Director of Muslim Life
Berkeley Muslim Life is an independent 501c3 that strives to meet the complex needs of a vibrant spiritual life in the contemporary context. We aim to embody the Prophetic tradition in the service of our broad and diverse University of California, Berkeley campus community. We will do this through the provision of community and religious leadership, including pastoral care, as well as the development of a strong, engaged Muslim community. Ultimately, we seek to support personal and collective spiritual transformation and positive social change.
Job Description
Title: Director of Muslim Student Life
Work Type: Full-time, in-person
Location: Berkeley, CA, USA
Salary Range: $100,000 - 120,000
Benefits:
6 weeks paid time off, ideally taken during the summer semester and winter break
Full medical, vision, and dental benefits including HSA and FSA options
Retirement benefits (401k)
Housing stipend possible, with a commitment to live in close proximity to the UC Berkeley campus
Position Summary
Berkeley Muslim Life is a new, much needed organization being built to serve the UC Berkeley community. This position represents our inaugural hire. With that in mind, we need someone who can take the reins of this new institution and, with the support of the board and future staff, help to develop and establish the organization for long-term success. The Director of Muslim Student Life (D-MSL) reports to the Board of Directors.
The D-MSL serves as an important source of leadership and support to Muslim students, faculty, and staff in the UC Berkeley community. Working as an employee of Berkeley Muslim Life, the D-MSL will collaborate with the Muslim Student Association to provide spiritual programming and advise the numerous campus-based Muslim student groups on issues pertaining to faith and community. The D-MSL also serves as a Muslim community representative to the University administration and campus religious groups, as well as to the Bay Area Muslim community at large.
Lastly, the D-MSL will help to establish Berkeley Muslim Life as a self-sustaining organization that will serve the community for years to come by supporting development and fundraising efforts.
Ultimately, the D-MSL should support and nurture the diverse Muslim communities of the university, whose members vary ethnically, geographically, and in their religious commitments and expression.
Responsibilities
Religious Leadership (35%)
Leading and/or coordinating religious programming and events, potentially including Jumu’ah prayers, Ramadan observances, etc.
Establishing weekly Ilm classes and spiritual classes during the academic year.
Community Leadership (40%)
Civic Engagement: In the Prophetic tradition, leading efforts to promote social justice and inspiring Muslims to address poverty and marginalization in the world around them.
Community Building: Supporting and/or leading efforts to bring the community together, including attending events on campus and in the Berkeley Muslim community at large.
Advising Campus Muslim Leadership: Attending Muslim Student Association board meetings as an advisor and mentor, and supporting other Muslim-focused student groups as needed.
Advocacy: Engaging proactively with University administration on topics pertaining to Muslim life for students, faculty, and staff; including, but not limited to religious accommodations, cultural sensitivity, and campus climate.
Outreach: Building meaningful partnerships with Muslim community groups across the Bay Area.
Institutional Operations and Development (10%)
Contributing to the organization’s long-term growth and sustainability
Supporting fundraising efforts to support ongoing operations as well as build our endowment.
Developing the institutional infrastructure required to meet programming goals.
Pastoral Care (15%)
Caring pastorally for individual students, faculty, and staff, including holding regular, accessible office hours throughout the academic year.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Training in Islamic sciences sufficient to teach religious education courses.
Minimum of two years of experience developing, leading, and evaluating religious and multi-faith programming, preferably in the context of higher education.
Competency in religious counseling and support.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing civic engagement.
Eagerness to work within a pluralistic and diverse community, supporting religious and cultural diversity and leading multi-faith engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
Masters of Divinity degree from a seminary recognized by the Association of Theological Schools or an equivalent advanced degree in theology or religious studies from an accredited college/university.
Five years or more of experience developing, leading, and evaluating religious and multi-faith programming, preferably in the context of higher education.
Classical Arabic language proficiency.
Ijazat in multiple traditional Islamic sciences.
We are open to considering split positions for spouses, as well as other alternative arrangements. Please be clear in your cover letter regarding any specific arrangements you might be interested in.
Application Requirements
Please submit the following in support of your application:
Cover letter highlighting your qualifications, experience, why you would be a good fit for this position, and what you would hope to accomplish as the Director of Muslim Student Life
CV/Resume
Names and contact information for 3-5 appropriate references. References will not be contacted until after the first round of interviews
Berkeley Muslim Life is an equal employment opportunity employer.