Syracuse University invites
inquiries, nominations, and applications for a visionary, collaborative, and inclusive leader to guide religious and spiritual life at the
university and to serve as the eighth dean of Hendricks Chapel .
Reporting to the
chancellor, the dean provides strategic and pastoral leadership that nurtures and enriches religious and spiritual life across the
university and its extended community. The dean ensures a dynamic and supportive environment where individuals can explore religious
practice, personal spirituality, moral courage, community-building, and social service. This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for
Syracuse University as it ushers in a new era of leadership with the appointment of Chancellor-Elect J.
Michael Haynie . The university seeks a leader who will partner with senior leadership and others to build upon and extend an exceptional
foundation that ensures all members of the university community find vibrant and meaningful opportunities for religious life, spiritual
engagement, ethical reflection, and interfaith understanding. At the same time, Hendricks Chapel is approaching its centennial in 2030 — a
landmark moment that makes this an extraordinary opportunity to shape the institution's next century.
The dean of Hendricks Chapel
occupies a complex and highly visible role. The dean oversees the campus ministries; offers counsel, connection, and comfort in times of
celebration and challenge; and serves as a steady presence during campus-wide crises. The dean serves as a spiritual resource and trusted
sounding board for the chancellor, senior leadership, faculty, students, staff, and the broader university community, participating actively
in numerous councils, committees, and groups that touch nearly every facet of campus life.
A central aspect of the role is
stewardship of Hendricks Chapel, the spiritual and physical heart of Syracuse University for close to 100 years. Founded with Methodist
roots in 1870, the university expanded its religious openness in 1930 when Hendricks Chapel welcomed people of all denominations—a hallmark
of its identity ever since. Today, the Chapel stands as an inclusive community known as "a home for all faiths and place for all people,"
embracing those with established religious traditions, those without a faith tradition, and those seeking spiritual grounding. It supports
more than 25 affiliated religious groups and 15 chaplaincies representing major world religions. Together, the chaplaincies offer spiritual
guidance, lead worship, promote community service and interfaith dialogue, and work collaboratively in the pursuit of justice and peace. In
the 2024-2025 academic year Hendricks Chapel sponsored over 1,500 programs for more than 1,000,000 total attendees—the result of nearly a
decade of consecutive year-over-year growth in student engagement. Hendricks Chapel is widely regarded as a national model for interfaith
engagement. As a central contributor to holistic life and learning at Syracuse University, it helps to prepare engaged citizens, scholars,
and leaders for participation in a changing global society. The chapel's reach extends well beyond worship and spiritual care: its music
programs, anchored by the nationally recognized Hendricks Chapel Choir and the beloved Holidays at Hendricks concerts, make it one of the
most visible cultural institutions on campus.
Candidates should bring the ability to envision and cultivate a vibrant, inclusive
environment in which religious and spiritual exploration flourishes and free inquiry is paramount. The ideal candidate will demonstrate
exemplary communication and organizational skills; collaborative and inclusive leadership; a strong moral compass; and deep experience
partnering across faiths and backgrounds. They should also possess the capacity to work effectively with a dedicated advisory board and to
inspire lifelong connection, engagement, and philanthropic support for the chapel's mission. Given the chapel's extraordinary scope and
pace, the next dean must bring sustained energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for the full range of demands the role presents. Above all,
the successful candidate must be able to serve as a trusted spiritual partner to university leadership and to the broader
community.
Candidates should be ordained or credentialed within a faith tradition and hold a seminary or other advanced degree; a
Ph.D. is preferred. The successful candidate will bring professional ministry experience; exceptional preaching and pastoral skills; robust
administrative ability including hiring, mentoring, and supporting staff; and an informed understanding of public service and ethical
issues, along with the ability to foster thoughtful campus dialogue and participation around them.
Founded in 1870, Syracuse
University is a private, coeducational research institution with a longstanding commitment to bringing together students from diverse
backgrounds. More than 21,000 students are enrolled across nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in the
university's 13 schools and colleges. The university employs approximately 2,100 full- and part-time faculty across tenured, tenure-track,
and non-tenure-track roles.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate
documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile.
WittKieffer is assisting Syracuse
University in this search. Review of applications has begun and will continue until an appointment has been made.
Please direct all
nominations and applications to Robin Mamlet and Cathryn Davis through the WittKieffer Candidate
Portal .
You may also reach the consulting team, Robin Mamlet and Cathryn Davis at:
[email protected]
m The target salary range for this position is between $220,000 and $264,000 annually, commensurate with
experience.
Syracuse University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color,
disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status
protected by law.
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