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Spiritual Direction Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Here at Spiritual Gangster, we offer flexibility, awesome discounts on our clothing brands, year ... Develop seasonal design boards, silhouettes, trim direction, and category strategies aligned with ...

The Recreation staff work hard to provide recreational safety and leadership, outstanding customer service, spiritual direction, and a welcoming environment to all guests of Forest Home Ojai Valley.

The Recreation staff work hard to provide recreational safety and leadership, outstanding customer service, spiritual direction, and a welcoming environment to all guests of Forest Home Ojai Valley.

The Recreation staff work hard to provide recreational safety and leadership, outstanding customer service, spiritual direction, and a welcoming environment to all guests of Forest Home Ojai Valley.

A Brief Overview Under the direction of the Manager of Spiritual Care Education-CPE Programs/ACPE Certified Educator, the CPE Fellow assists with the direct ministry to patients and their families ...

A Brief Overview Under the direction of the ACPE Certified Educator, the CPE Resident assists with ... Participates in special services offered through Spiritual Care in collaboration with team members ...

Chaplain

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Under direction, the Chaplain provides religious, spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff; also plans, conducts and coordinates religious activities hospital wide.

Chaplain

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Under direction, the Chaplain provides religious, spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff; also plans, conducts and coordinates religious activities hospital wide.

Chaplain

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Under direction, the Chaplain provides religious, spiritual and emotional support to patients, their loved ones, and staff; also plans, conducts and coordinates religious activities hospital wide.

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Spiritual Direction information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$62.8K

$96.7K

How much do spiritual direction jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for spiritual direction in California is $62,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spiritual director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spiritual Director, you need a deep understanding of spiritual practices, strong active listening skills, and often formal training or certification in spiritual direction or theology. Familiarity with spiritual assessment tools, frameworks, and sometimes record-keeping systems is beneficial. Compassion, nonjudgmental presence, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills that help foster trust and meaningful guidance. These skills and qualities are essential for supporting individuals on their spiritual journeys while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

What are common challenges faced by spiritual directors when working with diverse clients?

Spiritual directors often work with individuals from a variety of religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds. A common challenge is ensuring that guidance remains inclusive and respectful of each person's unique beliefs and experiences. It requires strong listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and ongoing self-reflection to avoid imposing personal views. Building trust while honoring confidentiality is also essential, as clients may share deeply personal thoughts and feelings. Many directors find ongoing supervision and peer support helpful for navigating these complexities.

What is the difference between Spiritual Direction vs Pastoral Counseling?

AspectSpiritual DirectionPastoral Counseling
CredentialsSpiritual directors often have spiritual or theological training, certifications varyRequires theological training, counseling licenses, or mental health credentials
Work EnvironmentOne-on-one spiritual guidance, often in religious or retreat settingsCounseling sessions in churches, clinics, or private practices
Industry UsageUsed in religious communities for spiritual growthUsed in mental health and pastoral care contexts

Spiritual Direction focuses on guiding individuals in their spiritual journey, emphasizing personal faith and spiritual practices. Pastoral Counseling combines spiritual guidance with mental health support, often addressing emotional and psychological issues. While both roles involve spiritual aspects, they differ in credentials, focus, and work settings.

What qualifications do you need to be a spiritual director?

To become a spiritual director, individuals typically need relevant training or certification from a recognized spiritual formation program, along with personal spiritual maturity and experience. Many also have backgrounds in theology, counseling, or pastoral care, and strong interpersonal skills are essential for guiding others in their spiritual journeys.

What is spiritual direction?

Spiritual direction is a practice where an individual meets with a trained spiritual director to explore their spiritual life, deepen their relationship with the divine, and discern spiritual growth. The process involves regular, confidential conversations focused on the directee's experiences, questions, and longings related to their faith or spirituality. Spiritual direction is not counseling or therapy, but rather a companioning process that encourages personal reflection, prayer, and awareness of the sacred in everyday life.
What are popular job titles related to Spiritual Direction jobs in California? For Spiritual Direction jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Spiritual Direction jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Spiritual Direction jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Spiritual Direction jobs? Cities in California with the most Spiritual Direction job openings:
Infographic showing various Spiritual Direction job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,754 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Visiting Assoc Professor

University of Redlands

San Anselmo, CA โ€ข On-site

$9.0K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

POSITION: Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biblical Interpretation (Gray Chair)
Campus Location: San Anselmo, CA
APPOINTMENT: Faculty
DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: San Francisco Theological Seminary
Hiring Range: $58,000-$60,000
AVAILABLE: September 1, 2025
POSTING DATE: July 31, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled. Review of applications will start August 11, 2025
Definition of Classification:
San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) was founded in 1871 to "serve the present and future needs of the Presbyterian Church on the West Coast." In 1892, the seminary moved from San Francisco to its present location in San Anselmo, CA. In1900 the seminary was granted the power to grant degrees and, in 1913, jurisdiction over the seminary was transferred from the Synod of California/Pacific to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. In 1962, SFTS joined with neighboring theological schools and founded the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), Berkeley, CA, creating a dynamic and diverse environment for faculty research and student learning.
SFTS offers courses toward the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin). The Protestant spiritual formation movement of the Presbyterian Church (USA) began in 1972 when SFTS established its Spiritual Direction Programs. SFTS offers a Diploma in Art of Spiritual Direction (DASD) and Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Formation (CSDF). As a part of the specialized ministry of wholistic spiritual care and chaplaincy leadership, with a generous gift from Rev. John and Julia Shaw, SFTS established the Shaw Chaplaincy Institute. SFTS is an accredited Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) center and offers CPE as a part of its degree programs. SFTS also offers a Certificate in Trauma Spiritual Care (CTSC) and study for a Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS). In 2019, SFTS merged with the University of Redlands, a mid-sized, private, non-profit, secular, independent university founded in 1907. University of Redlands is in Redlands, CA, part of the Southern California Inland Empire.
SFTS offers courses toward the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin). The Protestant spiritual formation movement of the Presbyterian Church (USA) began in 1972 when SFTS established its Spiritual Direction Programs. SFTS offers a Diploma in Art of Spiritual Direction (DASD) and Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Formation (CSDF). As a part of the specialized ministry of wholistic spiritual care and chaplaincy leadership, with a generous gift from Rev. John and Julia Shaw, SFTS established the Shaw Chaplaincy Institute. SFTS is an accredited Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) center and offers CPE as a part of its degree programs. SFTS also offers a Certificate in Trauma Spiritual Care (CTSC) and study for a Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS). In 2019, SFTS merged with the University of Redlands, a mid-sized, private, non-profit, secular, independent university founded in 1907. University of Redlands is in Redlands, CA, part of the Southern California Inland Empire. SFTS primarily offers courses at or through its historic location at 105 Seminary Road, San Anselmo, CA. The MDiv and MATS can be completed online in synchronous, asynchronous, blended, and hybrid modalities. In-person classes are offered for the MDiv, MATS, and DMin program. The certificate programs are offered online and in-person. The seminary is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and accredited by ATS and WSCUC.
The SFTS Mission is to "Welcome, educate, and empower a diverse community of learners for lives of meaning, impact, and joy through spiritual and ethical leadership".
Local residency preferred, however, if non-local will be provided up to 5 roundtrip travel expenses per year for the duration of the contract, including airfare, ground transportation, and lodging on campus, if faculty housing is available on the San Anselmo campus, it will be made available for local residency.
Abide by all applicable policies of the institution, including the obligations of contingent faculty as outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Will teach graduate courses in Introduction to Old Testament I and Introduction to Old Testament II, Hebrew Exegesis course, and Old Testament elective as regular part of teaching load.
  • Will fulfill all responsibilities and opportunities associated with SFTS faculty position, including; mentoring students in SFTS degree programs; providing vocational and academic advising to MDiv students, DMin doctoral dissertation/projects and MATS master theses; attending SFTS Faculty Retreat, Convocation, Fall and Spring Seminary Retreat, and Commencement; participate campus and virtual events/lectures as appropriate and available; and participate with voice and vote in SFTS Faculty Assembly and serve on Committees;
  • Will develop and conduct scholarly research and publishing agenda and share results of research with Faculty colleagues in a suitable forum.
  • Will organize and lead 1 public event per academic year ordinarily on the SFTS campus in consultation with the SFTS dean and faculty, on a dimension of Bible scholarship or associated congregational life.
  • May take on additional responsibilities at SFTS as desired with the consent of the
    SFTS Dean.

Qualifications Guidelines
Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:
Experience/Training/Education:
Required
  • PhD in Hebrew Text or Old Testament Studies, Knowledge of Biblical Languages.
  • Prefer local/resident candidate.
  • Experience with theological education, seminary context, and theological vocations
    and students.
  • Experience with accreditation, program assessment, and program reviews.

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Communicate effectively and follow instructions, both verbally and in writing.
  • Aptitude to learn new and evolving technology and recommend ways to improve position's efficiency.
  • Excellent technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Ability to recommend appropriate courses of action within established guidelines.
  • Ability to foster strong, positive relationships and align both internal and external resources to achieve university objectives.
  • Ability to exercise discretion and work with confidentiality.
  • Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

Compensation: Adjunct faculty are paid $9,000 for a 4 credit course.
Application Process: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Presidio Graduate School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call 909-748-8040.
SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN
MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
TO APPLY: A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call (909) 748-8040. If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at (909) 748-8040 to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.
HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training. The University of Redlands is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position defined as the Hiring Range. Placement within the Hiring Range is determined by internal equity, and relevant qualifications.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current employee who was conditionally offered the position.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
http://www.redlands.edu/human-resources/employment/
SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.
MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.