Job Information
Stanford University Associate Dean for Student Life and University Public Worship (Academic Year Only) in Stanford, California
Associate Dean for Student Life and University Public Worship (Academic Year Only)
Office for Religious Life, Stanford, California, United States
Administration
Post Date Apr 06, 2026
Requisition # 108709
JOB PURPOSE:
The Associate Dean for Student Life and University Public Worship serves as a key leader within the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL), with a dual focus on supporting student religious life and overseeing the coordination of University Public Worship. This role works closely with chaplain affiliates, and campus partners to ensure all traditions are supported and represented in the fabric of university life. The associate dean provides pastoral care to students, staff, and faculty, manages student-facing programs such as New Student Orientation and Family Weekend, and leads the administrative planning and execution of Sunday worship in Memorial Church. This position represents a vital connection point between tradition and innovation, offering both administrative leadership and spiritual presence in the Stanford community.
CORE DUTIES:
Coordinate University Public Worship
Oversee planning, liturgy, and logistics of weekly Sunday services and special worship gatherings, including volunteer management and bulletin production
Preach regularly (2 times per month) and coordinate the annual preaching calendar
Supervise the University Organist and ensure high-quality musical and liturgical standards
Oversee and support the university’s Praise and Worship Initiative, including monthly gatherings and quarterly Jazz Vespers
Supervise and coordinate the Chaplain Affiliates Program
Manage application and vetting processes for new chaplain affiliates
Lead onboarding, orientation, and regular convenings to integrate chaplain affiliates into the life of the university
Serve as liaison between affiliate chaplains and university offices
Coordinate the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life’s (ORSL) student-facing events
Oversee ORSL planning and participation in New Student Orientation, Reunion Weekend, Family Weekend, Admit Weekend, and Baccalaureate
Serve as primary ORSL liaison to campus partners for these events
Serve as the primary ORSL liaison for partnerships and programs with campus departments and offices
Design and coordinate student engagement opportunities for ORSL throughout the year
Collaborate with colleagues and other university offices and departments as needed.
Serve as a member of the Spiritual Life Team Plan, facilitate, and participate in multifaith gatherings and university events with all associate deans
Offer one-on-one and small group spiritual guidance, grief support, and crisis care
Participate in campus-wide care and wellness initiatives in collaboration with Stanford’s well-being resources
Provide thoughtful pastoral care for students, faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the university community regarding emotional, religious, educational, social, vocational and civic issues.
Respond immediately and comprehensively to campus crises. Design, organize and implement highly visible communal ritual responses to crises in the world and in the community.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Master of Divinity (M.Div) and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Acute pastoral sensitivity and discretion.
Ordination or professional religious training in a recognized faith community.
Experience in a role of religious leadership. Thorough understanding and performance of ritual and ritual practices.
Demonstrated effectiveness in leading public worship (including religious teaching/preaching), in moderation of discussions, and in intelligent presentations of religious, spiritual and societal questions and challenges.
Enthusiasm and capacity for working imaginatively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and religious traditions.
Demonstrated effectiveness in counsel, support, and inspiration of young adults.
Knowledge of multiple religious traditions.
Ability to work independently, complete assignments, accomplish administrative tasks, and exercise sound judgment in determining priorities.
Certifications and Licenses:
Ordination or equivalent.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently sitting.
Occasionally perform desk-based computer tasks, stand/walk, writing by hand, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.
Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat.
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
- May work evening and weekend hours.
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide,http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.
Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4166
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: I
Requisition ID: 108709
Work Arrangement : On Site