Position Type Administrative/Professional Appointment Type Regular FTE %
100%
Work Schedule (if atypical)
This is an onsite Position.
University Overview
Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a university—it’s a home for passionate individuals like you.
At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apart—Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If you’re fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.
With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education.
Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary and apply today!
Diversity Statement
The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.
Job Description Summary
The Associate Vice President for Spiritual Life and University Chaplain is a visionary, compassionate, and collaborative leader who advances the spiritual, ethical, and communal life of the University. Serving as the University’s primary spiritual and interfaith leader, the [Associate Vice President/Vice President] fosters a spiritually curious, inclusive, and thriving campus culture grounded in belonging, bridge-building, meaning-making, and care.
This role bridges spiritual leadership and institutional strategy by cultivating interfaith understanding, supporting holistic well-being, and advancing a culture of dialogue, purpose, trust, and community across the University. Rooted in the University’s historic Brethren values and heritage, while honoring the religious, spiritual, and philosophical diversity of the campus community, the [Associate Vice President/Vice President] supports spiritual exploration, ethical reflection, restorative engagement, and leadership across difference.
The Associate Vice President serves as both a visible pastoral presence and an institutional thought partner—providing spiritual leadership during moments of celebration and challenge while catalyzing initiatives that strengthen organizational culture, community connection, and student flourishing.
Minimum Qualifications
Core Qualities & Competencies
- A deep commitment to interfaith engagement, pluralism, and spiritual inclusion.
- Demonstrated capacity for bridge-building, conflict navigation, restorative dialogue, and organizational leadership.
- Strong pastoral presence, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed, and relational trust-building skills.
- The ability to think strategically while remaining grounded in compassion and care.
- An appreciation for faith-informed traditions alongside secular and pluralistic approaches to meaning-making and well-being.
- A commitment to student development, holistic flourishing, and institutional mission.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in theology, divinity, religious studies, higher education, psychology, leadership, organizational development, or related fields.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in spiritual leadership, interfaith engagement, pastoral care, higher education, or related leadership settings.
- Commitment to supporting individuals from diverse religious, spiritual, secular, and philosophical traditions.
- Strong skills in communication (written and oral), relationship-building, facilitation, dialogue, and organizational collaboration.
- Experience leading initiatives related to bridge-building, restorative practices, inclusion, or community engagement.
- Ability to perform ceremonial functions.
- Personable, approachable, team-oriented, collaborative.
- High emotional intelligence, discretion, and capacity for trust-building across levels.
- Budget management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum 7 years of experience working in higher education or similarly complex mission-driven organizations.
- Demonstrated success developing strategic initiatives, partnerships, and programs within complex organizations, especially in higher education.
- Familiarity with restorative practices, conflict transformation, and organizational culture development.
- Ordination, endorsement, or equivalent spiritual recognition is preferred but not required; openness to non-traditional paths is valued.
- Understanding of the University of La Verne’s history, mission, and values, and appreciation of its Brethren heritage.
Benefits Summary
Applicants, please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee’s total compensation
Benefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the University’s 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.
Location La Verne Main Campus Number of Vacancies 1 Physical Demands Summary
The physical demands include the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Clear verbal and written communication is essential, as the position involves frequent interaction with colleagues, clients, or external partners.
The noise level is generally low to moderate. The position may occasionally involve meeting deadlines or managing multiple priorities, which can require sustained focus and mental stamina.
Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes If yes, list maximum weight and duration 40 pounds Describe work environment The physical demands include the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Clear verbal and written communication is essential, as the position involves frequent interaction with colleagues, clients, or external partners. T
Duties
Specific Duties
Spiritual, Interfaith, and Community Leadership
- Serve as the University’s primary spiritual and interfaith leader, fostering a campus culture of belonging, inclusion, bridge-building, meaning-making, and spiritual well-being.
- Promote understanding and engagement across religious, spiritual, secular, and philosophical traditions while honoring the University’s Brethren heritage and values.
- Provide visible, accessible, and compassionate leadership that nurtures spiritual development and supports the diverse spiritual needs of students, faculty, and staff.
Specific Duties
Campus Rituals, Ceremonies, and Institutional Presence
- Lead inclusive rituals, ceremonies, and community gatherings, including memorials, celebrations, Baccalaureate, and other signature University events.
- Provide reflections, invocations, blessings, and spiritual leadership for major institutional events, including Convocation, Commencement, Board meetings, and University ceremonies.
- Serve as a trusted and calming presence during times of celebration, grief, transition, conflict, or institutional challenge.
Specific Duties
Strategic Leadership for Bridge-Building, Meaning, and Organizational Well-Being
- Develop and lead strategic initiatives that advance interfaith engagement, dialogue, and bridge-building across differences.
- Develop and lead strategic initiatives that advance the exploration and cultivation of meaning, purpose, and vocation.
- Partner with University leadership to strengthen organizational culture, trust, alignment, and communal well-being.
- Support strategic communication and storytelling that embodies the institution’s spiritual, ethical, and cultural aspirations.
Specific Duties
Student Leadership, Formation, and Development
- Mentor and support students in spiritual, ethical, and interfaith leadership development.
- Provide leadership for signature student programs related to interfaith engagement, service, and spiritual formation (Interfaith Ambassador Program, Summer Service).
- Cultivate opportunities for students to engage questions of vocation, identity, service, and purpose.
Specific Duties
Student Leadership, Formation, and Development
- Mentor and support students in spiritual, ethical, and interfaith leadership development.
- Provide leadership for signature student programs related to interfaith engagement, service, and spiritual formation (Interfaith Ambassador Program, Summer Service).
- Cultivate opportunities for students to engage questions of vocation, identity, service, and purpose.
Specific Duties
Academic Partnerships
- Partner with Academic Affairs and faculty to integrate spiritual inquiry, meaning and purpose, bridge-building practices, ethical reflection, and interfaith competencies into educational experiences.
- Develop implementation strategy for and sustain partnership with Bethany Theological Seminary
- Teach occasional courses, seminars, or workshops as appropriate.
Specific Duties
External Partnerships
- Build and maintain relationships with local faith leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to connect campus and community resources.
- Represent the University in local and national interfaith communities.
- Assist with donor engagement and relationship-building in partnership with University Advancement.
Specific Duties
Other Responsibilities
- Serve on institutional committees and leadership teams as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
2024-251197SA
Special Instructions to Applicants
The University of La Verne is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
