What are the responsibilities and job description for the University Chaplain position at Olivet Nazarene University?
Position Summary
As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is seeking a dynamic and visionary University Chaplain to lead our spiritual formation efforts and cultivate a Christ-centered campus community. This mission-critical role serves on the Student Development Leadership Team and provides strategic oversight to all spiritual development initiatives, ensuring alignment with the University's mission and strategic plan. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Development, the Chaplain will provide pastoral leadership, oversee chapel programming, and foster a vibrant faith environment that nurtures student spiritual growth. One critical component of this position is discipleship and leading our disciple-making initiatives. Our goal is to have 75% of our students simultaneously practice 3 abiding habits - our version of spiritual disciplines. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate minister to impact the next generation of Christian leaders while serving within the theological framework of the Church of the Nazarene.
Olivet is a distinctly Nazarene institution of higher education and committed to the discipleship of our students within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition. Ideal Student Development team members are committed to the Lordship of Christ, seek personal growth through regular practice of spiritual disciplines, and create learning environments where students are compelled to be more like Christ each day.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
EDUCATION
Master's degree required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Located on the main campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, in the Ludwig Student Center.
12-month Exempt, full-time staff.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Starting salary is $70,000 per year, and will be based on education and experience.
As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is seeking a dynamic and visionary University Chaplain to lead our spiritual formation efforts and cultivate a Christ-centered campus community. This mission-critical role serves on the Student Development Leadership Team and provides strategic oversight to all spiritual development initiatives, ensuring alignment with the University's mission and strategic plan. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Development, the Chaplain will provide pastoral leadership, oversee chapel programming, and foster a vibrant faith environment that nurtures student spiritual growth. One critical component of this position is discipleship and leading our disciple-making initiatives. Our goal is to have 75% of our students simultaneously practice 3 abiding habits - our version of spiritual disciplines. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate minister to impact the next generation of Christian leaders while serving within the theological framework of the Church of the Nazarene.
Olivet is a distinctly Nazarene institution of higher education and committed to the discipleship of our students within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition. Ideal Student Development team members are committed to the Lordship of Christ, seek personal growth through regular practice of spiritual disciplines, and create learning environments where students are compelled to be more like Christ each day.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Spiritual Development Office, including supervising department professional team, unit budgets, as well as projects related to our strategic plan.
- Oversee chapel programming, including planning and executing engaging worship experiences, speaker selection, and ensuring theological integrity.
- Regularly speak in chapel.
- Lead discipleship initiatives on campus in alignment with our university strategic plan, including developing opportunities for small groups, mentoring, and spiritual growth.
- Coordinate all aspects of Spiritual Development, including:
- Shalom Project Trips (domestic and international missions and service initiatives).
- Student Ministries, providing mentorship and support for student-led faith initiatives.
- Chapel Services, ensuring a diverse and spiritually enriching experience.
- Manage chapel attendance and accountability, ensuring compliance with university policies.
- Serve as a pastoral presence for the entire campus community, offering spiritual guidance, support, and care to students, faculty, and staff.
- Partner with campus leaders, faculty, and student organizations to foster a holistic, faith-integrated campus experience.
- Represent ONU and its spiritual life programs to prospective students, families, and external stakeholders including District Superintendents and Senior Pastors of the Church of the Nazarene.
- Serve as a member of the Student Life Leadership Team and other university councils and committees as assigned.
- Assist in the planning and coordination of formal campus life opportunities (e.g., Orientation JumpStart Homecoming, Baccalaureate).
- Keep regular office hours, maintaining a high level of visibility and accessibility.
- Other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Student Development.
- A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
- Must be ordained within the Church of the Nazarene (or willing to transfer credentials to the Church of the Nazarene).
- Excellent communication skills, for example, an ability to articulate orthodox doctrinal positions in a winsome relational posture.
- A master's degree in theology, ministry, or a related field is required.
- Proven pastoral leadership experience.
- Strong administrative skills to effectively manage multiple programs and initiatives.
- A passion for discipleship, spiritual formation, and Christian higher education.
EDUCATION
Master's degree required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Located on the main campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, in the Ludwig Student Center.
12-month Exempt, full-time staff.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Starting salary is $70,000 per year, and will be based on education and experience.
Salary : $70,000