Director of University Ministry - Benedictine University

The President and Administrators of Benedictine University seek nominations and applications for the position of Director of University Ministry. A private, Catholic institution, Benedictine University was founded in 1887 to educate men of Czech and Slovak descent. Turning co-educational in 1968, the College became Benedictine University in 1996. Benedictine University is committed to providing a dynamic academic community based on rigorous undergraduate and graduate study, underscored by a strong Catholic heritage and time-honored Benedictine values. The University is dedicated to the liberal arts and professional education of students from diverse ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. Located on a 108-acre campus 25 miles west of downtown Chicago, Benedictine University has five colleges and offers degrees through its 49 traditional undergraduate majors, 13 graduate programs and four doctorate programs.  The institution boasts an enrollment of over 10,000 on-campus, off-campus and on-line students of which over 30 percent are minorities and 48 percent of students indicate a religious preference, of those 15 percent indicate they are Muslim.

Benedictine University is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director  of University Ministry.  The Director of University Ministry reports to the Associate Vice President for Student Life and collaborates with administrators, faculty, staff, and students to strengthen the University's Catholic Identity and their commitment to living out the mission of the University. The Director of University Ministry is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the entire University community, including on-campus, off-campus and on-line students. He/She supervises and oversees the University Ministry staff and empowers them to proclaim with him/her the Good News of Jesus Christ and walk with those searching for their relationship with God.

Benedictine University is seeking a Roman Catholic in good standing, willing to work within the Benedictine tradition, knowledgeable in faith issues, and conversant with Catholic higher education.  Master’s degree preferred in a theological discipline or equivalent and a minimum of  3 to 5 years of ministerial leadership.  The candidate must have exceptional interpersonal skills; be an excellent listener and communicator; and be a leader who will inspire respect and trust; and most importantly, be a person of high moral integrity and ethical standards. In addition, this person is excited about their Catholic faith and wants to share it with others: willing to find creative ways to minister to many different types of students in a complex university; knowledgeable of and able to dialogue with other faiths, including the Muslim faith. This position requires flexible hours and some evening and weekend responsibilities.  The starting date for the successful candidate is negotiable.  Compensation and benefit package are excellent and commensurate with experience.  Benedictine University is an EOE.

Fennell Associates – Higher Education Services is assisting Benedictine University in the search process.  All applications should include a focused cover letter addressing the above requirements, a resume/CV, and contact information for five (5) professional references. References will not be contacted without candidate approval.  Nominations should include all contact information for the nominated candidate.  Information received via email is preferred. All applications and nominations will be considered confidential.
Please forward all applications and nominations to:

Cindy Deschaine
Director of Executive Search
Hyatt•Fennell - Education Services Charitable Resources Group
E-mail: cdeschaine@hyatt-fennell.com
PO Box 214 • Conway, Pennsylvania 15027
P: 724-242-0476

Benedictine University is an equal opportunity institution.
www.ben.edu