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Associate Dean for Student Life and University Public Worship (Academic Year Only)

Stanford, CA, United States (On-site)

Job Description

The Associate Dean for Student Life and University Public Worship serves as a key leader within the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL), with a dual focus on supporting student religious life and overseeing the coordination of University Public Worship. This role works closely with chaplain affiliates, and campus partners to ensure all traditions are supported and represented in the fabric of university life. The associate dean provides pastoral care to students, staff, and faculty, manages student‑facing programs such as New Student Orientation and Family Weekend, and leads the administrative planning and execution of Sunday worship in Memorial Church. This position represents a vital connection point between tradition and innovation, offering both administrative leadership and spiritual presence in the Stanford community.

Core Duties

• Coordinate University Public Worship
  • Oversee planning, liturgy, and logistics of weekly Sunday services and special worship gatherings, including volunteer management and bulletin production
  • Preach regularly (2 times per month) and coordinate the annual preaching calendar
  • Supervise the University Organist and ensure high‑quality musical and liturgical standards
  • Oversee and support the university’s Praise and Worship Initiative, including monthly gatherings and quarterly Jazz Vespers
• Supervise and coordinate the Chaplain Affiliates Program
  • Manage application and vetting processes for new chaplain affiliates
  • Lead onboarding, orientation, and regular convenings to integrate chaplain affiliates into the life of the university
  • Serve as liaison between affiliate chaplains and university offices
• Coordinate the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life’s (ORSL) student‑facing events
  • Oversee ORSL planning and participation in New Student Orientation, Reunion Weekend, Family Weekend, Admit Weekend, and Baccalaureate
  • Serve as primary ORSL liaison to campus partners for these events
  • Serve as the primary ORSL liaison for partnerships and programs with campus departments and offices
  • Design and coordinate student engagement opportunities for ORSL throughout the year
  • Collaborate with colleagues and other university offices and departments as needed.
  • Serve as a member of the Spiritual Life Team Plan, facilitate, and participate in multifaith gatherings and university events with all associate deans
  • Offer one‑on‑one and small group spiritual guidance, grief support, and crisis care
  • Participate in campus‑wide care and wellness initiatives in collaboration with Stanford’s well‑being resources
• Provide thoughtful pastoral care for students, faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the university community regarding emotional, religious, educational, social, vocational and civic issues.
• Respond immediately and comprehensively to campus crises. Design, organize and implement highly visible communal ritual responses to crises in the world and in the community.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience

Master of Divinity (M.Div) and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Acute pastoral sensitivity and discretion.
• Ordination or professional religious training in a recognized faith community.
• Experience in a role of religious leadership. Thorough understanding and performance of ritual and ritual practices.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in leading public worship (including religious teaching/preaching), in moderation of discussions, and in intelligent presentations of religious, spiritual and societal questions and challenges.
• Enthusiasm and capacity for working imaginatively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and religious traditions.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in counsel, support, and inspiration of young adults.
• Knowledge of multiple religious traditions.
• Ability to work independently, complete assignments, accomplish administrative tasks, and exercise sound judgment in determining priorities.

Certifications and Licenses

Ordination or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently sitting.
• Occasionally perform desk‑based computer tasks, stand/walk, writing by hand, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.
• Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working Conditions

• May work evening and weekend hours.

Work Standards

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first‑ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world‑class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

The expected pay range for this position is $75,901 - $78,558 per annum. (Salary range does not reflect actual base salary as the position is subject to a 2-month unpaid leave and may be eligible for a non‑taxable housing allowance).

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full‑time positions.

Notice to Applicants

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined by a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relationships.