Assistant Director of Campus Ministry

Canisius University is seeking an Assistant Director of Campus Ministry to support the University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission by providing students with opportunities for faith and justice programming, retreats, service-immersions, community engagement, and pastoral care. This full-time, 12-month position will report to the Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration and collaborate with other student affairs professionals, the university chaplain, and local community partners. The Assistant Director will focus on creating opportunities for students to encounter God and our human community through programming aligned with the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus, including initiatives like the Spiritual Exercises, anti-racism efforts, and solidarity with marginalized communities.

The Assistant Director of Campus Ministry will create and lead innovative programming that fosters spiritual growth and addresses the evolving religious and spiritual needs of Canisius University’s diverse student body. This includes leading retreats, supporting community-based service immersion programs, and offering pastoral care for students. The Assistant Director will also engage in initiatives aligned with the Jesuit values of faith, justice, and service, and will help students explore the connections between faith and social action. This position offers an opportunity to work closely with students, staff, and community partners to build a more just and inclusive campus community.

Key Responsibilities: 

Develop and implement creative, innovative programming that addresses the religious and spiritual needs of a multi-faith and multicultural student body 
Coordinate and lead student retreats, including Kairos and Always Our Children 
Create and oversee student leader formation programs to assist with leading retreats and other campus ministry activities 
Form and maintain local community partnerships, and assist with planning community-based service and immersion experiences 
Support first-year engagement and strategies to enhance community-building and belonging for all students 
Assist with the planning and execution of special campus-wide masses, such as the Mass of the Holy Spirit and Baccalaureate Mass 
Manage social media and marketing for campus ministry events and activities 
Provide pastoral care to students, supporting their spiritual and personal development 

What We’re Looking For: 

Required: 

Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in a related field preferred 
Experience planning, facilitating, and participating in student programming at the university level 
Familiarity with the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and Universal Apostolic Preferences 
Knowledge of Ignatian spirituality and Catholic Social Teaching 
Ability to articulate the connection between faith, justice, education, and community engagement 
Strong understanding of student development theory and pastoral care practices 
Excellent collaboration, organizational, communication, and budget management skills 
Must be eligible to work in the United States 

Preferred: 

Previous experience in campus ministry or religious/spiritual programming 
Experience with anti-racism initiatives and social justice principles