Muslim Associate Chaplain

Davidson College Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life - Position Description

Overview:

The Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life at Davidson College serves in the Division of Student Life, under the supervision of the College Chaplain as a member of the chaplaincy staff. The Chaplains' Office serves the pastoral needs of the Davidson College community, with a distinct concern for students. Drawing on the college's Statement of Purpose and its articulation of Reformed Christianity, our chaplaincy supports all members of the college community in expressing, exploring, and practicing their particular traditions, beliefs, and worldviews in a diverse, respectful, and pluralistic environment.

The Associate Chaplain position is part-time, averaging 10-15 hours/week during the academic year and sporadically during the summer. The Associate Chaplain will participate in the beginning-of-year Student Life Staff Kickoff Meeting, Orientation for first-years students, Admission Office events, chaplaincy staff meetings, Chaplains' Office visibility/ outreach initiatives (e.g., our monthly Chaplains' Cafe), and occasional Religious & Spiritual Life Council meetings (convened on Monday afternoons). The Associate Chaplain will have particular responsibilities to serve as the spiritual teacher to Davidson's ethnically and culturally diverse Muslim population, offering vision and support that align with the departmental mission.

Primary responsibilities:

• Take the initiative in nurturing relationships with Muslim students (e.g. meeting occasionally for conversation over coffee or a meal with an individual or group); the Associate Chaplain is expected to support and encourage students from all branches of Islam.

• Serve as a compassionate leader who knows many students personally and provides support for our Muslim Student Association as needed (e.g., times of crisis, event or program planning).

• Coordinate and/or lead Jumu'ah Prayer weekly during the academic year.

• Provide leadership and support for the observance of Muslim holy days, serving in appropriate

• capacities at the request of student leaders of the Muslim Student Association; for example, the Associate Chaplain may help students observe Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, organizing and leading appropriate activities, meals, and/or services.

• Advocate to inform divisional and college policy related to Muslim students.

• Respond to the worship and other programming needs of Muslim students; this will include (but is not limited to) an appropriate event for Muslim students and their families during Wildcat Weekend.

• Provide or participate in occasional programming about Islam or centered on interfaith issues for the wider college community, in consultation with the College Chaplain; for example, the Associate Chaplain may help co-lead our Spiritual Diversity Dinner Club during the fall semester.

• Co-lead (time and resources permitting) trips for Muslim students over academic breaks.

• Interact via phone, email, or in person with prospective students and their families to help them understand the on-campus climate for Muslim students; this responsibility includes serving occasionally on Admission Office panels and attending Admission sponsored luncheons on campus.

Other responsibilities:

• The Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life/Campus Imam may be asked to offer prayers/blessings at occasional college-wide functions (e.g., Convocation, Commencement) or meet with various college constituencies (at the request of the College Chaplain or other members of the college administration, with appropriate prior notice). The Associate Chaplain may also help strategize about how Davidson can become ever-more inclusive and supportive of Muslim students, faculty, and staff.

Required education, knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Ability to work in a multi-faith and ecumenical environment and engage with individuals from a variety of theological/ideological/spiritual perspectives, including our campus and community partners.

• Hold room for ambiguity, disagreement, non-resolution, and suffering.

• Be conversant in the diverse religious, social, and cultural expressions within Islam.

• Outstanding organizational skills with ability to handle multiple projects and priorities.

• Ability to provide personal and group spiritual care and counsel.

• Commitment to advancing inclusion and equity, especially as it pertains to religious and spiritual

• life.

• Excellent writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in public contexts.

• Availability to work some nights, weekends, holidays, special events, and respond to after-hours emergencies.

• Utilizes sustainable practices that promote personal well-being.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's Degree preferred - preferably in a closely-related field or the liberal arts.

• Basic unit in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) preferred or willingness to complete.

Interested candidates should contact Davidson College Chaplain and Director of Religious & Spiritual Life, Rev. Julia Watkins at juwatkins@davidson.edu or (704) 894-2717.

As a part of your application materials, a resume and cover letter are required. Information about how to submit the application documents can be found at https://employment.davidson.edu