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Seminary Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Chaplain Candidate Program Officer

Gary, IN · On-site

This program allows full-time seminary students (pursuing Master of Divinity (MDiv)) to be commissioned as a Navy Officer while completing theological studies at an accredited seminary or graduate ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain Candidate Program Officer

Aurora, IL · On-site

This program allows full-time seminary students (pursuing Master of Divinity (MDiv)) to be commissioned as a Navy Officer while completing theological studies at an accredited seminary or graduate ...

Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care

Chaplain

IL · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Graduate of accredited seminary or school of theology (BD, MDiv or equivalent theological degree). * Clinical pastoral education certification required. This position is not eligible for benefits.

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All JobsSeminary JobsSeminary Jobs in Chicago, IL

Seminary information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$59

$89

How much do seminary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for seminary in Chicago, IL is $59.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $87.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seminary?

A seminary is an educational institution dedicated to training individuals for religious leadership, such as becoming priests, pastors, ministers, or other roles in faith-based organizations. Seminaries typically offer graduate-level programs focused on theology, biblical studies, pastoral care, and spiritual formation. Students attend seminaries to deepen their understanding of religious traditions, develop leadership skills, and prepare for service in various ministry settings. Some seminaries are affiliated with specific denominations, while others are non-denominational.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seminary professor?

To thrive as a Seminary Professor, you need advanced theological education (usually a master's or doctorate in divinity or theology), deep biblical knowledge, and teaching experience. Familiarity with academic research tools, learning management systems, and, in some cases, proficiency in biblical languages are typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and intercultural sensitivity are vital soft skills for fostering student growth and engaging diverse perspectives. These abilities ensure effective teaching, scholarly contribution, and the development of future faith leaders.

What are some common challenges faced by seminary faculty, and how can new hires best prepare to address them?

Seminary faculty often navigate the challenge of balancing rigorous academic standards with the spiritual formation of students from diverse backgrounds. New hires may also encounter the need to adapt teaching methods to both in-person and online contexts, as well as the expectation to contribute to community life through mentoring, chapel services, and committee work. Being proactive in understanding the institution’s denominational distinctives and engaging with ongoing professional development opportunities can help new faculty succeed in these areas.

What is the difference between Seminary vs Pastoral Counselor?

AspectSeminaryPastoral Counselor
Required CredentialsReligious degree, theological trainingReligious background, counseling certification
Work EnvironmentReligious institutions, seminariesHospitals, churches, counseling centers
Industry UsageReligious education, ministry trainingMental health, spiritual guidance

Seminary programs focus on religious education and theological training, preparing individuals for ministry or religious roles. Pastoral counselors combine religious background with counseling skills to provide spiritual and emotional support. While seminarians study theology, pastoral counselors actively work with clients in various settings. Both roles serve spiritual needs but differ in practical application and certification requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Seminary jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Seminary jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Seminary jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Seminary jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Seminary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seminary job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,930 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Director of Alumni Relations and Development

Association of Fundraising Professionals

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Position: Director of Alumni Relations and Development
Reports to: Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Department: Institutional Advancement

Status: Full-Time/non-exempt

Organization Overview

For 190 years, we have been a progressive leader within the Reformed tradition committed to fostering a community of Christian leadership that serve diverse ministries and congregations in a challenging and complex world. Through academic excellence, critical reflection, and transforming witness, McCormick Theological Seminary uniquely equips excellent Church leaders for faithful, inclusive, and liberating ministries in God’s world.

Position Summary

McCormick Theological Seminary seeks a collaborative, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Director of Alumni Relations and Development to join the Division of Institutional Advancement. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director will provide leadership for the Seminary’s alumni relations and events program, annual giving efforts, development communications, and selected advancement data management functions.

This position is ideal for an advancement professional who enjoys building relationships, strengthening alumni engagement, supporting fundraising growth, and working in a collegial environment marked by cooperation, creativity, and idea-sharing. The Director will work closely with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director of Communications, other Seminary colleagues, and two student workers assigned to support the Division of Institutional Advancement.

The successful candidate will support the mission and vision of McCormick Theological Seminary and bring experience, judgment, and initiative to a growing advancement program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Alumni Relations and Events — 30%
  • Develop, coordinate, and strengthen alumni relations programming that deepens alumni engagement with McCormick Theological Seminary.
  • Plan and execute alumni events, gatherings, reunions, virtual programs, and other engagement opportunities.
  • Work with Seminary leadership, faculty, staff, and alumni volunteers to create meaningful opportunities for alumni participation.
  • Help identify alumni stories, achievements, and milestones that can be celebrated through Seminary communications.
  • Support alumni cultivation strategies that encourage long-term relationships with the Seminar
  • Coordinate logistics for alumni and advancement events, including invitations, registration, event materials, vendor coordination, follow-up, and post-event evaluation.
  • Provide direction and project assignments to student workers who assist with alumni relations and event-related tasks.
Annual Giving — 25%
  • Manage and help grow McCormick’s annual giving program in collaboration with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
  • Assist in developing annual giving strategies, timelines, appeals, and donor segments.
  • Track annual giving activity and results, including donor participation, retention, upgrades, and campaign performance.
  • Help identify prospects for increased giving and assist in moving donors toward deeper engagement with the Seminary.
  • Support stewardship efforts for annual donors through timely acknowledgment, reporting, and communication.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to ensure annual giving messages are aligned with Seminary priorities and institutional voice.
Development Communications — 15%
  • Collaborate with the Director of Communications on development-related communications, including donor appeals, stewardship messages, alumni communications, event materials, and impact stories.
  • Help develop clear, compelling content that communicates the Seminary’s mission, vision, priorities, and philanthropic opportunities.
  • Assist and collaborate on newsletters, web content, social media, reports, and other advancement communications as needed.
  • Ensure that development communications are accurate, timely, donor-centered, and consistent with Seminary messaging.
  • Identify opportunities to share stories of alumni leadership, donor generosity, student impact, and institutional momentum.
Data Management — 20%
  • Maintain accurate alumni and donor records in the Seminary’s donor CRM.
  • Enter, update, and review constituent information, contact reports, event participation, giving records, and other advancement data.
  • Produce lists, reports, queries, and data exports to support alumni relations, annual giving, events, and stewardship.
  • Help ensure data integrity, consistency, confidentiality, and effective use of advancement information.
  • Support gift processing, acknowledgment tracking, donor segmentation, and campaign reporting as assigned.
  • Use data to help inform engagement strategies, fundraising priorities, and program evaluation.
Other Administrative Duties — 10%
  • Provide administrative and project support to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
  • Assist with meeting preparation, scheduling, correspondence, reporting, and other divisional needs.
  • Help coordinate the work of student workers assigned to the Division of Institutional Advancement.
  • Participate in divisional planning, strategy discussions, and cross-functional projects.
  • Represent the Division of Institutional Advancement professionally with alumni, donors, colleagues, volunteers, and external partners.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • At least 5–7 years of experience in higher education advancement, alumni relations, annual giving, development communications, advancement services, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated experience using a donor CRM; preferably with Raiser’s Edge
  • Strong understanding of alumni engagement, annual giving, donor stewardship, event coordination, and advancement operations.
  • Commitment to supporting the mission and vision of McCormick Theological Seminary.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate degree in Theological Education
  • Experience using Raisers Edge Database System is strongly preferred
  • Previous experience in Alumni Relations or Annual Giving at an institution of higher education.
Competencies
  • Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities with accuracy and good judgment.
  • Comfort working both independently and collaboratively in a small, mission-driven institutional environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and confidentiality.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies, including alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and Seminary leadership.
General Requirements
  • Passion for MTS’s mission and purpose and ability to communicate this passion to others
  • Ability to serve as an advocate and exemplar for the vision, values, and mission of MTS.
  • Demonstrate strong relational skills.
  • Information regarding students and employees must remain confidential. Individuals who break confidentiality are subject to dismissal.
  • All employees shall avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest, special interest, or any other inappropriate conduct.
  • Awareness of our multi-cultural environment with the ability to distinguish diverse characteristics and the ability to work accordingly.
Type of work environment associated with the job
  • Full-time position requiring 40 hours per week.
  • Hybrid position with at least three days in the office per week.
  • Some evening and weekend work required for alumni, donor, Seminary, and advancement events.
  • Minimal travel required.
  • Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds in connection with event setup, materials, and related activities.
  • Position requires regular use of a computer, donor database, email, virtual meeting platforms, and standard office equipment.
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