Residence Full-time Imam

Job Overview

The Imam of MCCSD serves as the spiritual heart of our community. This is a full-time, resident position based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Imam is responsible for leading the community's religious life, nurturing its spiritual growth, developing its next generation, and representing Islam with excellence to our broader community. The Imam works in close collaboration with the MCCSD Board of Directors and reports to the Imam Committee. The Imam is not a board member of MCCSD but is a respected partner in its leadership. They serve as a standing curriculum advisor to the MCCSD Islamic Sunday School and are expected to bring both religious authority and collaborative spirit to that relationship.

Only candidates authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizen or valid U.S. work permit) will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Spiritual Leadership & Prayer Lead the five daily prayers at the Masjid, arriving early and remaining available to the community
• Lead Jumuah prayer and deliver the Khutbah (sermon) Lead Eid prayers and deliver the Khutbah
• Lead Taraweeh prayers throughout Ramadan and participate in Ramadan fundraising and programming
• Provide funeral prayers (Janazah) and guidance to bereaved families
• Deliver khutbahs and lectures that are uplifting, accessible, and relevant to the lived experience of the community -- avoiding polemical, overly complex, or divisive content; adjusting tone and depth to the audience Education & Spiritual Growth
• Deliver regular reminders (Khatirah) for adults on topics including Quranic studies, Hadith, Seerah, and Fiqh
• Organize and conduct the Quran Academy for brothers, sisters, and children of varying age groups throughout the year
• Organize and conduct regular Halaqas and classes for all segments of the community
• Provide matrimonial guidance, divorce counseling, and pastoral support as needed
• Maintain regular, convenient office hours at the Masjid for members seeking counsel
• Maintain an accessible online presence to serve community members who cannot come in person
• Develop and lead youth-focused activities, interactive programs, and outdoor events (e.g., Quran memorization competitions, halaqas, sports, community outings)
• Serve as a mentor and trusted figure for young people navigating their identity as American Muslims
• Provide family and youth counseling, particularly around challenges specific to Muslim families in America
• Build an environment at MCCSD where youth genuinely want to be present
• Support and advise the Islamic Sunday School committee in curriculum development and religious guidance
• Serve as the standing curriculum advisor to the MCCSD Islamic School Board (non-voting, collaborative role)
• Teach or co-teach classes in the Sunday School as agreed with the School Board, maintaining consistency and engagement across all sessions
• Participate in school events, ceremonies, and activities as a visible and engaged community leader
• Interact with all persons and organizations -- Muslim and non-Muslim -- in a manner that reflects the true character of Islam
• Represent MCCSD in interfaith dialogues, public forums, and media as needed
• Work with the Board on public relations for Islam and the Muslim community
• Visit and provide services to Muslims in special circumstances, including hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and refugee communities
• Introduce Islam to non-Muslim neighbors and institutions with clarity, warmth, and depth
• Work with the MCCSD Board of Directors to support fundraising, institutional growth, and strategic programs
• Provide religious and community consultation to the Board and Zakah committee as requested
• Participate in regular meetings with the Imam Committee (monthly or quarterly) for performance review and alignment
• Contribute to long-term planning discussions as a key community stakeholder

Required Qualifications:

• Must hold the beliefs of the Sunni school of thought
• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies or a related field from a recognized institution; equivalent traditional Islamic education considered
• Must have memorized the Quran (Hafidh) with a firm grasp of Tajweed
• Adequate knowledge of Fiqh to teach and counsel the community, including awareness of differences among the major schools of thought (Madhahib)
• Knowledgeable in Seerah, Hadith, Tafseer, and the Islamic sciences
• Fluent in Arabic and English (written and spoken); additional languages a plus
• Practices integrity, Islamic manners, and high moral standards
• Understands the perspectives and challenges of Muslims living in America
• Demonstrates consistent professional reliability: punctual for all prayers, classes, and scheduled commitments; provides advance notice for absences; arranges adequate coverage; and adheres to agreed-upon vacation and leave schedules
• Authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizen or valid U.S. work permit/visa)

Strongly Preferred:

• Raised in or deeply rooted in the American Muslim experience; US-born or US-educated strongly preferred
• Experience working in a 9-to-5 or similarly structured professional environment
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a formal Imam role or Islamic education position, ideally in the West
• Demonstrated commitment to long-term community building -- not simply seeking a short-term posting
• Tazkiyah (recommendations) from reputable scholars or Islamic centers
• Experience with conflict resolution and community mediation
• Track record of engaging, youth-centered programming and genuine rapport with young people
• Prior experience in interfaith dialogue and media representation

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person