Senior Chaplaincy Officer, Chaplaincy Office
Sydney campus
Full-time opportunity, Continuing contract
- Be part of a welcoming community of professionals, academics and students.
- Participate in ensuring the Catholic intellectual tradition is experienced as part of campus life.
- $112,749 (Level 7) + 14.5% superannuation
About the university
The University of Notre Dame Australia is a private Catholic University with over 1,000 permanent staff providing an exceptional educational experience to over 12,000 students across our Fremantle, Broome, and Sydney campuses, as well as clinical schools in Victoria and New South Wales.
About the office
The Chaplaincy team plays a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant spiritual and intellectual life on campus; working collaboratively across the institution to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students and staff can explore and deepen their faith. The Chaplaincy team also actively engages with the broader campus community by promoting social justice initiatives rooted in Catholic social teaching. By integrating faith, the Catholic intellectual tradition, and service, the Chaplaincy team helps enrich the educational experience at Notre Dame.
About the role
The Senior Chaplaincy Officer has a vital role in the shared leadership of the University’s Chaplaincy offering and plays an important role in ensuring the Catholic intellectual tradition is experienced as part of campus life. The Senior Chaplaincy Officer plays an integral role in assisting all within the University community to give witness to the Catholic ethos. This position is pivotal in promoting the mission of the University while encouraging engagement in the Catholic faith and nurturing a vibrant spiritual life on campus.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain Campus Presence: Be actively present on campus to engage with students and staff, providing pastoral care and support and to connect and interact with staff and students.
- Coordinate Major University Events: Plan and support events like Orientation, Graduation Masses, and Open Days.
- Provide Administrative Support: Assist with office tasks, including budget management, event coordination, and record-keeping.
- Develop Spiritual Programs: Help create programs that support the spiritual growth of students and staff, in line with the Catholic intellectual tradition.
- Organise Spiritual Activities: Plan and facilitate retreats, prayer sessions, and scripture readings to nurture the spiritual development of the university community.
- Assist with Liturgical Celebrations: Help organise regular and special-purpose liturgical and sacramental celebrations, including daily Mass.
- Foster an Inclusive Environment: Promote a supportive and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff, respecting diverse faiths.
- Build Community Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with local parishes, dioceses, and Catholic organisations to enhance the university's outreach and engagement with the broader Catholic community.
Qualifications, skills & experience
- Possession of a relevant degree qualification, with relevant work experience in a similar role and/or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education. The position is particularly well suited to a Religious Education Coordinator with appropriate qualifications and experience gained in a school environment.
- Deep understanding of Catholic teachings, traditions, and the role of higher education within the Church.
- Proven leadership experience in higher education, particularly in mission-related roles.
- Demonstrated experience in campus ministry or a related field is preferred.
- Experience in the delivery of adult faith formation initiatives.
- Strong communication skills in listening, speaking, and writing to build relationships and share the message of faith.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver successful outcomes in response to student needs, meeting with faculty staff, or coordinating campus activities.
- Ability to manage budget and resources allocated to Chaplaincy-based student or staff engagement activities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and virtual communication tools.
- Supportive of the Objects of Notre Dame as a Catholic University.
Benefits
- Generous training and development opportunities
- Friendly and collaborative working environment
- Discounted study at the University
How to apply
Please apply online with a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Applications closing date 8 May 2026
Shortlisting to start immediately after application closing date.
For further information on how to apply, please visit: How to apply | Notre Dame
Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
The University of Notre Dame Australia seeks to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the different needs of the University and its stakeholders and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our staff.
Contact us
Please direct your queries regarding this role to Marcia Rodrigues, Marcia.Rodrigues@nd.edu.au
Unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies will not be entertained.
