Campus Pastor
Job Description
Dakota Wesleyan University Campus Pastor Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota (a university affiliated with the United Methodist Church) invites applications for the full-time position of Campus Pastor. Start date is negotiable, but a June or July 2023 start date is highly desirable. The Campus Pastor is responsible for: Serving and supporting the faith identity of the university by bringing members of the university community (and partners of that community) together through conversation and action. Members of the university community (and their partners) include, but are not limited to, faculty, staff, students (e.g., the Student Ministry Council), administrators, leadership from the Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and Fusion Church (a United Methodist congregation on the DWU campus). Serving and supporting the university's Student Ministry Council as a critical partner. Student Ministry Council is the group of student leaders who plan, support, and lead core ministry programs at the university. Serving and supporting the ministry and spiritual needs of all students by meeting them where they are with respect to their faith formation and their spiritual journeys. Working in partnership with others across campus to strengthen and sustain spiritual practices of renewal, including chapel. The university considers chapel a sacred time and space that welcomes the entire campus community to gather to consider scripture, engage in fellowship, and experience spiritual sustenance (currently held on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m., when no classes are scheduled). Serving and supporting the ministry needs of university employees, supporting faculty and staff members in their faith formation, as well as supporting both academic and non-academic units of the university as they endeavor to express the university's commitment to faith and to live out their vocations. The successful candidate will: Have earned a minimum of a Master of Divinity degree. The university has a strong preference for candidates who have been ordained in the United Methodist Church or who are willing to pursue ordination. Have experience working in a college or university environment, or background and experience strongly suggesting an ability to work successfully in such an environment, one that values the student voice and, specifically, that of Student Ministry Council. Understand faith (including other faith and non-faith traditions) as an opportunity to build bridges. The candidate will appreciate that their work is largely relational, rooted in both informal, as well as intentional, conversations that build trust and to foster discernment. Be enthusiastic about creating opportunities for conversations about what it means to be a United Methodist university and, as an extension of these conversations, to help the university take meaningful action to nurture the relationship between the church and the university. Embrace the opportunity to develop and sustain frameworks for members of the campus community to explore, discover, and claim their callings, as well as the related and/or potential callings of the university. Embrace the opportunity to develop, strengthen, and sustain relationships that enhance the university's faith commitment through actions that include, but not limited to, working closely with leaders in the Dakotas Annual Conference, Fusion Church, the Downtown Mitchell First UMC, and other area churches. Be enthusiastic about developing relationships with local congregations that support service initiatives and that demonstrate an affinity for the university. Be enthusiastic about developing relationships with youth in a manner that serves their spiritual needs and demonstrates the university's commitment to faith expression and exploration. The University views these efforts as having the potential to enhance the recruitment of students to Dakota Wesleyan University, offering opportunities for students to lead and participate in ministry activities and ongoing faith development. Such outreach efforts may include United Methodist Annual Conferences, Dak Youth gatherings, church camps, and area youth ministries (as well as building bridges with other faith traditions). Possess a welcoming and inclusive orientation with deep respect for diversity and difference (e.g., differences around race, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and so forth). Have excellent relational skills and be able to build strong relationships with college students, faculty, and staff. Possess strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Should be an energetic, self-motivated professional with a willingness to try new ministry endeavors. Must demonstrate commitment to the mission of DWU and to the university's values of learning, leadership, faith, and service. All applications must include a letter of interest addressing how the candidate's knowledge, training, experience, and professional aspirations meet the criteria for the position and prepare candidate to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of the position. Applications must also include a curriculum vitae (or resume), and the names and contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses) of four professional references. Original transcripts and background check will be required before the university makes an appointment. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a private, comprehensive university affiliated with the United Methodist Church granting both bachelors and master's degrees. The University's mission is to provide a transformative learning experience that cultivates enduring intellectual growth, ethically grounded leadership, intentional faith exploration, and meaningful service. The University serves approximately 1,000 students from across the nation and around the world, including a significant number of first-generation students from the Great Plains region. Dakota Wesleyan's profile is on the rise both regionally and nationally. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Dakota Wesleyan as a best value school in the Midwest and as one of the best regional colleges in the Midwest. In the past decade, university donors have made possible a new health science center; a black box theater and alumni welcome center; a 90,000 sq ft sport and wellness complex; a new residence hall; and the new School of Business, Innovation and Leadership. In 2018, Dakota Wesleyan introduced its Digital DWU initiative. This initiative focuses on creating learning opportunities for students that will prepare them to succeed in the digital world they will enter upon graduation. The initiative provides all students with iPads and supports faculty in utilizing technology to create a more engaging and inclusive educational experience for all students. DWU is located in Mitchell, South Dakota, a community of 15,000, nestled in the heart of one of the country's finest outdoor recreation areas. Mitchell is the sixth largest city in South Dakota and home to the world's only Corn Palace. The University is within an hour's drive of Sioux Falls, one of the Upper Midwest's largest statistical metropolitan areas. It is within a six-hour drive of several major metropolitan areas (Omaha, NB; Minneapolis, MN; Kansas City, MO). Dakota Wesleyan reserves the right to modify all job postings and job descriptions. Dakota Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer and provider.recblid 9t2twlupg6oie32k8ue1i91zk198vv
Organization Description
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