Dean of Spiritual Life

FLSA Classification: Exempt (Full-time)

Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2025

About Girls Preparatory School

The mission of Girls Preparatory School (GPS) is to inspire each girl to lead a life of integrity and purpose by engaging her mind, cultivating her strengths, and nurturing her self-confidence and respect for others. Currently, 130 faculty and staff serve approximately 505 girls in grades 6-12 with a college preparatory curriculum that includes a full complement of courses in the humanities, STEM, the arts, and more, as well as a rich and varied cocurricular program. 

GPS prioritizes healthy connections and relationships, fostering a culture where each girl is known, heard, and empowered to use her voice. This culture of acceptance and belonging nurtures and lifts her up in mind, body, and spirit so that she can find her place and discover her potential with confidence and joy for dynamic engagement in a rapidly changing world. 

Faculty support each student in a learner-centered and collaborative culture that is aligned with our mission, vision, and values. Furthermore, faculty and staff are expected to understand and embody our tenets of excellence.

History of Spiritual Life at GPS

In 1906, GPS was founded on Christian principles, with the lofty goal of preparing girls for college and for life by instilling in each student the values of honesty, integrity, and consideration for others. In the more than a century since our founding, the school has remained committed to these core values, but the manner in which we have formally recognized spiritual life on campus has shifted with the changing needs of our community. Our current students and families have increasingly expressed their desire for the school to intentionally support the spiritual and ethical development of our girls within our programming. Core to our mission and vision is that every girl is seen, heard, known, and empowered to use her voice, and that she ultimately feels a sense of belonging within our community.  Our Statement of Faith, adopted in 2024, is as follows: “Founded in 1906 on Christian principles, GPS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all faiths. We are committed to educating the whole girl—mind, body, and spirit.”

Position Description

In alignment with our mission, vision, and values, GPS has created the position of a Dean of Spiritual Life. This person will apply a deep understanding of and appreciation for the mosaic that is our world and will strive to cultivate community and connection between students across various faiths, traditions, and cultural backgrounds.

With a focus on students’ religious and spiritual lives, the Dean of Spiritual Life will embody GPS’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual wellness of all community members in a manner that respects and honors the varied faith traditions of our student and school community. 

The ideal candidate will possess an academic background and spiritual philosophy that align with GPS’s values, demonstrating empathy, openness, and a strong understanding of female adolescent development. They will be well-versed in pastoral care and interfaith support, bringing a balanced approach that emphasizes inclusivity and respect for all faiths within the school.

Responsibilities:

• Foster spiritual wellness in the GPS community through compassionate and meaningful interactions, and enrich students’ understanding of the role of spirituality in the human experience;
• Teach approximately two classes per semester in fulfillment of the graduation requirement in religion. Current courses include History of Christianity, World Religions, and Biblical Ethics; offerings may be revised in partnership with the Humanities Department Chair and the Associate Head of School for Academics/Head of Upper School;
• Provide pastoral care to students and other GPS community members, collaborating with school counselors as needed; 
• Attend student support meetings and participate in support plans as appropriate based on students’ needs;
• Advocate for students as appropriate regarding religious practices;
• In partnership with club sponsors, oversee clubs and forums related to spiritual life;
• Work with students to offer education and celebration around observances and holidays of religious importance;
• Provide or guide the development and delivery of public prayers, such as during Opening Day and Commencement;
• Spearhead the planning and execution of the Baccalaureate service;
• Provide guidance and oversight when students or families gather for spiritual or religious activities on campus, such as devotionals or religious study;
• Engage with prospective families as needed;
• In collaboration with the Director of Student Life, foster and support service learning initiatives across grades 6-12, cultivating meaningful connections within the Chattanooga community;
• With guidance from the Director of Student Life, collaborate with the counselors to design and deliver advisory lessons in social-emotional learning, ethics, and other topics; and
• Ensure all spiritual activities respect GPS’s mission by empowering students to explore and grow while not imposing personal beliefs within a culture of mutual respect.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in religious studies, divinity, theology, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred;
• Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) or similar licensure preferred;
• Experience in pastoral care, ideally within an educational or similar setting, and the ability to provide emotional and spiritual support; and
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to connect meaningfully across the GPS community.

To Apply: Please upload a single PDF in the resume submission field which includes a cover letter, resume, and sample sermon/prayer that you have written and/or delivered in a previous role.

It is the School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or disability or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. It is the intent and resolve of the School to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, training, discipline, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

All employees are responsible for complying with the School's equal employment opportunity policy.