University Minister For Cultural Engagement & Outreach

TITLE: University Minister for Cultural Engagement & Outreach
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT (Full Time; 11 months)
DEPARTMENT: University Ministry
REPORTS TO: Director, University Ministry
PRIMARY PURPOSE/POSITION SUMMARY:
The University Minister for Cultural Engagement & Outreach integrates the University's mission as a Catholic, Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and the four pillars of the Dominican Order by engaging and centering the lived experiences of Latine communities. The University Minister will accompany students through opportunities of spiritual development, cultural engagement, and identity formation.
This is a grant-funded position through December 2025 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT (60%)
Ministry en lo Cotidiano is a leadership development and faith formation program that immerses undergraduate students in Latine communities in Chicago and the near western suburbs. This program fosters the fellows' vocational discernment through transformative mutual encounters in local communities and weekly theological reflection that draw on the sources, methods and resources of Latine theologies and spiritual traditions.Recruit, engage, and accompany student leaders to serve with local community partners, thereby contributing to their missionsIn conjunction with the Director of University Ministry, establish and nurture mutually enriching community partnerships that participate in the organization's efforts to address structural inequity and create vibrant faith communitiesCreate and develop theological and spiritual formation experiences that are grounded in the sources, methods and resources, strengths and assets, and daily lived experiences of Latine communitiesIn conjunction with the Director of University Ministry and theology faculty, promote this experiential learning opportunity as a credit bearing experienceUtilize assessment data to measure student learning outcomes and determine best practices for the growth, replication and scalability of this programCULTURAL FAITH PRACTICES, PASTORAL MINISTRY AND OUTREACH (40%)Collaborate with University and community stakeholders to develop, sustain and promote University Ministry's signature practices/programs/events that emerge from the rich faith identities and cultural commitments of every studentEngage collaboratively with The PASOS Network in order to share best practices for culturally sustaining ministry in Catholic higher education; assist with representing the network at regional/national gatheringsAssist with the transformation of all University Ministry practices into culturally sustaining and responsive experiencesActively support the initiatives of University Ministry where possible, including but not limited to the following: Sister Melissa Waters Internship Program, Theological Reflection, Alternative Break Immersions, Liturgy, etc.Serve as a team supervisor for the Outreach and Design interns, overseeing weekly team meetings along with outreach initiatives and marketing/promotional efforts of the departmentIn collaboration with the University Ministry team, create and maintain the Ministry Center and all gathering spaces as places of welcome and belongingProvide pastoral presence and spiritual accompaniment to students, as neededParticipate in and contribute to the division of Mission and Ministry and other relevant committees of the UniversityPerform other duties as requested, delegated or assignedRequired Qualifications Knowledge and an understanding of Roman Catholic theologies, specifically theologies that emerge from Latine communities in the United StatesActive understanding of young adult accompaniment, spirituality and faith formation within a university setting and in the context of Catholic higher educationEffective interpersonal skills to develop collaborative working relationships across a diversity of racial, cultural, and religious backgroundsOpen to and knowledgeable in ecumenical and interfaith engagementAbility to articulate the Catholic intellectual tradition and Catholic social thoughtExcellent communication skills, organizational skills, and an ability to collaborate with students, staff, and faculty.Ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects and establish goalsDemonstrated ability to manage small budgets (events, etc.)Willingness and ability to work varied hours as neededWillingness and ability to travel occasionally for retreats, conferences and alternative break immersionsEducation and Experience: Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred in higher education, theology, or pastoral ministrySome experience in community organizing, community development, program coordination, campus ministry and/or pastoral ministryPhysical Demands: Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computerMust be able to lift up to 15 pounds at timesSalary and FLSA Status Salary: $40,000 - $50,000 annuallyFLSA Status: Exempt 37.5 hoursComprehensive health, dental, and vision insuranceRetirement plan with employer matching contributionsTuition remission for employees and their dependentsFlexible spending accounts (FSA)Generous paid time off (PTO)Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.
About Dominican University
Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.
Dominican currently enrolls over 3,300 students, including 2,280 undergraduates and 1,027 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families' level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.
Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.
Expectations for all Dominican Employees:
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.
Institutional Statement Dominican University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.

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