Assistant Chaplain for Faith Formation
Location
St. Davids
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
1089
Department
Office of Faith & Practice
Opening Date
04/02/2026
Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.
Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university's main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern's core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.
Position Description
Eastern University is seeking a dedicated and visionary Assistant Chaplain for Faith Formation. Reporting directly to the University Chaplain in the Division of Student Development, this role is pivotal in fostering a vibrant, missional, and inclusive spiritual environment. The Assistant Chaplain will lead efforts in student discipleship, service, and area church partnerships, ensuring every student has a pathway for spiritual growth.
Position Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Retreat Leadership: Design and oversee faith formation retreats and missional immersion experiences (exploring the intersection of faith, reason, and justice).
Program Execution: Manage the retreat calendar, including one weekend in the fall and two in the spring at the Daylesford Abbey, serving students annually with a vision for growth.
Departmental Collaboration: Partner with academic and administrative departments to integrate spiritual formation into the broader student experience.
Service Opportunities: Oversee and develop missional service programs, including the YACHT Club, Prison Ministry, and International Justice Mission (IJM).
Ministry Mentorship: Provide direct supervision and leadership training for diverse student "ministries" such as the Newman Club, Wednesday Night Worship, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and the Interfaith Club.
Prayer Advocacy: Support the Un:Ceasing Prayer Ministry and coordinate various prayer, Bible study, and monthly chapel opportunities.
Online Strategy: Develop and implement a missional online strategy to maintain a consistent spiritual presence in digital spaces.
Church Liaison: Act as a primary liaison to area churches, developing strategies to connect students with area congregations for long-term ecclesiastical health.
Internal "Bridge" Building: Serve as an intentional connection point for specialized campus groups
Student Support: Provide consistent, empathetic pastoral support to students as needed.
Annual Events: Assist with the coordination and execution of the annual May Baccalaureate service.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Ministerial Leadership: 3-5 years of experience in college chaplaincy, youth ministry, or pastoral leadership, with a proven track record of mentoring young adults.
Retreat & Event Management: Experience planning and executing multi-day retreats, including logistics, curriculum development, and student safety/risk management.
Supervisory Experience: Ability to supervise and train student leaders for various campus ministries.
A deep commitment to the Christian faith and the mission of Eastern University.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage various projects simultaneously.
Experience in mentorship and leadership development within a diverse, multi-denominational setting.
Excellent communication skills, both in-person and through online platforms.
Requirements
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent: A graduate degree in theology, ministry, or a related field from an accredited seminary or university is standard.
Theological Alignment: Candidates should demonstrate an educational background that resonates with Eastern University's mission statement and its commitment to the intersection of faith, reason, and justice.
Denominational Credentials: Formal ordination or licensing within a recognized Christian denomination.
Preferred Qualifications & Certifications
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE): Completion of at least one unit of CPE.
Higher Education Experience: Coursework or a secondary degree in Higher Education Leadership or Student Affairs.
About Eastern University
Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.
Background Checks
Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.
Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances:
1) Affidavit;
2) FBI Criminal Record Check;
3) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and;
4) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.
In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment. Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.
Description Disclaimer
This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.
For Staff positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time faculty and staff including healthcare coverage, retirement plan contributions, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, tuition remission and tuition exchange participation as well as an extensive holiday, summer hours and paid time off leave schedule.
Part-time Regular staff who are scheduled 30-36 hours per week over the course of a year, receive a full benefit package based on their part-time scheduled hours. Healthcare coverage is based on the ACA medical coverage guidelines. Affiliate faculty receive a benefit package as outlined with their covenant. Adjunct faculty may be eligible for medical coverage under the ACA after an annual one year lookback review.
Part-time staff who are scheduled to work less than 30 hours per week schedule are eligible for employer contribution towards the retirement plan after one year of employment. Eligibility rules apply. Adjunct faculty may make employee deferral contributions towards the retirement plan.
Part-Time Graduate Assistant Coaches are eligible for participation in the Tuition Remission Coaches Program.
Temporary, Contractors and Seasonal Employees: Individuals in this status are scheduled on an as-needed-basis and are not eligible for participation in the University's benefits programs.
Detailed information regarding our benefits program and eligibility is provided once hired or you can contact Human Resources with any questions.
Employer Eastern University
Address 1300 Eagle Road
St. Davids, Pennsylvania, 19087
Phone 610-341-5986
Website http://www.eastern.edu