Associate University Chaplain/Co-Pastor, University Church In Yale/Director Of Christian Life

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Salary Range

$90,000.00 - $165,750.00

Overview

Yale University seeks a creative religious leader to serve as Associate University Chaplain, Co-Pastor of the University Church in Yale, and Director of Christian Life. Yale's Chaplain's Office provides a spiritual center for university life, offering hospitality to all, building a foundation for flourishing religious communities, educating the university about religious diversity and providing co-curricular experiences that complement and contextualize a Yale education. Reporting to the University Chaplain, the Associate Chaplain, Co-Pastor of the University Church in Yale, and Director of Christian Life is a full-time, 12-month position with a range of responsibilities including:

• Assist in providing pastoral care to the university community, offering individual and group pastoral care and supporting the work of College Heads, Deans, Center Directors, coaches and other campus leaders to offer collaborative opportunities and referrals for pastoral care;
• Serve as Co-Pastor of the University Church in Yale, working collaboratively with the Co-Pastor & Associate University Chaplain in shaping the pastoral vision of the student- focused congregation of the oldest college church in America. This leadership includes preaching regularly, worship planning, overseeing the Student Deacon program, and serving the pastoral needs of a diverse ecumenical and intergenerational congregation. This individual works collaboratively to supervise a liturgical and music staff (of graduate interns, liturgical coordinator, choir director and musicians) to ensure the creative planning and leadership of liturgy and music, including traditional, global, and other diverse forms focused on Congregational participation and singing. The Co-Pastors convene the Church Council in partnership with the University Chaplain.
• Serve as primary liaison between the University, the Chaplains Office and all Christian Campus ministries, para-church groups, and area congregations interacting with the campus. The chaplain will facilitate communication between the university and the groups in a way that respects each group's culture and tradition while enabling their full participation in the university community.
• Work closely with the University Chaplain and all members of the chaplaincy team to create and implement multi-faith and other emerging initiatives.

Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; supervisory ability; and the capacity to undertake multiple assignments. Successful record for planning and implementing programs.

2. Ability to thrive in a group setting that values collaboration and good humor. Ability to deal with complex and sensitive issues with compassion and confidentiality.

3. Must be available to be on-call and respond to pastoral emergencies. Willingness to work evenings and weekends.

4. Knowledge of and ability to work closely with leaders from a broad spectrum of Christian churches and groups.

5. Demonstrated ability to plan and lead creative and diverse Christian worship and music.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

Ordination by a Christian church/denomination or equivalent leadership certification by a Christian church/denomination. Has a broad knowledge and experience of Christian liturgy, sacred music, and hymnody. At least eight years' experience in inter-religious work, work with young adults, and/or work in higher education.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Develops and implements educational, religious, and spiritual programs for students from Yale College and the University's graduate and professional schools, and for other members of the University community. In some cases, the programs are wide-ranging and have broad impact, serving members of the university community from a range of faith traditions and those with no specific religious beliefs. Plans, coordinates, and organizes community service and community building activities. 2. Provides pastoral leadership and planning for individuals from various faith traditions. Plans and executes leadership training programs for members of the community. 3. Works closely with the University Chaplain and all members of the chaplaincy team to create and implement multi-faith and other emerging initiatives. 4. Provides guidance and pastoral care to students and student groups on a range of religious, spiritual, and faith-based issues. Serves as a resource to students and other members of the University community. 5. Serves on various committees and attends professional meetings, including but not limited to Yale Religious Ministries. 6. As needed, presides at weddings, memorial services, and other religious services and events. 7. May supervise exempt and non-exempt employees, as well as student employees and/or volunteers. 8. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Master's Degree in Divinity from a member seminary or divinity school of the Association of Theological Schools or an equivalent advanced degree in theology or religious studies from an accredited college/university and four years of experience in inter-religious work, work with young adults, and/or work in a higher education setting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

12/11/2025

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Senior Manager; Senior Program Leader (P6)

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site

Location

300 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role's grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.