Job Description
Lead University Chaplain & Program Coordinator | Full-Time Exempt Employment
IOK CHESS – IOK Chaplaincy Program
Insitute of Knowledge Center for Counseling, Higher Education, & Spiritual Support – IOK CHESS
About IOK CHESS
The Institute of Knowledge (IOK), through its Center for Counseling, Higher Education, & Spiritual Support (CHESS), provides Islamic education, spiritual care, and support to strengthen Muslim individuals and communities. The IOK Chaplaincy Program serves Muslim students across university campuses through spiritual guidance, pastoral care, mentorship, and educational programming.
Position Summary
The Lead University Chaplain & Program Coordinator will provide direct chaplaincy services to university students while coordinating the IOK Chaplaincy Program across participating campuses. The position combines pastoral care and student engagement with program coordination, external relations, communications, and fundraising support to strengthen and expand IOK's campus presence.
Key Responsibilities
1. University Chaplaincy
- Provide Islamic spiritual guidance, mentorship, and pastoral care to university students.
- Organize halaqahs, workshops, religious programming, and other campus initiatives.
- Build relationships with Muslim Student Associations, university administrators, faculty, and student leaders.
- Refer students to appropriate professional services when needs fall outside the scope of chaplaincy.
2. Program Coordination
- Coordinate activities, communication, and collaboration among chaplains across participating campuses.
- Facilitate regular team meetings, maintain program calendars, and monitor campus engagement.
- Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of chaplains as the program grows.
- Work with IOK CHESS leadership to establish goals, evaluate outcomes, and identify opportunities for expansion.
3. External Relations and Communications
- Serve as the primary point of contact for university partners, students, community members, and external inquiries.
- Represent the program at university meetings, community events, and relevant gatherings.
- Coordinate media inquiries, public relations, social media content, program updates, and impact stories in collaboration with IOK's communications team.
4. Fundraising and Development
- Support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, grant opportunities, and community outreach.
- Prepare program summaries, impact reports, and fundraising materials in collaboration with IOK CHESS leadership.
- Communicate the program's mission, accomplishments, and funding needs to prospective donors and supporters.
5. Administration and Reporting
- Maintain program records and provide periodic reports on activities, engagement, and outcomes.
- Assist with program planning, budgeting, and implementation of strategic initiatives.
- Ensure appropriate confidentiality, professional conduct, and compliance with university and organizational policies.
Qualifications
Required
- Alimiyyah degree from a recognized Islamic seminary or institution.
- Strong Islamic knowledge, character, and commitment to serving Muslim university students.
- Experience in Islamic education, mentorship, pastoral care, or community leadership.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to coordinate teams, manage multiple responsibilities, and work independently.
- Willingness to travel between university campuses and attend occasional evening and weekend activities.
Preferred
- University chaplaincy experience or formal chaplaincy training, including Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
- Experience in program management, nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, media, or communications.
- Familiarity with university administration and Muslim Student Associations.
Reporting Structure
The Lead University Chaplain & Program Coordinator will report to designated IOK CHESS leadership and collaborate with IOK's administrative, communications, and development teams, as well as chaplains serving other campuses.
Position Details
- Employment: Full-time or part-time, depending on organizational needs and candidate qualifications
- Location: Southern California, with travel to participating university campuses
- Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their Islamic education, relevant experience, and interest in advancing the mission of IOK CHESS and its chaplaincy program to administration@instituteofknowledge.com
IOK CHESS seeks a qualified, service-oriented individual committed to nurturing faith, supporting students, and strengthening Muslim campus life through spiritual guidance, meaningful relationships, and institutional collaboration.
