Coordinator of Hindu Life

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Job Description Summary

Job Description

Wellesley College is an exceptionally diverse place. The presence of chaplains, rooted in a variety of religious and spiritual traditions, supports this diverse population of students in navigating the joys and challenges of being part of an inclusive campus community. The Coordinator of Hindu Life, as a member of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL), serves the spiritual and pastoral needs of Hindu students. They support the department mission by strengthening and sustaining the Hindu community through weekly services, religious education, cultural events, pastoral care and counseling, and the promotion of interfaith understanding, in collaboration with Darshana student leaders.

The Coordinator of Hindu Life will address the needs of a complex and diverse population of Hindu students in a multicultural environment and enable this diversity to thrive. They must have the ability to translate Hindu traditions, cultures, and theology into a contemporary context that is authentic and accessible, in order to nourish students with a wide range of observances, practices, and identities. Applicants must demonstrate an inclusive ideology of Hinduism celebrating all religious and cultural differences, embody radical acceptance, provide mentorship, and create a welcoming space for all students.

They must also be willing to work and collaborate closely with chaplains and students from other faith traditions, including but not limited to Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Unitarian Universalist and Christian. They will participate in the creation and execution of multifaith college traditions, such as Flower Sunday and Baccalaureate. They will also provide spiritual care to Wellesley students of all faith traditions and philosophical worldviews.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Religious Services: In collaboration with Darshana student leaders, oversee and promote participation in weekly pujas, cultivate student leadership, provide spiritual reflection and content.
• Religious Education: In collaboration with Darshana student leaders, promote appreciation and understanding of Hinduism in the college community, by hosting sacred text study and religious literacy opportunities as well as campus wide events across religious and spiritual traditions. 
• Pastoral Care: Provide spiritual care and personal guidance to students, and serve as a regular pastoral presence.
• Assess Programs: Assess programs in order to measure impact on the Wellesley student experience.

Performance Profile:

• Ability to relate to and mentor students
• Ability to program effectively and reliably
• Ability to collaborate within the ORSL department and across campus
• Ability to prioritize and multitask while providing a high level of service
• Ability to work on location on campus
• Ability to work weekends and evenings if need arises
• Ability to complete mid and end of year written assessments

Education Required:

• May be attained or in progress: Master of Divinity, Masters of Theological Studies, or other relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification in religious and spiritual life
• Practitioner of Hinduism that is actively connected to Hindu institutions and resources

Experience Required:

• A familiarity with campus culture in higher education, preferably in positions related to religious and spiritual life and student affairs
• Experience with college age programming
• Experience in mentoring and providing spiritual care

Skills and Abilities Required:

This position requires exposure and understanding of the diversity of beliefs and practices within Hinduism, as well as cultural competency in Indian-American and Indian cultures: 

• Experience of, or commitment to working in a multifaith community
• Experience working in a Hindu community is preferred, particularly with young adults in teaching, mentorship, guidance, and advisory roles
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to establish and maintain relationships with a diverse group of people
• A successful record of planning and implementing programs is required

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer’s sponsorship now or in the future.

Other:

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) serves students of all faith traditions and philosophical worldviews. Students need not identify with any tradition to seek support. All who serve in a chaplaincy capacity on the ORSL team are confidential resources, meaning they do not share identifiable information without permission, unless sharing is required to address an imminent safety risk, or if a student is a minor. ORSL team members support students through both acute crises and emerging life transitions. This office plays a significant role in the student experience at Wellesley College.

Position Details:

This is an intermittent, fixed-term role working up to 8 hours per week during the Academic Year (August to May). This position is not eligible for benefits.

Salary:

The pay rate for this role is $25 an hour.

Company Description:

Wellesley’s mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community—faculty, students, staff, and alumnae. 

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College – where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!

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At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas—the best solutions—draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish. 

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.

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