[Hiring] Chaplain @Los Angeles Pacific University

Role Description

The University Chaplain serves as the spiritual heart of our online community, providing pastoral care, crisis intervention, and spiritual leadership to both students and employees. In this role, the Chaplain fosters an environment that honors the theological foundations of Los Angeles Pacific University while promoting shared beliefs and practices.

• Lead community devotions as needed.
• Offer prayer, support, and spiritual guidance to ensure employees and students feel seen and supported.
• Serve as a Confidential Resource or “safe harbor” under Title IX for sharing information about sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination without triggering an official report.

Primary work location: Remote. This position is classified as "Remote" and is subject to change based on business needs and job performance.

Remote Expectation: Employees should fulfill their LAPU responsibilities with minimal distractions and make arrangements for regular dependent care during work hours. Travel may be required for business demands, university needs, or team meetings.

Qualifications

• Vital Christian faith and lifestyle that aligns with the evangelical mission and purpose of Los Angeles Pacific University.
• Demonstrated competence in providing pastoral counseling, with specific experience navigating trauma, grief, and mental health challenges.
• Expertise in theology and spiritual formation, applicable in a diverse community.
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent advanced degree in theology or pastoral counseling.
• Three to five years of experience in active pastoral ministry within a church or university chaplaincy setting is highly preferred.
• Formal ordination or ecclesiastical endorsement from a recognized faith tradition.
• Ability to communicate with warmth and presence through digital platforms.
• Motivated by a vocational calling to serve in an online learning community.
• Proactive approach to pastoral care, providing timely support to those in crisis.
• Understanding of ethical boundaries in pastoral counseling and Title IX contexts.
• Ability to build rapport and work effectively across departments.

Requirements

• A maturing philosophy of ministry and worship, addressing contemporary cultural shifts through a biblical lens.
• Serves as a primary responder to student needs, providing immediate outreach and pastoral presence for those in distress.
• Offer empathetic, “first-response” counseling for students navigating grief, trauma, mental health challenges, and spiritual doubt.
• Curate and distribute the "Student Verse-of-the-Week” to encourage the online student body.
• Produce three 12–13 minute student devotionals per term to foster spiritual growth.
• Act as a confidential resource for students navigating sensitive institutional processes.
• Actively participate in weekly Staff Devotionals and “Coffee Time” to build a cohesive team culture.
• Lead the Staff Devotions on a five-week rotation and facilitate the annual Spiritual Refocus Day.
• Oversee employee care initiatives, including personalized messages for all staff birthdays.
• Partner with the Faith, Life & Learning Committee to present occasional livestream topics.
• Assist faculty in writing and revising spiritual content for core courses.
• Provide spiritual writing support for the University President for special addresses and university-wide correspondence.

Benefits

• This is a volunteer position and is not compensated.
• Responsibilities are anticipated to be approximately two hours per week on an as-needed basis.
• Community devotions take place remotely at 9:15 am PT every Monday for 30 minutes.

Application Materials

• Please submit a PDF version of your resume/CV and a list of your current references.
• At least two professional references that have served in a supervisory role are required.
• Cover letter is optional.
• Additional documents can be uploaded under the "Documents Section".

Non-discrimination Statement

The University seeks to provide equal employment opportunities and is dedicated to the principle that access to employment opportunities be accorded to all employees and applicants on the basis of individual qualification and without regard to protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The University reserves the right to maintain its heritage and destiny as a Christian witness in higher education and asserts its right to employ and retain only those persons who subscribe to and support Our Identity and Statement of Faith.