Job description
Posting Number: 20260060S
Location
Villanova, PA
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Department: 005-Office of Mission and Ministry
Position Summary
Why work at Villanova?
- Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
- Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
- Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
The Director of Multifaith Ministry oversees and guides the work of multifaith ministry, in which Villanova’s Augustinian heritage embraces the search for meaning at the heart of the human journey, while building community that honors the dignity of all, works for the common good, and demonstrates care for creation. As a member of University Ministry leadership, the Director works to support and deepen the identities, practices, and community engagement of Villanova students, faculty and staff of all faith backgrounds, as well as of those who do not identify religiously.
The Director leads the Multifaith team, including chaplains/advisors of diverse religious identities, as they support faith-related student groups on campus. They convene the Interfaith Advisory Council and lead its work in campus-wide advocacy for multifaith understanding, addressing issues of religious bias, and accommodation for diverse religious practices. The Director collaborates with partners within University Ministry, throughout the Office for Mission and Ministry, and across campus to design and facilitate opportunities for interfaith learning, dialogue, service and advocacy that will help students become spiritually grounded adults who can engage robustly in a religiously diverse society.
This full-time, exempt position requires work on occasional evenings and weekends.
The Office for Mission and Ministry (OMM) promotes and supports the Augustinian Catholic mission of the University with particular attention to the Augustinian charism and spirituality. A concern for building community and fostering an atmosphere that demonstrates care for our common home are core values integral to OMM’s stewardship of the University’s mission.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Titles of Positions Supervised: Jewish Chaplain, Muslim Student Advisor, Campus Minister for Hispanic/Latine Ministry.
Duties and Responsibilities
Diverse Religious Practice and Community
Work to ensure that students of all religious backgrounds (including diverse Christian denominations) find welcome and support in the context of an Augustinian Catholic university, including by:
- Overseeing and supporting faith-related student organizations for non-Catholic students; managing group budgets and providing logistical support, collaborating with the Office of Student Involvement in upholding organizational policies and discerning requests for new faith-related student groups.
- Supervising the Jewish Chaplain and the Muslim Student Advisor in their work to build community and foster learning within their respective student cohorts.
- Partnering with the adult advisors for Christian faith groups; coordinating and facilitating their work; and managing policies especially as related to non-University advisors from church/parachurch organizations.
- Overseeing the use and upkeep of the Multifaith Prayer Room and supporting the creation and maintaining of other multifaith prayer spaces on campus.
- Advocating for and responding to specific requests/needs of students of diverse faith backgrounds, including worship/prayer opportunities, accommodations for religious practice, connecting with local religious communities, etc.
- Working within University Ministry to welcome and engage the experiences and contributions of students, faculty and staff of diverse faith/worldview backgrounds.
Ecumenical and Interfaith Engagement
Develop and foster opportunities for learning, dialogue, service, and allyship across diverse religious identities and expressions, including by:
- In collaboration with the Multifaith team, creating/sponsoring events for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff (speakers, dinners, retreats, small groups, etc.) that foster ecumenical and interfaith friendship, learning, and community-building.
- Building relationships with local faith communities.
- Engaging Mission and Ministry colleagues, as well as partners across campus, to contribute to ecumenical and interfaith opportunities, drawing on their individual faith traditions and backgrounds.
- Designing and hosting the Interfaith Bookshelf event each semester.
- Supporting and guiding staff leadership for the Interfaith Justice Supper Club.
- Developing and facilitating trainings in interfaith engagement for student leaders (e.g. student organization boards, residence life staff, etc.)
Multifaith Leadership and Partnership Across Campus
Cultivate relationships to elevate multifaith considerations and experiences within University Ministry, the Office for Mission and Ministry, and the wider University, including by:
- Regularly participating in and contributing to University Ministry directors and team meetings, and OMM staff meetings.
- Convening and facilitating the Interfaith Advisory Council to proactively foster and sustain cross-campus collaborations that will deepen and broaden the relevance of University Ministry’s work for students of all backgrounds.
- Partnering with UNITAS: The Office of Community Enrichment to address issues of religious bias – through addressing climate concerns, fostering education and anti-bias training, and liturgical observance.
- Collaborating with colleagues in responding to current issues impacting the university community, especially through vigils and other events reflecting Augustinian values
- Serving on committees or task forces as needed/requested.
- Managing all administrative tasks related to responsibilities above.
Other
- Perform other duties and assist with projects, as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Formal Education
- Masters degree in Theology, Divinity, Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Interfaith Studies or related field.
Work Experience
- Five years experience in a ministry, chaplaincy, or equivalent role.
- Experience facilitating interfaith engagement.
- Experience in ecumenical engagement across Christian denominations.
Work Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent pastoral, interpersonal and teambuilding skills.
- Public speaking competency.
- Excellent group facilitation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with various constituencies and across diverse identities and backgrounds.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Good organizational and reporting skills. Flexibility in work schedule.
Specific Job Knowledge
- Working knowledge of diverse religious traditions; competency in promoting ecumenical and interfaith understanding; experienced in inter-religious dialogue and issues related to shaping solutions for common problems.
- Awareness of and some fluency in current academic research and theological scholarship related to ecumenical and interfaith studies.
- Knowledge of the psychological and spiritual development of young adults.
- Competency in theological reflection, scripture, styles of prayer, group facilitation.
Equipment Knowledge
- Competency with Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Teams and Forms.
- Willingness to learn new and evolving office technology and software.
Preferred Qualifications
Formal Education
- D. Min. or Ph.D. in Theology, Divinity, Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Interfaith Studies or related field.
Work Experience
- Licensing, ordination, or other formal recognition by respective religious body strongly preferred.
- Higher Education experience.
Other
- Driver’s License and Van Drivers Certification in accordance with University policy.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours
Tools, machinery and equipment used:
- General office environment.
Environmental conditions: (any unusual/adverse conditions such as exposure to chemicals, noise, illumination, air quality, weather exposure etc.):
- General office environment.
Physical requirements: (items such as lifting, pushing, pulling, standing or sitting for extended periods of time, manual dexterity, walking etc.)
- General office environment.
Unusual Work Hours:
- This full-time, exempt position requires work on occasional evenings and weekends.
Special Message to Applicants
In addition to your resume and cover letter, please submit a written Statement of Contribution to Mission. You may find more information on our website about the University’s Mission and Enduring Commitments.
Salary Posting Information
This position falls within salaried grade 16 and the range for this position is $71,700-89,600. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.
Salary Grade
16<
How to apply
Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
