InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries is seeking a person of strong faith to plant and grow our ministry to graduate students and faculty across Chicagoland. 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 among international students in the city of Chicago is ripe with opportunity! The world is truly at our doorstep. There are over 10,000 international graduate students at just 4 of the top institutions in the area. The Illinois Institute of Technology’s graduate student population is comprised of 66% international students who come from 100 countries! The University of Illinois at Chicago has 3476 international students studying for graduate degrees. They make up 34.5% of the UI Chicago grad student population. Many of these students will return to their home countries to be leaders in the fields of business, education, engineering, science, and government. Serving alongside these students today will truly impact the world!
Requirements:
We are seeking a candidate who is able to recruit, grow and coordinate a team of staff and volunteers to welcome and minister to the many international students in this great city. Networking skills and the ability to delegate and empower volunteers will be needed. 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 (GFM) 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.
