Manager of Chaplaincy Services

We are looking for an energetic and visionary professional with top-notch leadership and managerial skills to serve as our Manager of Chaplaincy Services. This position is a part-time position, 2 days a week; however, with the appropriate candidate, Federation will consider combining the Manager position with the duties of a professional chaplain for a full-time position. 

The Manager will coordinate the presence of the professional Jewish chaplains that Federation places throughout Greater MetroWest, including in hospitals and other facilities and in individuals’ homes. The Manager will support and supervise Federation’s chaplains, offer professional development opportunities, and promote the role of professional chaplaincy within Federation and throughout Greater MetroWest.  Uncovering unmet spiritual needs and developing cutting-edge ways to address those needs are also key competencies for the Manager.

Who are we?

Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is a nonprofit organization that serves the Jewish community in Essex, Morris, Sussex, Union, and parts of Somerset County in NJ. Our mission is to convene and lead our community to ensure the continuity and strength of the Jewish People, to support a secure Jewish and democratic State of Israel, and to care for Jews in need locally and around the world. Federation enables community members to engage in meaningful ways, impact the lives of others, and access valuable resources. 

What you'll be working on:

• Oversee Jewish chaplains in current work sites and others as they develop (often in coordination with chaplaincy supervisor on-site)
• Serve as a liaison to the pastoral care departments of various facilities
• Establish and maintain professional standards and professional development.
• Promote the availability of chaplains to isolated Jews and other non-traditional clients who are experiencing loss or who may benefit from spiritual care for any reason
• Prepare and oversee annual budget
• Research and apply for grants, as appropriate, to help create new programs and/or sustain existing programs
• Coordinate and oversee religious services as well as chaplaincy programs in certain facilities
• Organize occasional community-wide events
• Serve as a resource for Federation professionals and Federation’s partner agencies
• Be prepared to respond to community emergencies through a plan for deploying chaplains
• Promote chaplaincy as a desired profession.  Recruit and support interested parties in pursuing professional preparation.
• Engage in long-term planning and partner with chaplains and community leaders to consider new areas where professional chaplaincy services may be offered in a community that is increasingly diverse and less engaged with formal Jewish institutions

Regularly Recurring Responsibilities:

On an ongoing basis:

• Ensure work sites are fully staffed and arrange for substitutes when needed
• Provide Jewish content and holiday education
• Coordinate the delivery of materials needed by chaplains
• Oversee billing of sites at which Federation provides chaplains and ensure payments are received on a timely basis
• Act as point person for work sites’ supervisors
• Conduct budget reconciliation

On a monthly basis:

• Conduct check-ins with each chaplain (more frequently if needed)
• Collect and analyze data from chaplains

Why work with us?  

Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ serves one of the largest Jewish communities in NJ. Our employees contribute to our mission of strengthening Jewish life and identity and meeting basic human needs. We foster a collaborative, positive, and inclusive workplace culture where employees can work together to achieve common goals and develop careers. Located on a beautiful campus, we are close to several major highways, dining, and shopping options.  

Requirements for this role 

• Knowledge of the role Jewish chaplains and of the Jewish community
• Understanding of, and a commitment to, serving Jews of all streams of Judaism and Jews who identify as “just Jewish”
• Dedication to strengthening the Jewish community through spiritual care
• Demonstrated success as a program manager and a supervisor
• Leadership skills that educate, motivate, and inspire
• Ability to exercise good judgment and to trouble shoot wisely
• Understanding of multi-faith professional chaplaincy guidelines and of the rhythm of the Jewish calendar and lifecycle
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong administrative and computer skills
• Experience collaborating with partners and the ability to work with professionals in a wide range of settings.