Middle School Chaplain, Charleston, South Carolina
Updated December 21, 2023 - the opportunity is now closed and the position is now filled.
Posted October 25, 2023
Middle School Chaplain (to begin immediately)
This posting is for a full-time, Middle School Chaplain to work at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, South Carolina, during the 2024-2025 school year. The School would prefer and entertain an earlier start date based on candidate availability. The Middle School Chaplain leads chapel, teaches religion and philosophy courses, fosters spiritual development, and provides pastoral care for the Middle School community (grades 5 through 8).
The School will consider ordained candidates, lay candidates currently pursuing ordination, and in some circumstances lay candidates not pursuing ordination. Porter-Gaud’s Chaplaincy team consists of the Head Chaplain / Upper School Chaplain, the Middle School Chaplain, and the Lower School Chaplain. The Middle School Chaplain will serve under the direction of the Head Chaplain and the Head of the Middle School.
Primary Responsibilities:
● Assist the Division Chaplains in all aspects of Chaplaincy at Porter-Gaud.
● Teach one section per quarter of the following (three total sections per quarter): ○ 5th Grade: Narnia, Aslan, and the Christian Imagination
○ 6th Grade: Survey of the Old Testament
○ 8th Grade: Introduction to World Religions
● Plan and lead weekly Middle School chapel services.
○ Coordinate with faculty and student leaders to promote community participation. ○ Coordinate with Jewish Life Leaders for Joint Chapel Services.
● Assist the Division Chaplains in the Thursday Morning Eucharist services. ● Lead weekly Middle School Vestry and Bible study gatherings.
● Lead Middle School spiritual life retreat(s).
● Serve as a member of the Middle School Student Support Team.
● Offer pastoral care to Middle School students, faculty, and families.
● Assist with Middle School character education as well as parent and student education on issues affecting adolescents and their families.
● Articulate and exemplify the unique Episcopal Identity of Porter-Gaud (see school website for further details).
● Participate actively in Diocesan and deanery meetings and in the life of a local Anglican / Episcopal parish.
Minimum Requirements:
● Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (an advanced degree is an advantage, especially an MDiv).
● Evidence of ministry in the Anglican Tradition (e.g. The Episcopal Church or Anglican Church of North America).
● Experience of Ordained ministry in the Anglican Tradition is an advantage. The successful candidate will have:
● Experience in a school, church, or camp setting teaching and/or ministering to youth. ● Ability to support the school’s diversity and inclusion efforts. The Middle School Chaplain will display a continuous commitment to developing the attitudes, knowledge, and skills (intercultural competence) to engage in appropriate and effective communication with students, colleagues, and families from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We desire
candidates who will contribute to the school’s efforts to continue creating a more inclusive and equitable community where all individuals can develop a sense of belonging.
Personal attributes:
● Display a genuine caring and approachable disposition.
● Minister pastorally and effectively to a wide variety of individuals, including students, parents, faculty, and staff of diverse religious and nonreligious backgrounds.
● Demonstrate a passion for working with young people, especially Middle School students. ● Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
● Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively within an academic institution. Reporting:
● As a member of the Middle School Faculty, the Middle School Chaplain reports directly to the Head of the Middle School. As a member of the Chaplaincy team, the Middle School Chaplain also reports directly to the Head Chaplain.
Salary: Commensurate with experience.
To apply: Email completed application (see link below), cover letter, and resume to careers@portergaud.edu using the subject line: “MS Chaplain”. The names of your files should include your first and last names.
Application link:
https://www.portergaud.edu/fs/resource-manager/view/9d68b113-09a0-4f27-a586-ae61496 60d7e
Porter-Gaud School is committed to increasing the racial, ethnic, and religious diversity of our faculty and staff. The School welcomes applicants who would bring additional dimensions to the School's teaching mission. In accordance with law, Porter-Gaud School is an equal opportunity employer and hires without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.
Porter-Gaud School is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We hold our employees to the highest possible standards. All employees are subject to extensive background check screenings and must sign our code of conduct. We strive to monitor employees while interacting with students. We take any inappropriate interactions between students and employees seriously and are committed to mandatory reporting standards as required by law. We will fully cooperate with authorities in any allegation or case of abuse.
Website: https://www.portergaud.edu/