The Chaplain’s Associates (CAs) are a student work position and a vital part of the team working to enhance religious diversity and to deepen spiritual and ethical life at the Carleton.

You should consider applying to be a CA if you:

  • Are curious about life’s big questions and want to support others who are curious too.
  • Want to deeper your religious/spiritual practice and leadership skills.
  • Are curious about religion and spirituality, even if you don’t practice it yourself.
  • Want to make the world a better place and learn how to organize for change,
  • Are curious about the explore the intersections between religion, gender and sexuality, race, accessibility, justice, and politics.
  • Are interested in professional religious leadership or becoming clergy.
  • Are interested in how people make meaning, honor their identities, and wrestle with ethical questions.
  • Want to learn from people of other faith backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Are committed to the value of community and building it at Carleton.

Position Description and Expectations

Hours: 7 – 10 hours per week/academic year
Department: Office of the Chaplain
Cohort: 10-15 CAs per year
Religious Demographics (in recent years): Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Jain, Agnostic, Atheist, Buddhist, Pagan
Updated: August 2024

  • Leading and supporting a variety of programs and projects. Based on the CA’s interest and the needs of the Chapel, such projects might include leading a discussion, meditation, or scripture study group; preaching at Chapel; facilitating Chapel-sponsored social events, service projects or social justice activities; or arranging for “religious road trips.” Other projects form in response to the talents, interests, and imaginations of Chaplain’s Associates. 
  • Attending and facilitating weekly Chapel events, services, and programs, including preparing food and refreshments, doing setup and cleanup, serving as greeters, and preparing publicity.
  • Attending weekly staff meetings with the other CAs and Chaplains to plan services, activities, and to share ideas. 
  • Participating in the Council for Religious Understanding (CRU) every other week during the term.
  • Helping 1-2 hours/week with administration. Examples include preparing or distributing posters, organizing storage, and advanced event set-up.
  • Serving as a liaison with specific student religious groups to support them with Chapel resources and keep the Chapel informed about their activities. 
  • Assuming responsibility for other tasks on an “as needed” basis. 
  • Being attentive to the religious, spiritual, and ethical needs of the college, and supporting religious diversity and other forms of identity. The chapel strives to be inherently anti-racist, multicultural, and queer affirming. A Chaplain’s Associate must possess openness to the new or unfamiliar, a willingness to share and speak out on their own beliefs, an ability to listen to others, initiative, and an eagerness to learn and grow. 

Application Procedure:

Below is the procedure to apply during the regular annual application process. If you are interested in becoming a CA during the year, please contact our College Chaplain.

The application process is as follows:

  • Submit your resume and cover letter through Handshake for each position that you are applying for. View the Chaplain’s Associate job description and application. Applications open Feb. 21, 2023 in Handshake.
  • Application deadline: Thursday, March 30 – 5:00pm Central Time (via Handshake)
  • Interviews will occur April 3 – April 18.
  • If you will be away in the spring, applications are due by Tuesday, February 28 at 11:59 pm CT (via Handshake). Interviews will take place in the last week of winter term.
  • We will be back in touch with applicants during 4th week of spring term.
  • Peer Leader Orientation: evening of Tuesday, May 18.

Carleton is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation regarding this position, contact Accessibility Resources.

We recommend applicants make an appointment or visit drop-in hours with the Career Center to review application materials before submitting. You can make a virtual appointment with an SCA or a career coach on Handshake. Additionally, the SCAs host virtual drop-in hours on Sundays 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm CT (details on Handshake).

Questions: Contact Schuyler Vogel at svogel@carleton.edu.