Program Coordinator for Chapel House and Great Religions Fund

Reporting to the Director of Chapel House, the program coordinator is an integral member of the team that supports the mission of Chapel House. Chapel House is a quiet, spiritual retreat house in a natural setting on the Colgate University campus with five guest rooms, a meditation space, religious art, a library, music room, and kitchen. Responsibilities include coordinating co-curricular, mindfulness, and spirituality programming and outreach initiatives for students, employees, and local community, supporting the daily operations and hospitality provided for daily visitors and overnight guests of Chapel House, hiring, supervising, and training each new cohort of student associates (meditation leaders, receptionists, cooks, and student-content creators for social media) and supporting the activities connected with the Fund for the Study of Word Religions. With strong demand for meditations for students, the coordinator will partner with local teachers to train student meditation leaders and coordinate other mindfulness programs (e.g., labyrinth walk, yoga, silent programs). Since this position is tied to the academic calendar, it is an August-through-May position.

Accountabilities

• Regularly develop and offer high quality workshops and programs of instruction (not credit bearing) that enrich the understanding of religion and spirituality for members of the Colgate community and beyond. Lead and / or coordinate daily meditation or yoga sessions in the Meditation Space.
• Plan and implement outreach strategies that introduce and engage the community with the offerings of Chapel House, including : offering tours; participating in outreach events and activities (e.g. first-year orientation, activity fairs, homecoming and alumni weekends); engaging with Colgate’s co-curricular programs and centers (e.g. Shaw Wellness Center, Max A. Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education [ COVE ], Outdoor Education, the Office of Chaplains, Residential Commons, Upstate Institute, including High School Seminars and others); coordinate the student-facing weekly newsletter; and work with faculty to bring classes for tours and programs.
• Hire and train the student team that contributes to the mission through programming, meditation, yoga, and supports the operations (e.g. leading tours, posting on our Instagram account, and greeting visitors).
• Serve as a steady and compassionate resource for possible focused conversations with students, overnight guests, and other visitors to Chapel House.
• Support the daily operations of Chapel House, including welcoming and receiving guests, regularly supporting front desk operations, collecting and accounting for overnight guest fees, handling unanticipated facility or guest-related issues, occasionally putting out and cleaning-up meals, and ensuring a supportive and comfortable stay for overnight guests.
• Support the Director of Chapel House, House Manager, and Department Coordinator on activities and events for the Fund for the Study of World Religions.

Technical Competencies

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Program Coordination

Description

Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and coordinate programs and events. Demonstrated ability to effectively hire and train student workers, and to organize their activity in support of the mission. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to administer and apply key University policies.

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Educational Programming

Description

Demonstrated expertise and ability to develop, offer, and evaluate programming that enriches the understanding of religion, spirituality, and personal development.

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Outreach

Description

Demonstrated ability to cultivate productive relationships with members of the Colgate community and guests and to independently understand and respond to inquiries, and to solve problems.

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Customer Service

Description

Demonstrated ability to facilitate and manage a welcoming and professional environment for guests. Ability to use positive communications and to listen, respond effectively and follow up appropriately on administrative inquiries, while being mindful and attentive to feedback. Makes use of specialized knowledge to assist others in resolving problems. Identifies opportunities for improving customer service methods.

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Regulatory

Description

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to comply with applicable New York State codes, rules, and regulations that pertain to operations of a facility offering temporary visitation and accommodations, as well as food and beverage, including applicable legal requirements relating to administrative record keeping, safety and sanitation.

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Technical Data Systems

Description

Demonstrated ability to utilize relevant data systems / software, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, email, social media, etc.

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Office Management

Description

Demonstrated ability to monitor budgets. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with staff on matters of budgets, scheduling, projects, and calendars.

Behavioral Competencies

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Personal Accountability for Results

Description

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

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Effective Communication

Description

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

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Problem Solving and Decision Making

Description

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

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Change Management

Description

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

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Leadership and Teamwork

Description

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

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Creativity and Innovation

Description

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

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Diversity and Inclusion

Description

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

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Sustainability

Description

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

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