student organizations.
• Strongly and actively support the recruitment of students, particularly DOC students, in collaboration with the Office of Admissions
• Collaborate with Alumni Relations by communicating with alumni who are interested in the college’s spiritual life programs, with an emphasis on Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) activities.
• Serve as principal liaison coordinator of church relations, with particular focus on the University's relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). 
• Foster Church outreach and engagement, with a particular focus on youth groups and improving the engagement between Transylvania and local churches, including visiting DOC youth group meetings and summer camps
• Oversee Chapel reservations (excluding weddings), which includes facilities cleaning schedule, DPS notifications, etc.
• Plan and lead, as need, occasional services in keeping with the plurality of traditions at the University (Ash Wednesday, Alumni Weekend Worship, etc.) and lead prayer at ceremonial functions as applicable or as invited. 

Position Dimensions:

Education and Experience: 

● Master of Divinity degree plus 3+ years of working with college students required. 

● Completion of Clinical Pastoral Education. 

● Experience on a small, private, liberal arts campus strongly preferred. 

● Ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) strongly preferred. 

Supervisory Responsibility: 

● One work study student 

● One student who is hired to work specific programming. 

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we seek qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We embrace diversity and encourage all who are interested to apply."

To begin the application process, submit your cover letter to the attention of Rhyan Conyers, Senior Vice President for Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness, stating your qualifications and interest and clicking the "Apply for This Position" button below. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.  Preference will be given to candidates who apply by August 30, 2024.