Job Description
Job Details Job Location Bridgewater College - Bridgewater, VA
Description DIRECTOR OF SPIRITUAL LIFE AND COLLEGE CHAPLAIN Bridgewater College seeks a Director of Spiritual Life and College Chaplain. Serving as a guide for our religious and spiritual community, with a deep understanding of the role of faith and spirituality within the liberal arts tradition, the Chaplain serves as the primary pastoral presence for the college community. The new Chaplain must be prepared to engage positively with individuals from any faith background and be committed to fostering the development and deepening of positive relationships through a diverse range of spiritual and faith-based programs and services.
The Chaplain serves a diverse population and must be sensitive to all belief systems, religious traditions, spiritual perspectives, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds. The next Chaplain should be a visible, approachable, and accessible spiritual resource for the entire campus community, supporting all individuals in expressing, exploring, and practicing their traditions, beliefs, and perspectives in a respectful environment, while collaborating closely with other campus support resources. Serving as a guide and mentor to students, faculty, and staff, the Chaplain supports the spiritual identity development of individuals from all religious and spiritual traditions, including those who identify as non-religious. The Chaplain meets students where they are, creating an optimal environment that encourages students to progress through developmental milestones.
Collaborating closely within the Division of Student Life, the Director and Chaplain should demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of the Student Life Curriculum at Bridgewater, fostering critical thinking, a sense of community, cultural appreciation, and identity development in all aspects of their work. In addition to general student development support, the Director and Chaplain will assist in managing crises, address issues related to grief and bereavement, and conduct regular and meaningful outreach with students through events, programs, and one-on-one conversations, while also providing ministerial support for campus events as needed. Additionally, Bridgewater College is an independent educational institution grounded in the liberal arts and historically affiliated with the Church of Brethren. As such, the Chaplain must understand the values and identity of the Church and be sensitive to its traditions.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Though not a comprehensive list, the main responsibilities of the position include:
Spiritual Leadership and Student Support: - Serves as a primary point of contact for spirituality-based student organizations, providing guidance on membership challenges, organizational needs, event planning, and navigating college processes.
- Offers coaching, mentorship, and advisement to students seeking religious, faith-based, and/or spiritual connection.
- Integrates trauma-sensitive, inclusive, and religiously diverse approaches into programming and practices.
- Delivers training and development opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.
Community Building and Engagement: - Fosters a welcoming and inclusive campus climate through creative and engaging co-curricular programming.
- Builds and strengthens networks within the College community to enrich interfaith engagement and encourage understanding and cooperation.
- Collaborates with other campus offices and organizations to integrate religious life into campus life.
Administrative Responsibilities: - Utilizes social media and technology to meet student needs and support administrative tasks.
- Provides one-on-one pastoral care and counseling to students.
- Manages weekly programs and annual events, including retreats, internships, and conferences.
- Oversees the distribution of fellowships and grants to support student development.
- Serves as a member of the CARE Team and contributes to key wellness ecosystem programs.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS While a comprehensive list of qualifications can be found here: Job Description, the successful candidate will be an accomplished, creative, and inclusive leader who is compassionate, intellectually curious, and possesses the following:
- Education and Experience:
- Master's degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in a college/university setting or equivalent relevant experience.
- Experience in pastoral counseling.
- Ministerial ordination (preferred) or training/education toward ordination.
- Proven ability to plan and execute programs and events.
- Skills and Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and teams.
- Demonstrated success in creative problem-solving and a high level of productivity.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet student needs.
- Commitment to a student-centered approach and adaptability to changing institutional priorities.
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive spiritual community and will have a deep understanding of the role of faith and spirituality in higher education.
Pay is competitive, and salary is commensurate with experience. This full-time position offers a full benefits package, including paid tuition at the College for eligible dependents.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Bridgewater College was founded in 1880 as a coeducational liberal arts college to serve the local community. Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just minutes outside of Harrisonburg and within driving distance of Charlottesville, Washington D.C., and Richmond, Bridgewater is home to approximately 1,400 full-time students from 26 states and 19 countries. Bridgewater students study across 60 majors and minors, in addition to four graduate programs and 10 pre-professional programs. Bridgewater College is an NCAA DIII school with approximately 40 percent of its students participating in intercollegiate athletics on 23 teams. To learn more about Bridgewater College, visit:bridgewater.edu
APPLICATION: Complete the online application at
DEADLINE : Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION : Email humanresources@bridgewater.edu
COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Bridgewater College, an equal opportunity provider and employer, is a welcoming and vibrant workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT AND ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT: The Bridgewater College Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report summarizes policies on campus security and personal safety, crime prevention, fire safety, and crime reporting, and includes crime and fire statistics for the past three years:
To request a printed copy, please call 540-828-5761
E-VERIFY AND RIGHT TO WORK: Bridgewater College has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to obtain resources to enhance the College's facilities, including the recent addition to and renovation of the College's primary athletic facility. The College is posting the following Notice as required by federal law for organizations which benefit from the USDA's funding program:
NOTICE If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax at (202) 690-7442, or email atprogram.intake@usda.gov. Bridgewater College
Job Tags
Full time, Internship, Local area, Immediate start, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,