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Associate Minister

Apply now Posting #: 4895
Position Status: Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Administrator, Mission and Ministry

Position Title & Department:

 Associate Minister; University Ministry
Posting #

4895

Department Description:

University Ministry is committed to promoting the integration of personal and informed faith, the principles and practice of Catholic Social Thought, and the knowledge and experience of Christian living for the entire USD community. UM is dedicated to embodying the rich tradition of Catholic higher education by forming the USD community to be a response to God's Spirit; cultivating an inclusive campus community where all are encouraged to integrate faith and reason; accompanying students as they discern their vocation and are inspired to seek the fullest human potential for themselves and others in our globalized society.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, a contemporary and engaged Contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:
In collaboration with the University Ministry Team, the Associate University Minister is responsible for ministry to USD undergraduate and graduate students and the provision of pastoral care which reflects and fosters the Catholic mission and identity of the university. The incumbent is responsible for collaborating with colleagues across campus to implement culturally contextualized faith formation programs, facilitate service experiences, foster the spiritual enrichment of university community members, and provide pastoral care to specific student cohorts, including Hispanic, Black, Indigenous and other students of color and/or others who hold marginalized identities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

UM Search Retreat Planning, Coordination, and Facilitation:

  • Retreat Planning and Coordination:
    • Responsible for retreat logistics, planning, and budgeting.  This includes but is not limited to space reservations, supplies, arranging transportation, and safety.
    • Maintain budget for Search Retreat.
    • Design and oversee retreat-related marketing and communications campaigns.
    • Collaborate with campus partners to recruit students.
    • Coordinate with and arrange for pastoral partners and priests to attend liturgical celebrations.
    • Facilitate post-retreat assessment and feedback initiatives to further grow and enhance the program and related content and outreach. 
  • Retreat Facilitation:
    • Coordinate the overall structure, content, planning, and implementation of a Search Retreat in the Fall and Spring Semester.
    • Serve as the leader and pastoral presence during the duration of the Search Retreats
  • Leadership Development:
    • Identify and recruit retreat directors and student leaders needed to support the Search Retreat
    • Recruit and maintain Search leaders who engage in ongoing formation on the spiritual accompaniment of their peers and their own spiritual growth. 
    • Develop leadership formation for the Search Crew that informs their approach to the retreat, rooted in spirituality and servant leadership.
    • Lead weekly leadership development meetings on related topics such as servant leadership, prayer, spirituality, and community.
  • Student Engagement & Pastoral Care:
    • Design models of outreach and partnerships within University Ministry and across the university that get students consistently engaged with this ministry.
    • Offer pastoral care to student leaders and retreatants.
    • Maintain a steady rapport with students prior to and after retreats.

Pastoral Care:

  • Maintain consistent and strong rapport and pastoral relationships with students by providing pastoral care and accompaniment.
  • Respond to critical incidents in the community and/or in the lives of students that require a ministerial presence.

Collaborate with other UM staff on other ministries; serve on university committees, assist on retreats and execute other duties as assigned.

Special Conditions of Employment:

This is an 11 month position paid over the course of 12 months.

Effective June 1, 2023, based on CDC guidance, the University strongly encourages all campus members to stay up to date with Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.  For more regarding information USD's COVID-19 protocols, please visit sandiego.edu/onward.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Practicing Roman Catholic with demonstrated familiarity with ministry in a university, ecumenical and interfaith context.
  • An MDiv, MTS, MA in Theology / Pastoral Care or equivalent experience.
  • Two (2) years of Campus Ministry experience -- either as a participant, student leader, or in a professional role -- at a Catholic college or university, Newman Center or related setting, or five (5) years of ministry experience in a high school, diocese, or other related areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • At least two (2) years of professional Campus Ministry experience in a university setting.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Rigorous theological education and ability to communicate theological, catechetical, and spiritual concepts to undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and creatively as a member of a team.
  • Sufficient initiative and confidence to provide initial structure and creativity to new ministries.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with facilitating group discussions, group reflections, and faith sharing group activities.
  • Skill in planning and coordinating retreat programs and other reflection activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate, mentor, and support teams of student leaders.
  • Extensive experience in designing and implementing service and justice experiences that lead students to theological reflection and vocational discernment.
  • Skill in creating and delivering spiritual growth activities for undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Extensive knowledge of Catholic faith and practice.
  • Ability to communicate the Catholic faith through formal programs and informal relational settings.
  • Thorough knowledge of student development issues.
  • Ability to support and guide students in issues related to the integration of their faith.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to communicate in Spanish
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to drive University vehicles
  • Proficiency in speaking Spanish
Posting Salary:

$5,546.67 - $6,250 per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:

Resume and Cover Letter Required

Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers’ review.  If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

Additional Details:

Hours: 37.5 hours per week; This is an 11 month position paid over 12 months. 

Closing date: Open until filled

Note: External job postings will be up for at least five days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at www.sandiego.edu/safety/documents/annualreport.pdf. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response stands and protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. To request a paper copy, please contact the Clery Act Compliance Manager via email at clery@sandiego.edu, by calling (619) 260-4768, or in-person in the Hughes Administration Center, room 150.