Episcopal Day School seeks a dynamic and enthusiastic Chaplain to be the spiritual leader of a PK3 - 8th community that nurtures hearts and minds, preparing them to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and impact. The Chaplain reports to the Head of School and serves on the Senior Administrative team.

We view the role of the Chaplain as central to the life of the school. That view is reinforced by the fact that the Fain Chaplaincy and Chair of Religious Life is funded by two different endowments. It is currently one of two endowed positions at the school. More centrally, our Episcopal heritage and our call to love God and others form the foundation of who we are and why we do what we do. The Chaplain spurs us to love and good deeds; champions our Episcopal Identity; and calls us to a deeper understanding of God’s love for us. As a member of Senior Administration, the Chaplain will ensure we continually consider decisions through the lens of our core values, remain mindful of the emotional and spiritual health of our community, and provide support for and be supported by his or her colleagues in our collective work and inevitable struggles. 

Beyond these general responsibilities, the Chaplain leads in the following areas and ways:

Spiritual Leadership: In collaboration with the Head of School and Rector, the Chaplain provides spiritual leadership for the school.  As a member of the Administrative Team, the Chaplain helps ensure that administrative deliberations and decision-making are considered through the lens of our Christian values and Episcopal tradition.  

Chapel and Prayers:  The Chaplain is responsible for planning and conducting school chapels each week and all other special school chapels, and liturgies. The Chaplain is responsible for preparing the prayers at the beginning of each school day and for leading the school community in prayer at assemblies, meetings, and other school functions where appropriate.

Religious Instruction:  The Chaplain is responsible for overseeing the Religion Department consisting of the Chaplain and two Godly Play/religion instructors. The Chaplain is currently responsible for teaching the religion classes in seventh and eighth grades.

Outreach:  The Chaplain is responsible for overseeing, administering, and coordinating as necessary all of the school’s outreach and community service activities.  The Chaplain is specifically responsible for administering the Middle School Service Program and school-wide outreach programs such as the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Enhancing and expanding service opportunities is a strategic priority for the school.

Community Relations: The Chaplain shall help nurture the school’s image and relationship in the broader community, especially with area church communities. Connecting the school to the area Episcopal churches is a point of strategic emphasis.

Pastoral Care: The Chaplain is responsible for providing pastoral care to students, school families, faculty, and staff as appropriate. The Chaplain works with the Head of School, Division Heads, School Counselor, and others as necessary to ensure the emotional, moral, and spiritual support of all Episcopal Day School students.

Other Administration:  The Chaplain is responsible for other administrative tasks as assigned by the Head of School.

Other Priestly Duties: While the Chaplain is an employee of the school, reporting to the Head of the School, he or she will also be invited to support the work of Rector at the Church of the Good Shepherd in ways that match the skills and interests of the Chaplain and the needs of the church.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHAPLAIN

• Ordained or on a path to ordination in the Episcopal Church
• Maintains a vibrant personal faith in word and action– informed at all times by the Holy Scriptures, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Constitution and Canons of the General Convention and our Diocese
• Works well with preschool through middle school-aged children– fostering their sense of wonder, relating Scripture in age-appropriate terms, inspiring spiritual growth, and engaging in joyful worship
• Works well with adults– conveying warmth and authenticity; leading with integrity and understanding; collaborating effectively and without ego
• Operates with flexibility, joy, and care

About Episcopal Day School

The Episcopal Day School is a mission of the Church of the Good Shepherd serving students from two and a half years old through 8th grade. Episcopal Day School seeks to nurture and educate young minds and hearts, preparing them to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and impact as they navigate the ever-changing complexities of God’s world. Within a faith-filled, inclusive community, our students will be: Academically prepared :: Individually empowered :: Intellectually curious :: Socially responsible :: Spiritually guided

Connections working at Episcopal Day School