Description

Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life

Wellesley College, a prominent women's college in Wellesley, Massachusetts, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its next dean of religious and spiritual life. This is an on-site leadership role.

Wellesley College is known for the excellence of its education, its gifted faculty, the beauty of its setting, and the uniqueness of its campus culture. But most of all, Wellesley is known as the preeminent women's college in the United States and for the thousands of accomplished, thoughtful graduates it has sent into the world since 1870. As a private, highly selective, non-profit liberal arts college for women and member of the Seven Sisters Colleges, Wellesley has a lively academic community that places a high value on rigorous, probing inquiry and creative, cross-discipline thinking.

Reporting to the vice president and dean of students, the dean of religious and spiritual life will continue Wellesley's tradition of innovation in, and commitment to, religious and spiritual life in an increasingly diverse context. The dean will oversee the office of religious and spiritual life, which is comprised of three full-time and two part-time College chaplains, and an office manager. Together the team oversees major traditional programs at the College, and fosters religious, spiritual, and ethical life at Wellesley. The dean of religious and spiritual life will serve as an intellectual, moral, and ethical voice for the College.

In addition to a competitive benefits package, the HR salary range for this position is between $110,000 - $140,000. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Qualifications
An accredited M.Div. or equivalent academic credentials and training in religious leadership, ordination (when possible), and extensive experience, ideally in a college or university setting, are required. Highest academic credentials preferred.

The successful candidate must possess pastoral skills, theological depth, intellectual acumen, knowledge of student affairs, and have demonstrated leadership within a particular religious tradition. The dean must possess a broad understanding of the world's spiritual traditions, be experienced in other cultures and religious traditions, and be able to apply that understanding in Wellesley's diverse environment and tradition of educating women.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:

• Strong administrative and team management skills.
• Excellent public speaking and oratory skills.
• A deep understanding of the educational value of a diverse university community.
• Demonstrated track record of advancing equity and enhancing inclusiveness.
• Ability to lead with equanimity, discretion, and a sense of responsibility.
• An academic grounding in the study of religious and spiritual belief systems and an intellectual presence to most effectively partner with faculty, staff, and students across a university setting.

Application and Nomination
Wellesley College has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin January 14, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/dean-of-religious-and-spiritual-life/

• Contact Julie Leos at jal@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries.
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com

Visit the Wellesley College website at www.wellesley.edu

At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas—the best solutions—draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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