As partners in learning, Student Affairs departments collaborate, communicate, coordinate, and co-create accessible programs and services with colleagues across campus, including Faculty and Program stakeholders. Dedicated to the success of the whole student, Student Affairs units integrate seamlessly to provide a welcoming and inclusive space that supports students' well-being and sense of belonging. This foundation of support fosters transformation and growth, enhancing student life and engagement beyond the classroom to enhance their academic experience.
We have an exciting opportunity for a continuing Senior Manager, Spiritual Care and Learning Centre within Student Affairs!
Reporting to the Director, Equity Access and Belonging, the Senior Manager, Spiritual Care and Learning Centre oversees the Spiritual Care and Learning Community (SCLC) for Religious, Secular and Spiritual Communities at McMaster, as well as the delivery of spiritual care and counsel to university students, staff and faculty. The role includes the development and implementation of all related programming and professional services, as well as integration with existing supports and infrastructure at McMaster.
The role acts as an enabling leader and advisor to the SCLC membership; currently comprised of 13 spiritual care leaders, and as an advisor to Religious, Secular and Spiritual (RSS) student groups and senior administrators on relevant matters; and as a University representative at commemorative events. The role is an essential partner contributing to McMaster’s vision to foster belonging by supporting students’ spirituality through their discovery and exploration of that spirituality across intersecting values and identities (e.g. gender, sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, faith-based etc).
Oversight of the delivery of spiritual care and counsel at McMaster
•Provides oversight and strategic direction of the delivery of spiritual care and counsel to university students, staff, and faculty
•As an enabling leader, proves advice/guidance to both individuals and Religious, Secular and Spiritual (RSS) students groups. Encourages inter-relationship of RSS groups to discover intersecting values.
•Provides oversight and strategic direction to the SCLC group, and leads regular meetings of the SCLC group
•Provide strategic guidance and expert advice to senior administrators on matters of religious pluralism, inclusion, and spiritual well-being, particularly during periods of geopolitical conflict or crisis, to support informed decision-making, campus cohesion, and community resilience.
• Oversees the recruitment, training and supervision of new members to the SCLC, ensuring they are trained in university policies and the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how to apply.
Program development, education and assessment
•Develops, implements, and evaluates a range of professional programs, professional development, continuing education, services, and interventions (proactive and/or emergency in nature) consistent with the mandate of the SCLC.
•Consults with campus and community stakeholders and supports the development, outreach, and promotion of related activities across McMaster and within the broader community.
•Develops educational opportunities about SCLC principles and practices that complement the University’s inclusive excellence goals, including the management of a website and printed materials.
Program and Services Administration
•Oversees the development of the SCLC strategic plan, in collaboration with 13 SCLC leaders
•Manages the budget and expenditures associated with the SCLC
•Prepares new program and funding proposals and compiles annual reports
•Represents the SCLC at University events where requested (eg. Annual University Memorial Service) and/or enables SCLC members to do so.
•Oversees, plans and implements vigils and related events following a significant crisis at the University or in the world affecting the University community
• Oversees the SCLC lounge, which provides prayer and meeting space
•Raise awareness of SCLC profile and services to university and community, and engages RSS groups in the wider Hamilton community
•Act as a consultant for resources of RSS communities and Inter-Peace groups within the University and wider community
•Works collaboratively with other University offices, faculties and units, including but not limited to Student Affairs, Office of International Affairs, Community Engagement, Indigenous Student Services, the Black Student Success Centre, School of Graduate Studies, Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) and McMaster Student Union (MSU)
•Serves on various university committees or advisory bodies whose work intersects with the SCLC
Qualifications:
Education:
Masters degree in Theology, Education, Social work of equivalent
Experience:
Minimum 7-10 years of experience working within a pluralistic religious, secular and spiritual context, demonstrating strong people and advising skills with individual students and groups
Knowledge/Skills:
-Knowledge of interfaith principles and best practice in delivering spiritual care and spiritual care education and training
-Demonstrated leadership in interfaith, secular, and spiritual pluralism
-Strong strategic advisory and relationship management skills
-Advanced spiritual care, pastoral support, and values-based advising skills
-Proven conflict resolution and facilitated dialogue skills
-Strong program development, supervision, and cross-campus collaboration skills
