Interfaith Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life

Job Description

Job Description

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Interfaith Chaplain fosters an inclusive spiritual and interfaith environment that supports students’ holistic wellbeing, identity development, and sense of belonging. This role provides compassionate pastoral care, promotes religious literacy and interfaith dialogue, and cultivates spaces for reflection, resilience, and community connection. Reporting to the Senior Director of Belonging and Inclusion, the Chaplain helps guide institutional awareness of religious and spiritual needs, contributing to a culturally responsive, spiritually grounded, and relationship-driven campus climate. This position works 40-hours per week on a 10-month schedule during the academic year (0.83 FTE).

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Spiritual Leadership & Pastoral Care (25%)

• Provide confidential spiritual care to students across religious, spiritual, and secular identities, honoring diverse belief systems and practices. 
• Preside over campus-wide rituals and reflections, including vigils, memorials, celebrations, and the annual Baccalaureate service. 

Interfaith Engagement & Religious Literacy (25%) 

• Design, facilitate, and promote  inclusive programming that fosters interfaith dialogue, spiritual development, and ethical reflection. 
• Maintain and publish an interfaith calendar of observances, and advise campus partners on respectful and inclusive practices. 

Student Support & Advocacy (20%) 

• Support student religious and spiritual organizations and affinity groups(e.g., MSA, Kehillat Shalom) through mentorship, advising, and advocacy. 
• Partner with faculty and campus leadership to assist students seeking academic accommodations related to religious observance. 
• Help students build connections with off-campus worship spaces or communities aligned with their traditions or beliefs. 

Resource Management & Supervision (20%) 

• Oversee the care, accessibility, and resourcing of the All Faiths Room. 
• Recruit, train, and supervise student staff and interns who support religious and spiritual life. 
• Manage program budgets, assessment efforts, and donor engagement in coordination with the Division of Inclusive Excellence. 

Community & External Partnerships (10%) 

• Cultivate relationships with clergy, religious leaders, and spiritual practitioners to extend support for students. 
• Serve on relevant committees that further Inclusive Excellence efforts  on campus

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, compassionately, and professionally to students, staff, faculty, and campus partners. 
• Demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive situations with discretion, and care, and professionalism, while maintaining credibility and trust. 
• Ability to build and maintain respectful, collaborative, and collegial relationships across diverse roles and areas of the institution. 
• Deep knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in higher education, with a demonstrated commitment to integrating these values into all aspects of the role.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate programs, workshops, and initiatives that support student engagement, wellbeing, and learning. 
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to student staff and peers, using inclusive and developmentally appropriate leadership frameworks. 
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, including the capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to align role-specific responsibilities with the broader mission, values, and goals of Whitman College. 
• Proficiency with workplace technologies, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and cloud-based tools for communication, planning, and documentation. 
• Ability to learn and apply institutional policies and procedures, particularly those related to risk management, program implementation, and fiscal stewardship. 
• Commitment to continuous professional development in spirituality, world religions, interfaith leadership, and DEIA practice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's degree.
• Ordination or a formal recognition from the candidate’s religious tradition, indicating authorization to perform religious functions. 
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, anti-oppression frameworks, and inclusive religious/spiritual practices.
• 2+ years of experience in religious ministry or related service, including volunteer roles.  
• 2+ years of experience fostering interfaith collaboration, with a demonstrated understanding of the role of religious and spiritual life within a liberal arts, residential college context. 
• OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A graduate degree in theological education or equivalent.
• Training in interfaith dialogue, pastoral counseling, or spiritual direction (e.g., CPE certification). 
• Experience working with college students in an advisory,  programmatic, or ministry role. 
• Experience designing and delivering student-centered programming that fosters engagement and community.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. 

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees. 

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on July 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

September 2026