What are the responsibilities and job description for the Full Time Imam, Muslim Chaplain position at Mid Hudson Islamic Association?
About Us
Established over fifty years ago, the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association (MHIA) is one of the
Hudson Valley's most enduring Muslim institutions. What began as a small circle of families
gathering in private homes has grown into a thriving community anchored by Masjid Al-
Noor, the Jamia Masjid of the Hudson Valley, and Al-Noor Islamic School, which has served
over a thousand Muslim children for the past three decades. Masjid Al-Noor sits on over 20
acres in Wappingers Falls, New York, a historic and well-connected village in southern
Dutchess County that offers an exceptional quality of life just 70 miles north of New York
City.
MHIA is a community-governed institution, led by an elected Board of Trustees and
Executive Committee, and dedicated to the principles of the Qur'an and Sunnah across all
dimensions of community life, from daily prayer and Islamic education to youth
development, new Muslim support, and interfaith engagement. We are at a meaningful
moment in our growth, and are seeking a religious leader of vision and substance to help
shape what comes next.
Position Overview
MHIA is seeking a passionate and motivated Full-Time Imam to serve as the spiritual heart
and community anchor of the Hudson Valley Muslim community at Masjid-Al-Noor. This is a
rare opportunity to shape the future of a growing, diverse Masjid by leading not just in
prayer and scholarship, but in building the next generation of Muslim leaders.
The Imam will lead prayers, deliver khutbahs, guide community members in religious
matters, and oversee educational programs. In addition, the Imam will serve as the steward
of Masjid-Al-Noor by overseeing the Masjid's readiness, ensuring it is open, accessible, and
prepared for the community's needs. The Imam and MHIA leadership will work together in
serving the community, with the Executive Committee providing organizational oversight
and support for day-to-day responsibilities. This position includes a 6-month probationary
period.
The ideal candidate is someone whose deep grounding in Qur'an and Hadith is matched by a
genuine love for people and community. This role calls for a gifted communicator, a natural
community builder, and a dedicated educator who sees the Masjid and the Hudson Valley as
a home. They are ready to put down roots, invest in the community's long-term vision, and
grow alongside the families they serve.Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of Qur’an, Hadith, comparative Fiqh, and Islamic sciences.
- Formal Islamic education with an Alim or a Mufti designation with proper Tajweed and
Qiraat from a recognized Islamic institution.
- Hafiz required.
- Fluency in English (spoken and written); proficiency in Arabic required, Urdu preferred.
- Strong leadership and excellent communication skills for different audiences.
- Motivational speaker with strong fundraising capabilities.
- 5 years of prior experience as a lead Imam and/or a Community Organizer.
- U.S. work authorization.
- Exemplary Islamic character, integrity, and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
Religious Services
- Lead five daily prayers, Jumu’ah, Eid, Taraweeh, and Janazah prayers.
- Deliver khutbahs and special talks on Islamic occasions.
- Officiate Nikah ceremonies and provide premarital counseling.
- Support grieving families with Janazah guidance.
- Conversion and continual support and guidance of new Muslims.
- Respond to Islamic inquiries with sound scholarly judgment.
- Foster genuine connection and mutual respect between Muslims and people of other
faiths through ongoing interfaith programs and relationship-building.
- Remain available and present at the Masjid before and after every daily prayer.
Teaching & Education
- Conduct a minimum of 8 hours/week of Islamic classes.
- Lead weekly halaqas, tafsir, and Q&A sessions.
- Assist the Principal with developing, supporting & teaching Al-Noor Islamic Sunday
School curriculum while providing guidance and mentorship to volunteer teachers.
- Teach Seerah, Aqeedah, Islamic history, and related subjects.
- Develop and oversee youth summer camps, Quran classes, and family nights.
- Develop monthly religious seminars working with local and guest speakers.
- Explore opportunities to develop Full Time Hifz School.
Counseling & Support
- Provide marital, youth, and family counseling.
- Offer conflict prevention and resolution for community members.
- Mentor and guide and hold classes for new Muslims.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism.
Community Organizer: Youth & Outreach
- Organize youth programs, leadership activities, and age-appropriate initiatives. * Partner with the Youth Committee to strengthen engagement.
- Serve as a mentor and role model for youth.
- Represent MHIA at interfaith and civic events.
Administrative
- Maintain records of Nikah, Janazah, conversions, and counseling.
- Create a monthly prayer schedule and set prayer times.
- Submit monthly reports to the Executive Committee.
- Provide convenient office hours for community members’ consultation & guidance.
- Serve as steward of the Masjid: locking/unlocking and ensuring readiness.
- Collaborate with MHIA committees on programs, events, and fundraising.
- Be readily available to assist with community needs.
Work Schedule
This is a full-time position and as the community’s religious leader the expectation is that
the Imam is responsible for all prayers and emergencies 7 days a week.
Availability during evenings and weekends as required.
Compensation & Benefits
- Monthly salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
- MHIA will provide housing with utilities, maintenance, and related costs covered.
- Annual vacation entitlement: 2 weeks (first 5 years), 3 weeks (after 5 years), 4 weeks
(after 10 years) upon approval by Executive Committee.
- Stipend for health benefits/insurance.
- Opportunity for professional development (Islamic conferences/trainings).
- Annual performance review conducted by the EC in consultation with the Board and
community, serving as an opportunity for growth, feedback, and compensation review.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Language:
- English (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000 - $80,000