Campus Minister and Director, Wesley Foundation at University of Virginia- Charlottesville

Ministry Description: The Wesley Foundation is a mission and ministry of the Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, called to witness to the presence of Christ in the world and in particular, to God’s graceful activity in the life of the University of Virginia. Offering a uniquely Wesleyan approach to Christian faith in a diverse landscape, the Wesley Foundation is open and affirming. Wesley identifies as a Reconciling Campus Ministry and extends hospitality to all students, faculty and staff of the University of Virginia. The Campus Minister/Director is hired through the Virginia Annual Conference (VAUMC) and serves through Episcopal appointment. The Campus Minister/Director works alongside the Board of Directors for the overall ministry of the Wesley Foundation and coordinates with the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry of the VAUMC as stipulated in the Handbook for Campus Ministry.

Wesley Programs and Activities:
• Free Dinner and Worship—Occurs at Wesley once weekly and is provided by a local church and followed by a time of worship.
• Communion Service—Occurs once a month, though before COVID, communion was a weekly practice..
• Coffee Hour—Occurs Bi-weekly with students at the Starbucks or a bakery near Grounds (UVA Campus). This is simply a time to buy students coffee and talk to them about their lives.
• Small Group Series—A monthly topic or program is chosen and students meet once a week for an hour to discuss.
• Student Coordinating Council—Monthly Meeting with student leaders to plan upcoming schedule of events.
• Service Project—Occurs once a month, usually on a Saturday serving a Charlottesville community group.
• Yoga—Offered bi-weekly at Wesley by a certified teacher, free to students and community members.
• Retreat—Occurs once in the Spring and once in the Fall for a weekend, led by campus minister.
• Spring Break Service Trip—Historically occurs for a week over spring break outside of Charlottesville.
• Celebration of Graduates—Occurs during final exams in the Spring, format varies, usually a meal where cords are given to graduates

Position Description: Wesley is a place “to be and become.” The Campus Minister/Director facilitates this invitation to students, the UVA campus, faculty and administration, community organizations, and local churches. The Campus Minister/Director serves both as a pastor and administrator. This role includes being a connection point with our UMC partners and serving as a model of Christian formation.

A successful candidate for this position will be a creative and visionary leader who provides pastoral and relational care, relates well to students, and crafts a nurturing and welcoming environment for all whom they encounter. Key elements of the pastoral work of the Campus Minister/Director are to 1) develop, challenge, nurture, and manage a group of students who live in intentional Christian community on the Wesley Foundation campus, 2) create an environment that encourages and develops student leadership 3) encourage student involvement in mission and outreach to the community, 4) partner with student leaders to offer diverse opportunities for fellowship, discipleship, and spiritual growth, and 5) assist students in cultivating their vocational identity in the context of their faith development.

Qualifications:
• is called to campus ministry and has experience in campus ministry
• has experience working with, leading, and empowering teams of college students
• has experience planning and leading Bible studies, small groups, worship, missions and service opportunities
• has gifts in team building, community organizing, relationship building both with students and partner organizations and churches
• has experience with organizational leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising
• has experience leading and supporting staff
• is knowledgeable about developing alumni relationships
• has experience working within The United Methodist connection, including Conference and General Church organizations
• has experience with online ministry and creating social media platforms and engagement
• is equipped to provide pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual direction to individuals

Preferences:
• An ordained Deacon or Elder in The United Methodist Church
• A Master of Divinity from a United Methodist accredited seminary
• At least 2 years of experience leading a campus ministry or serving in university chaplaincy

To apply for the position: Please submit a resume including at least 3 references along with a cover letter describing your interest in campus ministry, and this position specifically. All submissions should be emailed to learning@vaumc.org. Specific questions may be directed to Rev. Nickie Moreno Howard (learning@vaumc.org), Associate Director of Learning Ministries for VAUMC or Rev. David Vaughan (davidvaughan@vaumc.org ) Chair, UVA Wesley Foundation Board of Directors.

Timeline: Resumes are being accepted now and will continue to be accepted until February 28, 2022.

​Salary & Benefits: Compensation (salary & housing allowance) depends on experience. Benefits package includes health insurance, UMC pension, reimbursable account, and continuing education. A moving stipend will be provided, amount to be negotiated.