Director of Religion (Department of Religion)/Career Opportunity

The Department of Religion, under the leadership and direction of the Department of Programs, collaborates on the strategic delivery of the Institution’s vision and mission, as aligned through our core pillars of the Arts, Education, Religion, and Recreation. The Department provides a wide variety of worship services and programs for community residents and patrons that express Christian heritage and an interfaith commitment in both spirit and practice.

About the Opportunity

About Your Work

The Director of Religion is responsible for leading all worship, faith- and ethics-based programming, and ecumenical interfaith communication. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer and collaborating closely with the Senior Pastor, this position serves as a member of the Program Team and participates in Institution-wide programmatic planning. The Director oversees a robust religion program during Chautauqua’s summer assembly season and serves as the architect of program partnerships that ensure Chautauqua’s Religion Pillar remains a distinguishing element of the Chautauqua brand.

About You

Education & Experience

• Demonstrated education, practice, and competency in the field of religion, including delivering and/or fostering faith- and ethics-based programming for diverse audiences through interfaith dialogue and engagement, is required.
• A master's degree in religious education/studies, Divinity, Theology, or a related field—or an equivalent combination of education and experience—is preferred.
• Proven experience in professional networking at a national level for strategic, operational, and philanthropic endeavors is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A lifelong learner in philosophy and theology, eager to maintain and expand knowledge in religion—its principles, values, ethics, customs, and practices—and its impact on human culture.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to navigate multiple projects simultaneously and experience in planning, executing, controlling, closing, and assessing outcomes.
• Excellent active listening and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse communities on complex topics and communicate effectively with broad audiences.
• Technological proficiency in organizational software and mobile technology solutions, including Microsoft programs, NetSuite, and ArtsVision calendaring.
• Experience in developing and managing operational processes to advance program development and execution.
• High emotional intelligence and social perceptiveness to understand people and communities, gauge reactions, foster dialogue, influence behaviors, and build relationships.
• A thought leader in Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), demonstrating genuine respect and appreciation for all people of all faiths—and those of no faith.
• Strong management and leadership skills, including executing strategic and operational objectives, budgeting, resource planning, project and team management, coordination of people and resources, and short- and long-term talent development.
• An independent and dependable leader focused on building processes and procedures, completing routine responsibilities, planning for the future, and meeting goals—with the flexibility to manage a full schedule and adapt to change.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference, and events organization. 

About Your Department

The Department of Religion, under the leadership and direction of the Department of Programs, collaborates on the strategic delivery of the Institution’s vision and mission, as aligned through our core pillars of the Arts, Education, Religion, and Recreation. The Department provides a wide variety of worship services and programs for community residents and patrons that express Christian heritage and an interfaith commitment in both spirit and practice.

About Your Work Schedule & Location

The schedule is full time and may include daytime and evening hours, weekdays, and weekends, especially in the busy summer operating season and during project go-live periods.

This position is based on-site at Chautauqua Institution’s Main Campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County).  On-campus residence is required during the Summer Assembly Season from June–August. The flexibility for hybrid telecommuting or remote work outside of summer operations may be considered.

Candidates for Remote or Hybrid Work: Candidates are eligible for remote work within the United States, limited to specific states where Chautauqua is currently registered to conduct business. Candidates must reside, and maintain their primary work location, in one of these authorized states to be considered for employment and to remain eligible for continued remote work in the District of Columbia (DC), Connecticut (CT), Florida (FL), Illinois (IL), Maryland (MD), New Jersey (NJ), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Pennsylvania (PA), Virgina (VA), and Wisconsin (WI).  Chautauqua cannot hire or employ individuals who reside in states where it is not already registered to do business. Specific authorized states may be reviewed and updated periodically based on organizational needs and registration status.

Total Rewards for Our Talent

The compensation range for this opportunity starts at $62,500/annual and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $75,000/annual. Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and benefits suite include a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability options.  The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 6% of gross compensation following the designated service period.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.

Salary : $62,500 - $75,000