Interim Position Description 

Ottawa Campus Chaplaincy

INTERIM CAMPUS CHAPLAIN (Part-time or Full-time, Flexible)

Ottawa Campus Chaplaincy (OCC) is seeking either: (A) an experienced pastor/ministry leader; (B) a new and emerging pastor/ministry minister; or, (C) a scholar of any discipline with a heart for ministry. Through a variety of activities and partnerships,the interim campus chaplain will work to embody an effective missional presence grounded in the Good News of the Gospel at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the characteristics of (1) compassionate and highly-relational spiritual care and presence; (2) an enterprising self-starter with a missional mindset; and, (3) a meaningful understanding of the academic and university context. 

Hours: Candidates seeking half-time and up to full-time work will be considered.

Start date: Immediate.

Work location: Mandatory and recurring in-person work at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Light remote work is possible. 

Term: Interim position until June 30, 2027, with flexibility. The temporary incumbent will be welcome to submit a new application for the permanent position when it is posted.

Compensation: A competitive salary commensurate with the successful candidate's training, experience, and agreed-upon weekly hours. Includes organization-provided computer equipment and a monthly cell phone reimbursement for business use portion. 

About the Chaplaincy

Ottawa Campus Chaplaincy (OCC) creates hospitable spaces for students, faculty and staff to explore Christian faith and to practice justice and mercy in God’s world. 

OCC is a Christian, not-for-profit ministry serving students, faculty, and staff at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Rooted in the Christian faith, we create welcoming spaces where people can explore questions of faith, life, justice, and meaning together.

While our work is grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we warmly welcome campus participants from all backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. Through community gatherings, spiritual care, conversation, and learning, we seek to cultivate meaningful relationships, encourage faith development, and foster a deep sense of belonging on campus. In a hospitable spirit and deep respect for all Christian traditions, we work to familiarize students with a Reformed and biblical worldview. 

The chaplaincy’s ministry is led by a chaplain who provides pastoral support, spiritual care, faith formation, and advocacy for students and the wider campus community. The chaplain works closely with a volunteer Board of Directors who guide the mission and direction of the organization. Its mission extends to all interested students, faculty, or campus community members at the University of Ottawa as well as to students at Carleton University.

OCC is supported by a variety of local Christian churches and the denominational agencies of the Christian Reformed Church in addition to the generous support of individual donors.

Beliefs and Values

OCC seeks to engage members of academic culture in Ottawa while testifying to the Spirit and truth of God's grace, offering hope and redemption by pursuing the Way of Jesus.

The four core values of our chaplaincy are: belonging, care, leadership, and discipleship. Read more about our values here.

Primary documents for this ministry are the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, as well as the creeds and confessions of the Christian Reformed Church.

As a forward facing representative of the OCC, applicants, in accordance with a BFOR under applicable human rights legislation, must be able to agree to, and uphold, the Christian mission and core values of this ministry.

Responsibilities

Please note: responsibilities will be discussed and prioritized based on the successful candidate’s agreed-upon weekly hours.

Engage in the Life of Campus

Be an incarnational and missional presence and wise witness to the Good News of the Gospel and the love of Christ within the life of the campus by engaging in the tasks which follow.

1. Participate in the Chaplaincy (or Wellness) services of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University by offering spiritual care and liaising with other chaplains and campus Wellness or Student Affairs staff.
2. Develop rapport, partnership and collaboration with other on-campus Christian ministers, ministries, and outreaches. 
3. Seek opportunities for participation in the university academic life by advising on matters of faith, meeting professors, serving on strategic campus committees, organizing guest lectures, and/or writing articles for campus press, to name a few possibilities.

Mentor and Nurture Faith

Grow a diverse, hospitable, and maturing Christian community on the campuses by engaging in the following tasks. 

1. Oversee and mentor the student internship team, developing their faith and leadership skills. Empower the interns to lead initiatives and invest in their peers.
2. In addition to the internship team, proactively meet with other students and/or staff to mentor and disciple. Offer compassionate pastoral care to students or staff.
3. Plan activities such as discussion groups, Bible studies, weekend or day retreats, spiritual practices, and/or worship gatherings that will encourage the campus community to grow spiritually. Support occasional meals or food-based hospitality gatherings. As applicable, support and oversee student leaders engaging with the Student Union and running a chaplaincy community club. 
4. Model and teach the beauty and breadth of the Reformed Christian tradition, familiarizing campus members with the benefits of this worldview.

Relate to the Supporting Community

1. As requested, provide engaging reports to partners. Write and distribute regular newsletters.
2. Be available to provide occasional in-person updates in supporting churches or association gatherings to raise consciousness of campus chaplaincy work and to support ongoing fundraising.

Governance and Administration

1. Regularly monitor emails and communication channels, responding in a timely way, occasionally to immediate crises.
2. Oversee or delegate the maintenance of webpage, social media accounts, marketing and communication software. 
3. Work closely with the treasurer and bookkeeper to oversee the budget and operational expenses.
4. Regularly report to the Board of Directors and attend meetings.

Promote a Healthy Working Environment

1. Foster safe, healthy, and appropriate relationships and boundaries with students and all members of the campus community while remaining approachable and welcoming.
2. Cultivate a curious, hospitable, and inclusive ministry that demonstrates cultural humility and sensitivity toward people of all denominations, religions, backgrounds, and marginalized communities.
3. Work collaboratively, respectfully, and without coercion with student leaders, the Board, peers, and campus partners.
4. Minister with honesty, empathy, emotional intelligence, and strong interpersonal skills, recognizing the limits of one's training and collaborating with or referring to other professionals when appropriate.
5. Model healthy leadership by prioritizing ongoing Christian formation, personal self-care, and emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Qualifications

Required

• Advanced theological and/or ministry training degree, or current and ongoing enrollment in an advanced degree. Candidates with advanced degrees in other disciplines will be considered as well.
• Mature Christian faith and belief in the Trinitarian God as expressed in the ecumenical creeds. Belief in the Old and New Testaments as the Word of God.
• A willingness to teach and minister with respect for the confessions of the Christian Reformed Church.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop, and maintain a variety of programs and initiatives.
• Experience in mentoring, leadership, or teaching.
• A gift for hospitality and supportive care.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and administrative capacity.

Assets (Preferred, but Not Required)

• Membership and/or ordination in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) or another Reformed tradition.
• Experience in university or post-secondary ministry, chaplaincy, or a comparable setting.
• Experience collaborating with university administration or navigating institutional structures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both English and French, orally and in writing.
• Experience working in a Christian, non-profit organization

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every preferred qualification. We recognize that candidates bring a variety of experiences and gifts, and we welcome applications from those who believe they would be a strong fit for this role. 

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and résumé (in PDF format) to board@ottawacampuschaplaincy.org.

Applicants are encouraged to apply before September 13, 2026. We will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.