Rector

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

The Rector serves as the primary pastoral leader, chief administrator, community builder and University resource for 32 single-sex undergraduate halls. The Rector has a special and unique responsibility to foster Christian community within the residential communities, inspired and informed by Notre Dame’s Catholic, Holy Cross tradition. This position is responsible for the well-being and development of all residents, including members of Hall Staff, and assists students in the integration of their intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual formation. The typical Rector cohort includes priests and brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross, professed religious from other religious orders, and single lay women and men.

The Rector position is a live-in, full time position, which is 10 months (with new Rectors arriving early for orientation and training). The position offers full-time benefits, including a retirement plan, a furnished apartment and a meal plan.

The Rector position can be categorized into 4 main areas:

PASTORAL LEADER:

• Practicing Catholic who serves as an active and visible witness to Catholic identity, mission and values
• Ensure opportunities for vibrant Catholic worship
• Establish a \"ministry of presence\"
• Provide pastoral care and counseling
• Reach out to marginalized or vulnerable students
• Mediate conflict resolution among residents and with parents
• Employ crisis management with students of concern
• Implement discipline consistent with University standards
  
  

CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR:

• Attend meetings for supervision and professional development
• Partner with Housing Operations to complete annual tasks
• Recruit, train, coach, mentor and develop residential staff
• Serve in a rotation of three Head Staff on duty per hall
• Oversee stewardship of finances
• Collaborate on repair/maintenance of the facility
  
  

COMMUNITY BUILDER:

• Know all residents by name and create opportunities for connection
• Create opportunities to interact informally with residents
• Reach out in intentional ways to disconnected students
• Support development of signature events unique to each hall
• Design programming aimed at integrated development
• Collaborate with Priest-in-Residence and/or Faculty-in-Residence
  
  

UNIVERSITY RESOURCE:

• Serve as the liaison for students, faculty, staff and parents
• Acquire and enhance understanding of University resources
• Communicate information and make referrals for residents
• Collaborate with Student Affairs departments and critical University partners
  
  

More information can be found at rector.nd.edu or by emailing Zack Imfeld (zimfeld@nd.edu), Director for Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention.

Qualifications

• Degree Qualifications: Master's degree in Divinity, Theology, Higher Education, Counseling or a related field or Bachelor's Degree with 20 years of experience
• Experience: 3 to 4 years
• Skill Qualifications:
• At least three years of experience in a related field such as pastoral ministry, education, student personnel or counseling
• A demonstrated commitment to the University’s Catholic and Holy Cross mission and the ability to implement policies, programs, services, and initiatives that are consistent with the University’s mission and values.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in higher education with faculty, staff and students
• Knowledge of student life issues
• Supervisory experience, particularly training and coordinating volunteers
• Effective interpersonal skills, including a willingness to create a welcoming environment for all people
• Ability to design, coordinate, implement and evaluate programs with and for students
• Ability to manage complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, mixing long-term projects with urgent or immediate demands
• Capacity to manage stress and maintain personal and emotional stability in a demanding work environment
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with a facility for public speaking
• Strong organizational skills, with a demonstrated attention to detail
• Competent with technology (MS Office Suite and Google Suite) and ability to learn new systems
  

Additional Information

Salary: $45,675 for 10 months with furnished apartment year round and meal plan during academic year included

Applications accepted until February 1, 2026

RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.