Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the position of University Deaconess. This position reports directly to the University Pastor and is located in River Forest, IL.

The University Deaconess will assist the University Pastor in the work of the gospel on campus. As a rostered worker of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, she shall be eligible for a divine call, faithful to the Church's doctrinal positions and joyful in a life of service to others. The University Deaconess is expected to be organized, energetic and willing to welcome and engage students of all different backgrounds and needs, as well as assist with the many tasks of campus ministry with creativity, competence and compassion. The University Deaconess will serve all in the Concordia academic community. This position will work closely with the University Pastor in the execution of details of his office and immerses herself in the lives of college students, bringing the gospel to bear on their time at Concordia. Those with Spanish language experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Plans, edits and prepares the regular worship calendar, including daily chapel and Wednesday evening communion
• Coordinates and schedules guest preachers and choirs, welcomes visiting pastors, prospective students and other campus guests in chapel
• Plans, coordinates and manages university festival worship services: Opening Service, Service of Praise and Consecration, Staff/Faculty Recognitions, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Lessons and Carols, MLK Worship, installations of commissioned faculty and staff, etc.
• Works with the university staff in the design and execution of events related to festival University worship services: inviting and hosting LCMS clergy, scheduling district representatives, coordinating details for graduating church professional students, working with the NID and University Ministry for the installation of rostered faculty/staff
• Works with Campus Events Supervisor to coordinate receptions at special worship service events
• Recruits, trains, directs, energizes and encourages student leaders in areas of ministry interest - Ministry to Concordia, Ministry to Chicago, Ministry to the World, Concordia Youth Ministry and Residential Student Ministry
• Serves as designated University Leader on retreats and mission trips
• Develops and directs outreach programs, as well as activities for students, especially international students and student-athletes
• Develops and directs Unite Church Professional program designed to increase collaboration between church professional programs and build community including:
• Designing, planning and implementing activities and events to build community among church professional students and support them during their time at CUC
• Schedules regular gatherings, retreats and special events
• Assists in the administration of the program: manages email listservs, maintains records, keeps program rosters current, processes budget items, distributes materials, orders shirts, updates donor materials, etc.
• Creates Unite Student committee to develop initiatives and event planning
• Maintains good relationships between CUC and LCMS Seminaries
• Coordinates seminary admissions counselor visits
• Promotes the University Ministry and Church's professional programs throughout university orientation programs (Jump Start, Weeks of Welcome), visit days, involvement fairs and social media
• Diakonal Care and Counseling for Students, faculty and staff
• Coordinator of "Concordia in Cambridge" (Westfield House)
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Skill Sets:

• Efficient with the execution of details, organization and follow-through
• Outgoing, works well with people of all different backgrounds
• Professional and positive demeanor
• Experienced and skilled in ministry to college students
• A non-ordained rostered member of the LCMS or working towards colloquy
• Able to work evenings and weekends
• Exhibits a service mentality toward all stakeholders
• All communication with stakeholders is effective, professional, accurate, and timely
• Improves work performance and that of others by being receptive to and appropriately sharing information

Minimum Experience Required:

• Previous experience in ministry to college students
• Rostered LCMS Church Professional

Preferred Experience:

• Spanish language experience

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in related field

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities-Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.