Chaplain, Canterbury Foundation, California state Polytechnic University

The Canterbury Foundation Board of San Luis Obispo, California requests enthusiastic applicants for the position of Chaplain. This will be a part-time (40% / 16hrs/wk) position, filled by an ordained(*) Deacon or Priest of The Episcopal Church.

Job Summary

The Chaplain supports the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church on and off campus by engaging with students, regardless of their religious background, who seek spiritual guidance, religious education and participation in a Christian community formed by The Episcopal Church. This could include, but not be limited to, ministry of presence, worship services, educational programs, discussion groups, pastoral care, and participation with students in university-sponsored activities.

The Chaplain must be able to address the needs of a complex and diverse student population. The Episcopal Church welcomes and embraces those with a wide range of beliefs, observances, practices, and identities. The Chaplain must invite, welcome and engage students within this diverse population and enable them to thrive within a distinct Episcopalian community. The Chaplain will engage students in scripture, contemporary issues, history, ethics and other issues which may help them find genuine relevance in their lives today. To accomplish this, the Chaplain may engage the students in worship, events, study groups and other activities which are culturally relevant to the student population at any particular time.

The Chaplain’s primary focus will be at the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Campus working with students to develop a strong Canterbury community which will include fellowship, study, worship, discipleship, and service. The ministry may include students from nearby Cuesta Community College, and the ministry may expand there as necessary.

Primary Responsibilities

- Enable student participation at Religious Services, both organized by the Chaplain and by local Episcopal Churches.
- Engage students in spiritual, ethical and moral reflection and in religious education.
- Coordinate special religious (e.g. Advent, Easter) or relevant University (e.g. personal achievements, graduations) celebrations both on and off campus, as appropriate.
- Offer and provide spiritual guidance and pastoral care to students.
- Foster a sense of leadership, discipleship, and peer ministry among the students participating in the Canterbury community.
- Be a regular pastoral presence for students on and off campus.
- Collaborate with other chaplains and faith leaders at Cal Poly, both individually and through existing interfaith programs and services.
- Engage with other religious student organizations.
- Be available to support other aspects of university life which may arise during the course of the ministry.
- Work with the Canterbury Board to assess the priorities and direction of the ministry on a regular basis.
- Assist the Canterbury Board with fundraising to support the ministry.

Candidate Outlook

A successful candidate must desire to proactively engage with young adults in a Christian context in order to develop their spirituality and faith journey, foster their sense of leadership and peer ministry, provide pastoral care and support, and be a minister of presence on campus and at student events.

Minimum Requirements

An ordained Deacon or Priest of The Episcopal Church (or Anglican Communion or ecumenical partner in full Communion) or (*) a practicing Lay Episcopalian with a Master of Divinity or equivalent degree in ministry, theology, pastoral or religious studies, or related field. Experience working with young adults in higher education or other young adult ministry. Understanding of the use of social media as a primary form of communication and promotion, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Application Process

To apply please submit letter of interest, résumé and references by April 1, 2020 to:

Brian Spolarich, Board Chair
bws@briansp.com
Phone: 734-358-0033

Terms and Compensation

This position begins on August 1, 2020 for a one-year probationary period. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the position will become permanent.

The Chaplain will attend the Provincial Campus Ministry gathering.

Salary will be at Diocesan minimum, pro-rated at 40%. Housing, pension and health are not included.

Context
The San Luis Obispo Deanery consists of eight small parishes within the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real. The Canterbury ministry is centered at St. Stephen’s in the city of San Luis Obispo, with office space, equipment, and limited clerical support. Wider Deanery resources are available to support this ministry as it develops.

The Canterbury Board is comprised of representatives from the Deanery parishes; they oversee the work of the Chaplain and are responsible for funding and financial management.