Chaplain and Campus Engagement Specialist

Job Summary The Chaplain and Campus Engagement Specialist fosters a welcoming, connected, and supportive community for all members of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). This position coordinates and supports Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), wellness initiatives, and programs and events that strengthen community engagement and belonging across the Institution. Additionally, they serve as a confidential pastoral chaplain for all WHOI personnel.

The Specialist serves as a key point of contact for community, ideas, needs, and opportunities for connection, helping identify and implement programs that enhance employee engagement and strengthen relationships across WHOI. The position works collaboratively with ERG leadership, People Operations, and other campus leaders and partners to facilitate a vibrant and inclusive community environment.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (approx. one-third to one-half time)

• Provide confidential 1:1 pastoral care, spiritual support, compassionate listening, and guidance to employees and members of the WHOI community.
• Provide grief support, and spiritual accompaniment to WHOI personnel, and provide support during times of personal or community crisis, making referrals to appropriate resources when needed.
• Support employees experiencing significant life events, transitions, illness, grief, or other personal concerns.
• Maintain a visible and approachable presence within the community.
• Provide ministerial care as appropriate, including reflections or benedictions, support for homebound members of the community, participation in memorials and other institutional events, and a supportive presence during challenging moments.
• Collaborate with People Operations and support functions, as appropriate, while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Act as confidential resource (except where disclosure is required by applicable law).
• Facilitate community conversations, reflection opportunities, and other programs that promote wellbeing and connection.

Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leadership (approximately one-third of time)

• Serve as the primary coordinator and institutional liaison for WHOI Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and related community-building programs.
• Support ERG leaders in planning activities, setting goals, and advancing group initiatives.
• Coordinate communication and collaboration among ERGs to encourage alignment, information sharing, and effective use of resources.
• Help coordinate, recommend, and advise groups around events and activities, including workshops, discussions, celebrations, recognition events, and other programs designed to foster connection among employees.
• Monitor ERG group activities, budgets, approve spending, and reimbursements of the ERG groups.
• Monitor administrative needs to ensure groups remain active, effective, and aligned with institutional objectives.
• Assist ERGs and wellness practitioners with event planning, logistics, meeting coordination, and other operational support.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen community participation and impact across the community.
• Maintain records, reporting, and other administrative processes related to ERG operations.
• Organize and facilitate ERG Executive Committee and community leadership meetings.

Campus Engagement Specialist (approx. one-third of time)

• Provide support for WHOI community-building activities and ideas.
• Identify and share emerging themes related to community connection, belonging, and wellbeing with appropriate institutional partners.
• Assess community needs and recommend programs, and events to strengthen connection and community.
• Collaborate with departments, employee groups, and institutional stakeholders to help develop and implement community engagement initiatives.
• Evaluate participation and feedback to inform future programming and continuous improvement.
• Promote awareness of community resources, engagement opportunities, and support services available to employees.
• Manage event logistics, scheduling, communications, vendor coordination, and other administrative functions as needed.

Required Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in chaplaincy, pastoral care, counseling, community engagement, employee support, or related field.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Demonstrated ability to provide inclusive pastoral and spiritual support to individuals across diverse religious, spiritual, cultural and nonreligious background and perspectives
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Divinity and good faith standing within an ordainable tradition.
• Formal training, certification, or experience in chaplaincy, pastoral care, ministry, counseling, social work, or related field.
• Experience supporting employee resource groups, affinity groups, volunteer organizations, or community-based programs.
• Experience planning and coordinating events, programs, or engagement initiatives.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, research, academic, or mission-driven environment.

Key Competencies

• Empathy and compassionate listening
• Community building and relationship development
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Facilitation and constructive dialogue
• Program and event coordination
• Collaboration and partnership development
• Sound judgment and discretion

Additional Job Requirements

This position requires regular interaction with employees across the Institution and participation in community events, meetings, and programs. Some evening or occasional weekend activities may be required to support community engagement initiatives and events. This role is at least ¾ time in-person.

Salary range: $79,564.73 – $103,132.70.

The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual level placement and compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.