Gardner-Webb University invites applicants for the full-time position of Associate Minister to the University for Community Engagement and Athletic Ministries. This position reports directly to the Vice President for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain.
The Associate Minister supports the motto of the University, Pro Deo et Humanitate, and the mission of the Office of Christian Life and Service by fulfilling the Great Commission, expanding the Kingdom of God, and engaging in practical acts of service both locally and globally. The Associate Minister coordinates community engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, and students, and directs and oversees a multifaceted, Gospel-centered, athletic ministry to the University’s student-athletes.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Oversee the program development for all community engagement efforts on campus by groups, clubs, organizations, athletic teams, classes, and campus housing participants.
• Serve as a liaison between campus organizations, and academic/administrative /athletic departments and community agencies/organizations.
• Attend athletic events and practices in order to b uild relationships and be a consistent and faithful presence in the lives of coaches and student-athletes.
• Encourage student-athlete participation in opportunities sponsored by CMU and FCA.
• Offer pastoral care and informal counseling to coaches and student-athletes and refer long-term counseling needs to University counselors.
• Coordinate with The Office of Financial Planning through the work-study program and match student volunteers with specific needs in the community.
• Collaborate with Dimensions, UNIV 111 courses, and other University faculty to consolidate , organize, and link service-learning activities to community engagement opportunities.
• Oversee the successful execution of University community engagement traditions such as The United Way Campaign, Octoberfest, and Special Olympics.
• Coordinate The Honors Experience, including direction, planning, promotion, and recruitment.
• Lead a mission trip sponsored by The Office of Christian Life and Service (Fall, Spring, or Summer).
• Attend Tuesday Dimensions programs, assist with program needs, and maintain a productive learning environment.
• Serve as a positive Christian role model for faculty, staff, and students.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required and master’s degree from an accredited seminary or divinity school preferred.
• Experience in ministry to undergraduate students and a demonstrated understanding of their needs is required.
• A growing knowledge of NCAA and institutional policies and procedures that relate to and impact athletic ministries.
• Significant awareness of and involvement with collegiate athletics and its culture.
• Demonstrated capability in positively engaging undergraduate student population.
• Experience in leading a summer camp.
• Competent in using social media platforms.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed and appropriate.
• Effectively present information (written and oral).
• Listens to faculty, staff, and students to help clarify needs (spiritual, emotional, social, academic, etc.).
• Familiarity with the range of services provided by the University for effective referral when needed.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Relates well to faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should complete the application and include a letter of interest, résumé, and names and contact information for at least three professional references with their submission.
Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.