Buddhist Spiritual Advisor, Part-Time: Boston, MA
BUDDHIST SPIRITUAL ADVISOR (“Chaplain”) at NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Job Summary:
Northeastern University is seeking a Boston-based part-time Buddhist Spiritual Advisor to work in a collaborative team serving the University’s large, diverse, and dynamic Buddhist community. NU’s Spiritual Advisor positions cover several classic “chaplaincy” or “campus ministry” functions, and advance the global experiential educational mission of the University and its Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service (CSDS) (see spirituallife.northeastern.edu), which coordinates Spiritual Life across the University’s Global Campus Network.
A successful candidate will have a passion for working with undergraduate and graduate students from diverse US and international backgrounds; an ability to collaboratively plan and develop programs with NU’s Buddhist and Mindfulness Group (NUBG); experience as an educator and/or leader in educational, religious, and/or nonprofit settings; excellent communication, organizational, and conflict resolution skills; experience in interfaith dialogue and cooperation; deep knowledge and experience of one’s own spiritual/religious tradition and respect for others’; an appreciation of the dynamics of young adult life in US society and higher education; a commitment to developing student leaders who are interculturally adept, ethically reflective, and spiritually grounded global citizens; and a powerful commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Overall, Spiritual Advisors at Northeastern:
- Design effective outreach/hospitality/engagement approaches to students, faculty, and staff within the Spiritual Advisor’s own religious/spiritual tradition.
- Advise student organization(s) serving the SA’s specific religious/spiritual tradition.
- Work with the Center Executive Director and staff to plan and implement dynamic programs of spirituality, dialogue and service — bringing the religious teachings, practices, and culture(s) of the Spiritual Advisor’s specific tradition to bear on the interfaith/intercultural mission of the Center.
- Meet with Northeastern community members from one’s own tradition for spiritual guidance/care/counseling, while maintaining respect for others’ traditions.
- Are available as needed to meet with and serve students of all religious/spiritual traditions, and none.
- Meet with a team of fellow Spiritual Advisors for dialogue and program planning (once a month, Thursday afternoons 1-3pm).
- With the Executive Director of the Center, work to build bridges of communication and cooperation with the Spiritual Advisor’s specific religious/spiritual tradition locally, nationally, and globally.
- Serve as a representative of the Spiritual Advisor’s religious/spiritual tradition in University forums, interfaith services, events, conferences and symposia, experiential education, service/dialogue programs, urban and foreign study trips, academic classes, etc.
- Where appropriate, coordinate services and ceremonies specific to the Spiritual Advisor’s religious/spiritual tradition, or arrange for religious leadership to conduct services.
- Other duties as assigned.
Selected Experience, Qualifications and Qualities Identified by Students:
Openness; ability to incorporate what students desire out of the Buddhist Group; a dialogue rather than solely lecture-based approach to teaching; experience teaching/guiding meditation; significant knowledge about Buddhist teachings and practices; humility and ability to meet Buddhist and non-Buddhist students “where they are”; ability to relate Buddhist teachings to all interested students and to varied contexts; flexibility & fluidity; international experience with some knowledge of different forms of Buddhism, its variety of practices, historical development, etc. desirable; experience in university setting desirable; experience in meditation/retreat center settings desirable; social engagement in the context of Buddhism.
* The position is part-time, hours to be determined, and could include working in collaboration with other colleges and chaplaincy settings. Spiritual Advisors are supervised by Alexander Levering Kern, the Center’s Executive Director and lead Spiritual Advisor for the University.
If interested:
Please email resume/CV, bio, and/or statement of interest to a.kern@northeastern.edu and r.jenkins@northeastern.edu. We welcome all applications and inquiries.
Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service
Northeastern University
203 & 206 Ell Hall
360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
spirituallife.northeastern.edu
Additional Information:
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a global research university located in the heart of Boston with a Global Campus Network extending from London to Vancouver. For more information, visit www.northeastern.edu
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.