What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean of Spiritual Life position at Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Job Details
Job Location: Palm Beach Atlantic University - West Palm Beach - West Palm Beach, FL
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: Graduate Degree
Salary Range: Undisclosed
Job Category: Professional Services
Dean of Spiritual Life
SUMMARY
In support of the university’s mission and objectives, the Dean of Spiritual Life exemplifies godly character, integrity, a servant’s heart, and a strong commitment to serve God boldly. The Dean fosters Christ-focused spiritual growth in the hearts and minds of students through preaching, pastoral care, Bible study, discipleship groups, worship and prayer, community service, missions, and other programming and experiences. The Dean guides and supports PBA students, faculty, and staff, being mindful of students from diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds encouraging them to explore the Christian faith.
Leadership
- Oversees all activities of the Spiritual Life department.
- Preaches and teaches in Chapel while serving as Senior Campus Pastor and as part of the Chapel Creative Team.
- Oversees the Discipleship Leaders with the Executive Director of Chapel Ministries.
- Oversees the Crisis of Faith Committee.
- Oversees the operation of the Annan Prayer chapel.
- Oversees Campus Ministries and CM Global programming and events, including speaker series, retreats, and spiritual workshops.
- Oversees the scheduling and coordination of campus spiritual development events.
- Ensures that the frequency of Chapel, worship, and discipleship offerings excel at meeting students’ needs.
- Promotes opportunities for students to cultivate Christ-like spiritual disciplines in their lives.
- Promotes Bible reading and the study of God’s Word.
- Supervises and serves the Spiritual Life staff so they are equipped to serve and minister to the needs of students.
Pastoral Care
- Offers confidential and spiritual counseling supporting students, faculty, and staff, in areas of personal, academic, and spiritual concerns.
- Provides guidance and resources for spiritual growth and development.
- Engages with students, faculty, and staff, encouraging them in their Christian faith journey and serving as a role model as a disciple of Christ.
- Partners with student life leadership in mentoring students struggling with adherence to PBA’s community values and policies.
- Challenges students to lean into God’s calling and purpose for their lives.
- Responds to crises, providing emotional and spiritual support during times of illness, grief, or personal challenges.
- Develops and leads spiritual reflection groups, Bible studies, prayer circles, and other faith-based activities to disciple our community by intentionally helping them follow Christ.
- Collaborates with Student Life, Student Engagement, Counseling Services, faculty and other departments to support student spiritual well-being.
- Supports students in developing leadership skills within the context of their spiritual lives by keeping the Gospel central.
- Applies PBA Spiritual Life foundational strategies of Declare, Disciple, Equip, and Send.
Mentorship
- Establishes relationships and acts as a liaison between the university and local churches and nonprofits strengthening partnerships and providing resources and experiences to students leading them and others to know and love Christ.
- Creates opportunities for students to engage in discussions on spiritual development in a safe and supportive environment.
- Serves as a spiritual mentor to students, providing personal and spiritual guidance in their spiritual transformation.
- Participates in outreach to student groups, faculty, and staff to promote prayer and spiritual growth.
Administrative
- Offers support to student spiritual development organizations, helping them to plan events, retreats, and worship services.
- Provides vision and synergy within the Spiritual Life department and Campus Ministry office to work collaboratively towards advancing the spiritual vitality on campus.
- Keeps the AVP for Student Life informed of activities, problems, emergencies, or occurrences that affect students.
- Serves as part of the professional on-call staff rotation and for campus emergencies.
- Conducts assessments and makes recommendations for continuous improvement for the spiritual vitality of campus.
- Maintains records and reports related to services, program participation, and budget expenditures ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Participates in university committees, particularly those related to student life and spiritual development.
- Attends university functions on campus such as Convocations, Graduations, Welcome Week, and represents the university at off-campus functions.
- Responsible for area performance management, functional training of staff, and the hiring process for department.
- May assist with hiring of student leaders and other professional staff on campus.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
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Master's degree required; Ph.D. preferred, or equivalent experience. Discipline in Divinity, Theology, Christian Studies, Business-Ministry, or a related field.
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Professional ordination or licensure recognized in accordance with PBA’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.
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5 years of experience in campus or church ministries, pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual direction, ideally in a higher education setting.
Essential Competencies
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Customer Service Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff and community partners in mind at all times.
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Professionalism – Displays a high level of professionalism, e.g. timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
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Christ-first Faith – Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
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Business & Financial/Budget Acumen – Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of financial concepts, accounting, marketing and organizational functions.
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Confidentiality – Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position.
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Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
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Establishes Trust – Gains the confidence of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, and vulnerable.
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Leadership/Influence – Ability to motivate, coach and develop others, as well as influence a group of people to achieve common goals, and implement university strategies. Strong supervisory skills.
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Problem-solving – Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
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Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others both departmentally and cross-functionally.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
- Ability to traverse campus and stairs.
