Job Description
St. John's Episcopal Parish Day School is distinguished by 75 years of demonstrated success in preparing children for lives of learning and service in our ever-changing society. Renowned for its Episcopal identity, a core belief in the potential of our children and the sanctity of childhood, the school delivers an unparalleled, values-driven preparatory education. Hard work, faith, honesty, and a commitment to excellence allow our graduates to thrive in high school, college, and beyond. Located in the heart of Tampa, St. John's provides an exceptional education for 600 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The School's Core Values and Episcopal identity focus on inclusivity, support, respect, and the shared values reflected in the School's Mission Statement. Our students are Empowered to Lead, Inspired to Serve . A feeling of positive energy, inclusiveness, optimism, respect, and kindness permeates our campuses.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
St. John's enjoys a very strong sense of community. The Chaplain position is a tremendous opportunity for an individual of the highest professional and personal standards who genuinely enjoys working with young people in the PreK-Grade 8 school environment. This is critical as the Chaplain plays the lead role in defining, preserving, and promoting the School's Episcopal identity to all constituencies. This position is a community builder and, as such, works across divisions leading the Chaplaincy program and Chapel, as well as serving as a liaison between the school and the Parish church. The Chaplain develops, facilitates, and promotes services throughout the SJE community. He or She also performs specific duties in the lower and middle divisions, including leading chapel and teaching weekly religion classes in the middle division. In addition, this position provides pastoral care to students, families, and employees as needed and oversees the school-wide Community Engagement and Service program. ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Chapel Program Oversee and facilitate a meaningful, inclusive, and age-appropriate Grades 1-8 chapel program. Plan, facilitate, and lead chapel (Morning Prayer and Eucharist) for the lower and middle divisions. Help plan worship events throughout the year. Provide worship opportunities to the school community, including employees and families. Collaborate with division leaders to highlight student efforts to realize their power for good. Pastoral Care Promote and encourage the spiritual well-being of the community. Work with division heads on building community and a sense of belonging for families. Minister to the needs of students, employees, and families as opportunities present themselves. Maintain a visible presence in the school community - attendance at sporting events, plays, music events, etc. is highly encouraged. Provide pastoral support to students during any disciplinary process Start a parent Bible study for Primary, Lower, and Middle Division parents. Administration Facilitate opportunities for students to realize their power for good. Work closely and partner with building and supporting the community so every stakeholder believes they belong and matter. Sit as a member of the Head of School's Administrative Team Consult with the Head of School as needed on issues of employee wellbeing. Maintain and nurture the cordial relationship between the school and the parish of St. John's. Maintain an active presence in the Diocese of SW Florida and NAES. Oversee the annual Chaplaincy budget. Education Teach middle division religion and ethics courses (14 periods in a 40 period schedule rotation) Serve as Advisor to a group of middle school students. Articulate Episcopal Identity in service to the school's mission to all constituencies. Create opportunities for parent education concerning spiritual development and life issues. Other duties as assigned by the Head of School. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A career commitment to working with children in an Episcopal school setting. Status as Episcopal Deacon required, ordained Episcopal Priest preferred. Three years' experience working in an Episcopal school as a school chaplain. Digital literacy; intermediate to advanced proficiency in Google Classroom/Docs/Sheets and other web-based applications; database and videoconferencing experience, as appropriate to job duties; flexibility and willingness to learn and adapt as digital tools evolve. Ability to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced degree in an appropriate field. 5 years' experience working in an Episcopal School. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of current best practices in school chaplaincy. Demonstrated passion for service learning and community engagement Ability to relate to and engage with students throughout the school Outstanding educator and advocate of children - in the classroom and out of it. As the leader of the lower and middle division chapel programs, the Chaplain must have the ability to develop and deliver a chapel experience that is meaningful, engaging, and inspiring to children throughout the school Excellent interpersonal skills, sensitivity in dealing with difficult situations. Verbal and written communication skills, ability to manage confidential information in compliance with the law and best practice. Organizational skills, ability to work well on teams.
