
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries is seeking a person of strong faith to grow and further develop our ministry to graduate students and faculty at the University of Illinois. The successful applicant will show a passion for interacting regularly with students and faculty from a wide variety of disciplines along with a heart for ministry to International Students and Scholars. This position will require careful attention to detail and a strong and a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ.
Context:
Ministry on this campus is very diverse and multi-cultural. The University of Illinois is home to 11,204 graduate and professional students studying in 139 graduate programs and 93 doctoral programs. These students are served by 2,729 faculty. 41% of all graduate students are international students.
Our work at U of IL has been led by two experienced staff who are nearing retirement and looking for a new generation of leaders to continue to lead this challenging and rewarding ministry. InterVarsity has been active on this campus since 1959 and has a long history of effective Christian ministry. The new staff will work with our current staff for a year or two and have the benefit of learning from their many years of experience.
Requirements:
We are seeking a candidate who is able to minister to International Students as well as masters and PhD students, law students, veterinary students and faculty. High quality cross-cultural skills and the ability to communicate Biblical content and concepts to those who have no prior knowledge of them are essential.
The successful applicant will have a deep appreciation for and understanding of faculty, academic staff, administrators, and the academy. A graduate degree is preferred for this position but not required. Good communication and interpersonal skills are a must along with the ability to appreciate various cultural backgrounds. This person will also have the ability to organize, support, encourage, and extend hospitality to a diverse range of people.
InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries is committed to the spiritual formation and personal development of each person, belonging to a Christian community, a lifestyle of evangelism and service, and integrating faith, learning, and practice. GFM also cultivates faculty engagement, both for vital collegial support of Christian faculty and for mentoring and encouragement to graduate students. The successful applicant will be committed to a multi-ethnic ministry to international students and scholars which is shaped by these values.