DEAN OF SPIRITUAL LIFE / CAMPUS PASTOR

Description of Mission Impact: As an educational institution of The Wesleyan Church, Houghton University provides an academically challenging, Christ-centered education in the liberal arts and sciences to students from diverse traditions and economic backgrounds and equips them to lead and labor as scholar-servants in a changing world. As the mission implies, the spiritual life of the institution is central and essential to our purposes. To that end, the Office of Spiritual Life at Houghton University desires to ensure that students know they are beloved children of God; that they are meant to be in right relationship with God so that they can be free to live out God’s plan for their life with confidence and courage in the world. In support of the mission, the Dean of Spiritual Life will ensure that students are provided opportunity to grow in their faith through challenging, developmentally appropriate programming, including services that are sensitive to the diversity of the University student body. Essential Functions: Serve as Director of the Office of Spiritual Life, effectively administering programs and services delivered throughout campus, including management of departmental budget. Develop, oversee, and evaluate a vision and strategy for university spiritual life, ensuring a faithful alignment with the institutional mission and The Wesleyan church. Oversee the chapel program: o Speak regularly in chapel o Identify, invite, and coordinate guest speakers o Manage chapel planning team Serve as a pastoral resource to students. Partner with other university offices-faculty, student life, admissions, and athletics, advancing the student’s spiritual development and growth in Christian community. Serve as a member of the Student Life Leadership Team and other university councils and committees as assigned. Lead activities and events specifically designed to enhance campus-wide spiritual formation such as the annual Rooted Revival Service. Assist in the planning and coordination of formal campus life opportunities (e.g., Orientation Dedication Service, Homecoming, Baccalaureate). Keep regular office hours, maintaining a high level of visibility and accessibility. Success Profile: Individuals ideally suited for this position will exhibit the following behaviors and competencies: Christ-Centered: Possess an expressed and lived experience that demonstrates a commitment to seeking and serving Jesus Christ with all your heart, soul, and mind and your neighbor as yourself. Student-Centered: Possess a strong and engaging presence that welcomes engagement with students from a diverse range of settings and experiences. Possess a strong desire to engage with university students, providing an approachable presence for students. Communication: Strong communication skills in both written and verbal contexts is essential. Effective preaching and teaching skills relevant to the context of emerging adults in a higher education context. Collaboration/Individual Contributor: The ability to work with a diverse set of students, faculty, staff, and external constituents. Possessing the ability to collaborate across and within both the student life team and other institutional offices to effectively fulfill duties. The ideal candidate will possess a heart for discipleship, be passionate about the spiritual formation of emerging adults, be well prepared and be engaging in both individual connections and large group opportunities. Statement of Requirements: Ordained in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition (Wesleyan Church Ordination or willingness to transfer ordination to The Wesleyan Church strongly preferred). Lead from an egalitarian position with the clear support of women pursuing ordained ministry and pastoral leadership. Master’s Degree required (Divinity, theology, or similar field). Minimum of 5 years of ministry experience with emerging adults and a demonstrated interest and desire in working with a diverse university student population. Familiarity with student development within Christian higher education preferred. Expressed commitment to faithfully honor the Houghton University A Vision of Our Common Life, Doctrinal Statement, and Wesleyan Beliefs and Core Values. Houghton University is a Christ-centered, liberal arts and sciences institution of The Wesleyan Church, an evangelical holiness denomination rooted in the teachings of John Wesley. All employees are expected to share a set of values, convictions, and commitments that guide our life together. The University expects that all faculty and staff will respect the University’s A Vision of our Common Life, Doctrinal Statement, Wesleyan Beliefs and Core Values, and adhere to its lifestyle expectations. Application Procedure: To apply please submit the following materials via email to: jobs@houghton.edu. (1) Cover Letter (2) Resume (3) 3 References (4) Answers to the following questions: Please review the following documents: https://www.houghton.edu/a-vision-of-our-common-life/ https://www.houghton.edu/doctrinal-statement/ https://www.wesleyan.org/about/our-beliefs 1. Please provide a brief description of your journey to personal faith in Jesus Christ and subsequent growth. 2. Please identify the church where you currently attend. In what ways are you currently participating in your local church or fellowship? 3. Are there any areas of Houghton’s beliefs or practices that you find challenging or problematic? If yes, please explain.

Salary : $58,000 - $65,000