Ridley College

JOB TITLE: School Chaplain

REPORTS TO: Headmaster

SUBORDINATE POSITIONS: None

SUMMARY OF FUNCTION:

To lead Ridley College through its next phase of spiritual development by inspiring sound moral values and ensuring a healthy spirituality of the students, faulty and staff. Nurture the understanding and caring of the emotional needs of the students, faculty and staff on a day-to-day basis. The Ridley community is diverse, and the Chaplain must posses a strong commitment to service and an accepting attitude towards interfaith dialogue and a variety of definitions of spirituality while respecting Ridley’s Anglican affiliation.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In conjunction with the Headmaster, the Chaplain is responsible for leading a chapel programme that is meaningful for the students and brings them closer together as a community. Emphasis is placed on the moral, ethical and spiritual issues of the day, incorporating music, dramatic interpretations and humour. A good rapport with the Music Department is a must.

• Ministerial and leadership in the St. Catharines and church communities. The Chaplain is expected to represent Ridley College in the community and to take advantage of opportunities for personal and professional growth. There will be occasion when the Chaplain will be asked to perform functions for the school community, i.e. weddings, funerals, confirmations, alumni events, etc. both when the school is in and is not in session.

• Spiritual and pastoral care, both formal and informal. Pastoral care includes informal chats, spiritual guidance and/or formal sessions with students, faculty or staff facing problems and crisis intervention. The deep commitment to the pastoral care and welfare of our students is the primary attribute required by the Chaplain.

• Supporting and participating in our multifaceted co-curricular program.

• Acting as a mentor and spiritual guide to members of our faculty and staff.

• Planning and leading week day services in the chapel;

• Invite speakers to chapel services and other college events from a variety of faith traditions and service organizations;

• Be available year-round to students, staff, alumni and their families for pastoral and spiritual counseling and support;

• Rehearse and coach student and staff chapel speakers and readers;

• Officiate at regular services of Holy Communion;

• Be the spiritual guide for the school and lead prayers at special events, gatherings and in times of crisis;

• Working with the Chapel Programme Committee, develop strategies to best serve the worship and spiritual needs of the student body;

• Support and encourage the organist and choir director in their music ministry and work closely with them to select hymns and anthems that maintain and enhance the chapel choral and instrumental music tradition;

• Set and oversee the chapel budget;

• Maintain a strong pastoral relationship with alumni;

• Maintain a connection with the Anglican Bishop in the Diocese of Niagara;

• Respect the traditions of the school and chapel.

SKILLS & EDUCATION:

• University degree and divinity studies a must.

• Interested in working in a multicultural day/boarding school community.

• Appreciation of different cultures, faiths and interfaith dialogue.

• Ability to protect confidentiality and earn the trust of the entire community.

• Ability and talents to participate fully in the lives of Ridley students, faculty and staff.

• Strong listening and communication skills for dealing with a variety of people and issues.

• A strong blend of teaching, coaching and pastoral skills.

• Warm and thoughtful person.

• Good organization and computer skills.

Preferred Experience

Commitment to participate in, and fully contribute to, the life of the school community above and beyond the chapel and pastoral duties. Additional assets may include:

• Teaching experience or a commitment to teaching and learning (World Religions or other courses);

• Commitment to co-curricular activities;

• Experience with a boarding school campus and a commitment to residential life;

• Ordination in the Anglican Church of Canada;

• Experience working with young people in an educational setting;

• Flexibility in role assignments and responsibilities;

• Training and experience with social emotional counseling experience would be considered an asset.

Resumes are to be sent by email to:

Sue Robbins Director of Human Resources [email protected]