Campus Ministry - University Catholic Chaplain

About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here

To apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions. 

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The University Chaplain will be part of the Campus Ministry team in developing and realizing the mission and vision of the University's outreach to students, faculty and staff, and all who participate in the life of the university. In particular, the chaplain will participate in the mission of providing safe and healthy spiritual care together with the entire Campus Ministry team.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide for the sacramental life of the campus Catholic Community, including the celebrations of the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and OCIA.
• Work with the director of Campus Ministry and fellow Catholic chaplain, Campus Ministry staff, student workers, and Peer Ministry Team in the planning and facilitation of programming, liturgies and services, including in the areas of faith formation and OCIA.
• Engage in university-wide programs and events as a ministerial presence and support, which can include offering prayers and blessings.
• Support Mission & Culture initiatives through presence and participation.
• Collaborate with interfaith chaplains on interfaith initiatives.
• Ensure personal availability for the pastoral and spiritual care of members of the SHU community.
• Maintain administrative support, such as digital scheduling and recordkeeping, ordering and purchasing, vendor account setup, and account reconciliation for Campus Ministry activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• A Roman Catholic Priest in good standing, or a non-Roman Catholic priest in good standing with bi-ritual faculties to celebrate the Roman Catholic Rite.
• Minimum education of a Master of Divinity or Masters in Catholic Theology 
• Experience in pastoral ministry, particularly with young people 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ease with clergy and students of other faith traditions, beliefs, and perspectives 
• Sound pastoral understanding of Catholic theology and the vision of the Second Vatican Council • Experience of leading and working with young adults.
• Understanding of social media apps 
• Proficiency in MS-based applications 
• Openness to learning and using graphic design, accounting, and other digital programs.
•  Ability to take personal initiative in problem solving and program creation

Unusual Working Conditions

Ability to work nights and weekends for evening programs, services, and Admissions events; and respond quickly in situations that require immediate pastoral care.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.