Associate Dean for Student Life and University Public Worship (Academic Year Only)

JOB PURPOSE:

The Associate Dean for Student Life and University Public Worship serves as a key leader within the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL), with a dual focus on supporting student religious life and overseeing the coordination of University Public Worship. This role works closely with chaplain affiliates, and campus partners to ensure all traditions are supported and represented in the fabric of university life. The associate dean provides pastoral care to students, staff, and faculty, manages student-facing programs such as New Student Orientation and Family Weekend, and leads the administrative planning and execution of Sunday worship in Memorial Church. This position represents a vital connection point between tradition and innovation, offering both administrative leadership and spiritual presence in the Stanford community.

CORE DUTIES:

• Coordinate University Public Worship
  • Oversee planning, liturgy, and logistics of weekly Sunday services and special worship gatherings, including volunteer management and bulletin production
  • Preach regularly (2 times per month) and coordinate the annual preaching calendar
  • Supervise the University Organist and ensure high-quality musical and liturgical standards
  • Oversee and support the university’s Praise and Worship Initiative, including monthly gatherings and quarterly Jazz Vespers
• Supervise and coordinate the Chaplain Affiliates Program
  • Manage application and vetting processes for new chaplain affiliates
  • Lead onboarding, orientation, and regular convenings to integrate chaplain affiliates into the life of the university
  • Serve as liaison between affiliate chaplains and university offices
• Coordinate the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life’s (ORSL) student-facing events
  • Oversee ORSL planning and participation in New Student Orientation, Reunion Weekend, Family Weekend, Admit Weekend, and Baccalaureate
  • Serve as primary ORSL liaison to campus partners for these events
  • Serve as the primary ORSL liaison for partnerships and programs with campus departments and offices
  • Design and coordinate student engagement opportunities for ORSL throughout the year
  • Collaborate with colleagues and other university offices and departments as needed.
  • Serve as a member of the Spiritual Life Team Plan, facilitate, and participate in multifaith gatherings and university events with all associate deans
  • Offer one-on-one and small group spiritual guidance, grief support, and crisis care
  • Participate in campus-wide care and wellness initiatives in collaboration with Stanford’s well-being resources
• Provide thoughtful pastoral care for students, faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the university community regarding emotional, religious, educational, social, vocational and civic issues.
• Respond immediately and comprehensively to campus crises. Design, organize and implement highly visible communal ritual responses to crises in the world and in the community.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience: Master of Divinity (M.Div) and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Acute pastoral sensitivity and discretion.
• Ordination or professional religious training in a recognized faith community.
• Experience in a role of religious leadership. Thorough understanding and performance of ritual and ritual practices.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in leading public worship (including religious teaching/preaching), in moderation of discussions, and in intelligent presentations of religious, spiritual and societal questions and challenges.
• Enthusiasm and capacity for working imaginatively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and religious traditions.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in counsel, support, and inspiration of young adults.
• Knowledge of multiple religious traditions.
• Ability to work independently, complete assignments, accomplish administrative tasks, and exercise sound judgment in determining priorities.

Certifications and Licenses: Ordination or equivalent.

WORKING CONDITIONS: May work evening and weekend hours.

Posted 2026-06-03