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Overview

The Tufts University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community on all of Tufts’ campuses. The University Chaplaincy provides spiritual care, supports religious and philosophical communities, educates about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world, and promotes multifaith engagement.  Reporting to the President, the University Chaplain leads the University Chaplaincy team, which includes seven Associate Chaplains (Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant); three administrative, program, and music staff; as well as student workers and leaders. The University Chaplaincy works with 15+ campus religious and philosophical communities that offer over many weekly gatherings and special programs. Beyond its work supporting these communities, the University Chaplaincy offers multifaith programming and services for the whole University. Its staff serve as liaisons to various departments and schools and are members of various University committees related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, campus life, and mental health and wellness. The department also manages the care and use of Goddard Chapel and the Interfaith Center.

What You'll Do

This is a part-time position at 26 hours per week and the salary range listed below will be prorated.

The Buddhist Chaplain works with the University Chaplaincy Team in providing overall religious and philosophical leadership for the University community by providing spiritual leadership, spiritual care, mindfulness and Buddhist meditation teaching to the culturally diverse Tufts Buddhist community.

The Buddhist Chaplain is responsible for:

• Working with Tufts’ Buddhist student organization, the Tufts Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha (TBMS), to strengthen its insight into Buddhist practice and teaching, to strengthen the quality of kalyana-mitta (spiritual friendship) within the community and to strengthen its relationships with the wider campus community.


• Designing, developing and delivering spiritual educational programming for TBMS and the wider campus. 


• Providing spiritual counseling to students and staff, including referrals to other offices and/or spiritual communities as needed. 


• Providing overall support for spiritual and ethical life and attending to program administration and collaborative responsibilities with the University Chaplaincy team.

The Buddhist Chaplain must be skilled in lifting up, and working within, cultural heritage contexts of Buddhist practice as well as advocating for, and teaching to, a sangha that is pluralistic in its Buddhist belief and expression. The Buddhist Chaplain should be deeply motivated by serving TBMS’s community, creating and maintaining an inclusive, welcoming environment, and supporting our mission through intentional, collaborative, collegial work, and have a high degree of personal integrity and discretion, with commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Completion of Masters degree in Buddhist studies, divinity, theology, religion, philosophy or a related field


• Ordination/Dharma teacher in good standing (or ordination/licensure in process) within a recognized Buddhist lineage


• Minimum of 2 years of ministry experience working with young adults (experience may include campus ministry, university chaplaincy, temple-based spiritual care, clinical pastoral education, and internships)


• Appropriate experience and/or chaplaincy training, including demonstrated skills in community and leadership development, Dharma teaching and spiritual leadership, program development, pastoral care, service and social justice leadership, and ecumenical/interfaith engagement


• Mindfulness teacher certification (MBSR or Koru/MIEA preferred)


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; excellent leadership, administrative, and organizational skills; excellent professional judgment and discretion; ability to work as part of a team; understands when to lead and when to seek input and support others; actively seeks feedback and continuous improvement; knows how to advocate within multiple responsibilities; maintains appropriate confidentiality; models integrity, honesty, trust, and professional ethics


• Multicultural knowledge and skills, commitment to nondiscrimination and social justice, and demonstrated experience working in spiritually and culturally diverse settings


• Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, contact management systems, and website maintenance

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master of Divinity degree


• One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)


• Prior university chaplaincy experience


• Grant writing and/or fundraising experience


• Valid driver’s license

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

• This job involves responsibilities that are performed in a Hybrid working environment, with the majority of hours in person during the Fall and Spring semesters.


• This position requires some weekends and evenings and travel to all of Tufts’ campuses.

Pay Range

Minimum $57,900.00, Midpoint $72,450.00, Maximum $87,000.00
 
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.