Date Posted: 1/28/2026
Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
Job Description
Position Summary
The Dean of the Chapel serves as the spiritual and theological leader of Dillard University, fostering a campus culture that reflects both its Christian heritage and its commitment to inclusivity, justice, and intellectual inquiry. The Dean will guide the University community in worship, spiritual formation, ethical reflection, and service to the world, ensuring that the Chapel remains a center for inspiration, moral courage, and transformative leadership.
Key Responsibilities
• Plan and lead weekly Chapel services, special convocations, and major
ceremonies.
• Preach and teach from a Wesleyan theological perspective, emphasizing grace,
holiness, and service.
• Provide pastoral counseling and spiritual support for students, faculty, and staff.
• Offer programs for faith development, vocation discernment, and leadership.
• Strengthen Dillard’s historical ties to the UMC and UCC while fostering interfaith
and ecumenical engagement.
• Manage Chapel staff, programming, and budgets.
• Serve as a visible and active member of the President’s leadership team.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach in classroom, workshop, or seminar settings,
including courses or modules related to theology, ethics, leadership, or spiritual
formation, as needed by the University.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Chapel by engaging alumni, donors,
churches, and community partners in support of Chapel programming and the
broader mission of the University.
• Lead and support fundraising efforts for Chapel initiatives, including donor
cultivation, stewardship, grant opportunities, and collaboration with Institutional
Advancement.
Qualifications
• Ordination in the UMC, UCC, or a Christian denomination with a strong
understanding of Wesleyan theology.
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) required; D.Min. or Ph.D. preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in preaching, pastoral care, and worship leadership.
• Experience in higher education ministry or chaplaincy.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and interfaith and ecumenical
understanding.
• Administrative and organizational leadership experience.
• Demonstrated effectiveness as an educator with the ability to engage diverse
learners in both academic and formation-based settings.
• Proven fundraising experience, including donor engagement, relationship building,
and support of institutional or ministry-based advancement efforts.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate vision and mission to a
variety of internal and external audiences.
Personal and Spiritual Attributes
• Spiritually grounded leader with mature faith and deep love for community.
• Compelling communicator who can inspire and challenge through preaching and
teaching.
• Compassionate and accessible presence for students, faculty, and staff.
• Visionary who honors tradition while embracing innovation.
• Servant leader rooted in grace, justice, and transformative love.
Opportunities and Vision
The Dean of the Chapel will reimagine the role of Chapel as a center of moral courage and civic engagement, strengthen Dillard’s denominational partnerships, cultivate student leadership and faith formation, and champion faith-informed social justice initiatives in New Orleans and beyond.
Compensation and Application Process
This is a full-time, on-campus position located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of faith, and three references (including one denominational leader).
In addition to the required application materials, candidates must submit:
• A recorded video of a sermon delivered in a worship setting.
• A recorded video of a Bible study or teaching session that demonstrates instructional approach and theological depth.
Video submissions and letters of reference must be sent directly to humanresources@dillard.edu. Emails should include the subject line Dean of Chapel.
Dillard University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Persons of all races, genders, and faith traditions who affirm the University’s Christian heritage and Wesleyan values are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Compensation and Application Process
This is a full-time, on-campus position located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of faith, and three references (including one denominational leader).
In addition to the required application materials, candidates must submit:
• A recorded video of a sermon delivered in a worship setting.
• A recorded video of a Bible study or teaching session that demonstrates instructional approach and theological depth.
Video submissions and letters of reference must be sent directly to humanresources@dillard.edu. Emails should include the subject line Dean of Chapel.
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=b563585e-4b32-4676-929e-04a18c048656&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=579931&lang=en_US
Contact Email: dhebert@dillard.edu
Contact Phone: 5048164797