Position title

Maclaurin Chaplain (Team Leader)

Reports to

The Richard Maclaurin Goodfellow Foundation Trust Board through the Board’s Chaplaincy Liaison Sub-committee

To work in partnership with

Other chaplains in the University of Auckland team, the Student Services (Campus Life) and staff

Key Relationships

Chaplaincy Team

Richard Maclaurin Goodfellow Trust Board

Board Liaison Sub-Committee

Campus Life (Student Services)

Representatives of communities and bodies within the University of Auckland

Church and community organisations with links to the University of Auckland

ABOUT MACLAURIN CHAPEL

The Chaplaincy exists to enrich the life of Te Whare Wananga o Tamaki Makaurau, the University of Auckland and its community. The Maclaurin Chaplain primarily represents and fosters the spirituality and tradition of the Christian faith and will be a recognised minister of good standing within their denomination, whilst respecting the proper academic freedom and ethos of a secular university. Given the University’s ethnic diversity and religious plurality, the Chaplaincy also acknowledges and affirms other faith traditions, seeking to build connections with hospitable openness to difference. It serves the whole University community, working with others for the common good of society, integrity of creation and justice for all. This will be done within the context of honouring the Treaty of Waitangi.

OUR VALUES

Our values are grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and expressed in this unique setting:

• Thoughtful faith (fostering Christian academic thought and leadership)
• Integrated life (encouraging holistic spirituality and citizenship)
• People-centered (acting justly, loving mercy, acknowledging faith and diverse in makeup)
• Communal Richness (building inter-faith connection and fostering diversity)
  • Hospitable Space (providing a place to rest, learn, pray and worship)

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Chaplain leads the chaplaincy team in fulfilling its strategic mission “to build and enrich Christian faith and character amongst the students and staff of the University of Auckland as the foundation of sound citizenship” (Trust Deed). 

The Chaplain will fulfil this role by:

1. Representing faith and fostering Christian thought and leadership in the academic and public sphere
2. Nurturing Christian worship and spirituality in fresh ways, appropriate to this context that reflect the richness of Christian tradition and integrates lived experience
3. Offering spiritual and pastoral care that is attentive to student and staff well-being, connected to the University, and acknowledges the depth and breadth of personal faith
4. Building engagement between religious faith groups in the University of Auckland, and with the non-religious
5. Ensuring, together with the University, that the Chapel and Hall are welcoming spaces and places of worship
6. Creating a committed and diverse chaplaincy team to deliver these Chaplaincy objectives 

The appointment of Chaplains will be in general conformity to Clause 11 of the Deed of Trust 1946, which reads:

"The Chaplain shall be appointed from time to time by the Board in consultation with the National Council of Churches or equivalent body, and shall be a duly qualified minister of religion of any Protestant denomination.  It being the particular desire of the Settlor that the Chapel and the Chaplain shall remain the focus of a creative force in the life of the University of Auckland, it shall be the duty of the Board to exercise every possible care in the selection of the Chaplain.  The Chaplain shall be chosen for the possession of those qualities which will best ensure the purpose and ideal of the Settlor in creating this Foundation, chiefly high personal character combined with such scholastic attainments and experience in spiritual leadership of young people as will commend him or her to the undergraduates in the common life of the University of Auckland.  The duties of the Chaplain shall be prescribed by the Board and shall be subject to their direction and control.  Any appointment may at any time be revoked by the Board."

(The University community comprises City, Grafton, Newmarket, and Epsom campuses and such other locations as the University operates or at which it may operate.)

The Chaplain will adhere to all University policies relating to an individual’s responsibilities as contractor: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/the-university/how-university-works/policy-and-administration/human-resources1/employer-and-employee-responsibilities.html. The Chaplain will comply with and carry out work-related activities in accordance with University health and safety procedures and guidelines: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/the-university/how-university-works/policy-and-administration/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-policy.html 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

RESULTS/STANDARDS EXPECTED

Representing faith and fostering Christian thought in the academic and public sphere.

Understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as the basis for citizenship in Aotearoa-New Zealand

Provide depth of scholarship in representing Christian faith and thought on campus

Together with senior team members (Chaplain, Strategic Support and Chaplain, Christians in Science) foster and enhance academic engagement of faith amongst students and staff by:

-       initiating and developing discussion of issues pertaining to faith in the public arena

-       hosting events that explore the relationship between academia, ethics and faith

-       providing faculty- or interest-based teaching in qualified areas

Explore initiatives that engage critical issues of culture and society, promoting justice and pursuing the common good.

Nurturing Christian worship and spirituality in fresh ways, appropriate to this context that reflect the richness of Christian tradition and integrates lived experience

Acknowledge Mana whenua (Maori territorial and spiritual authority), and offer spiritual leadership that reflects the University’s religious diversity and takes account of its secular character

Attend or contribute to campus-based blessings and other events initiated by faculty or other leaders in the University

As a Christian minister, lead or participate in key events in the University’s life and academic year (such as remembrance services and graduation)

Facilitate regular worship and prayer during the university term, observing the rhythms and holy days of the Christian year where possible and appropriate

Build links with Christian students and attend some club events

With senior team members, seek opportunities to enrich student Christian spirituality through innovative means, including building a creative on-line presence.  

Offering robust pastoral care within the University of Auckland that acknowledges the complexities and strengths of personal faith

Provide professional and culturally-appropriate pastoral care that is attuned to spirituality and faith

Work with Campus Life (student services), especially Health & Counselling, to ensure chaplaincy pastoral-spiritual practice:

-       reflects student and staff needs and priorities

-       adheres to University protocols

-       is effectively communicated in university networks and on other campuses

-       is professionally developed and accountable

With senior chaplains build a pastorally competent, diverse team that is approachable for students and staff, maintaining high standards of professionalism and confidentiality in all matters

Develop connections and resources in the community for referral.

Building friendship and understanding amongst religious faith groups in the University of Auckland, and with the non-religious

Build connections with and between campus faith communities, including staff and student religious groups

Liaise with Campus Life in supporting other-faith chaplaincy, including the ongoing development of Muslim Chaplaincy

With chaplaincy team, foster understanding of other faiths amongst students and staff through educative and communal inter-faith events

Seek to participate or lead in peaceable opportunities for religious faith expression on campus or the inner city, in keeping with Chaplaincy goals and the University’s standing.

Ensuring the Chapel and Hall are welcoming, worshipful and hospitable meeting spaces, together with Campus Life

Together with the Administrator and Campus Life ensure the Maclaurin Chapel and its facilities:

-       operate in keeping with the strategic goals of the chaplaincy and the University

-       are well promoted, with fair and efficient booking systems

-       are accessible to all members of the University community

With the Administrator and other chaplains ensure:

-       the Chapel sanctuary is maintained and developed as a space of spiritual restoration and Christian worship for the University and city

-       the Maclaurin Hall is a hospitable communal space for University staff, student and other-faith events

The Chapel and Hall are available, where appropriate and manageable (at the Administrator and Chaplain’s discretion), for weddings, funerals or other services for members of the University community

With senior chaplains, develop online and printed resources, including the library, to be shared.

KEY SUPPORT, MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

RESULTS/STANDARDS EXPECTED

Management Mechanisms

With Chaplain, Strategic Support, develop Strategic Goals and set annual priorities in consultation with the Trust Board

The Board Chair or nominated representative/s will conduct:

-an Annual Review of the Chaplain’s performance and role

-a Ministry Review every three years (or as their denomination requires)

Report to each (tri-annual) meeting of the Trust Board on Chaplaincy work and meeting of goals

Meet and consult with the Board’s Liaison Sub-committee on a bi-monthly basis or as needed

Meet weekly with Chaplain, Strategic Support and Administrator

Meet with other chaplaincy team members regularly (usually fortnightly or monthly or as appropriate).

Relationship to fellow Chaplain (and/or team), Chapel Administrator and Campus Life

Work with Chaplain, Strategic Support and Chaplain, Christians in Science to plan services, publications, study groups, events

With Chaplain, Strategic Support and Administrator, ensure regular communication and meetings with Chaplaincy team for support, information sharing and to co-ordinate programme

Meet with Muslim Chaplain once per week. Ensure effective communication between Muslim Chaplain/cy and Campus Life

Liaise with Administrator and Chaplain, Strategic Support to build connections with student groups using facilities

Liaise with Administrator to build and ensure communication mechanisms with Campus Life and the wider University

Meet regularly with Campus Life manager/s for consultation on common goals and Chaplaincy activities.

Delegated Budget and Financial Mechanisms

Together with Chaplain Strategic Support, develop and propose a budget to Maclaurin Trust Board and Campus Life in accordance with annual strategic goals and to align with the University’s annual budget process

Together with Chaplain, Strategic Support manage relevant budget expenditure items to advance the operations of the Chaplaincy. Expenditure comprises budget lines distributed and agreed between Campus Life and Richard Maclaurin Goodfellow Trust Board

Consult with those responsible for funds on agreed mechanisms for expenditure that allow for efficient and accountable use.

External Supervision

In keeping with the requirements of wider church bodies or denominations and the ANZ Tertiary Chaplaincy Association, undertake external work supervision with a qualified practitioner during the university year (approximately monthly, at least 6 times per year). The Trust Board to reimburse reasonable costs.

Communication Mechanisms

Maintain Chaplaincy communications, including email, phone, web-links and social media platforms, in collaboration with other members of the Chaplaincy team and Administrator.

The Board will provide subsidized support of a mobile phone for the Chaplain.

Professional Development Mechanisms

The Chaplain will undertake professional development or study each year in areas relevant to their role. This includes attending appropriate conference or training courses. Such professional development is undertaken in consultation with the Board Liaison Sub-committee and reasonable costs will be met by the Trust Board.

The accumulation of long-term study leave/sabbatical will be in accordance with the Chaplain’s denomination guidelines

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES

Qualifications

Essential:

Postgraduate or Higher Degree

Theological Qualification

Ordained Minister, with relevant certification

Pastoral training or Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

Preferred/Desirable

Doctor of Ministry, PhD or equivalent

Maori language competence

Public speaking experience

Experience

Essential:

Team Leadership

Pastoral Care (church or chaplaincy context)

Bi-cultural commitment and Treaty awareness

Cross-cultural/diversity 

Liturgy and Worship Leadership

Preferred/Desirable

Chaplaincy in university or other large institution

Missional church awareness

Ministry with students and/or young adults

Technical Skills and Knowledge

Essential:

IT facility

Public Speaking and Presentation skills

Organisational administrative experience 

Preferred/Desirable:

Speaker of a second language (other than English) and/or Taha Maori to a basic level

Budget management

Writing skills and/or published to academic standard

Social media/online communication

Leadership capabilities

Essential:

Team leadership

Proven skills in collaboration

Planning and strategy

Empathy with a range of people

Leadership in cross-cultural settings

Servant Leadership values

Preferred/Desirable:

Experience of leadership in traumatic or critical situations

Hospitality

Impromptu speaking

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Chaplain must have a personal commitment to safe work practices and beliefs: 

• Shares the responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy workplace in order to prevent harm to themselves and to others.
• Complies and carries out work-related activities in accordance with health and safety procedures and guidelines. https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/the-university/how-university-works/policy-and-administration/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-policy.html
• Wears appropriate protective clothing and equipment as required for activities.
• Immediately reports all hazards, accidents and incidents to Chapel Administrator and Campus Life
• Familiarises themselves and follows emergency procedures and provides appropriate assistance to others.
• Raises awareness of health and safety issues with Chapel Administrator and Campus Life