Most seminaries function just like any other higher education institute. The positions available range from facilities management to admissions counselors to tenured professors. In addition to the positions related to educational programs and student services, there are also seminary jobs that support the place of worship at the seminary and spiritual guidance and counseling for students, staff, and the surrounding community.
A chapel or larger religious facility is nearly always connected or adjoined to a seminary school. This being said, seminary jobs can also include positions similar to what you would expect to find at an independent spiritual facility or place of worship. Seminary jobs associated with a chapel or place of worship can include, but are not limited to, a chaplain or religious leader, a community liaison, a worship coordinator, music coordinator or director, musicians, and an education director for the congregation. Some houses of worship will have additional seminary jobs in positions related to spiritual guidance. This could involve a vocational director, spiritual advisers, and staff who arrange and manage student and community events, community outreach, and volunteer opportunities for students within the congregation and community.
Consider the seminary as merely an educational institution and then add in the religious aspect to best conceive of the plethora of staff and faculty required to keep a seminary running smoothly. Seminary departments can include technology, public relations, library facilities, donor services, and finance. Larger seminaries require staff in additional areas such as housing, human resources, food services, or as part of a research institute.
Seminary academic programs require academic counselors and advisers, lecturers, and part-time and full-time faculty. Many times those holding these seminary jobs are monks, brothers, nuns, sisters, or other ministerial staff, depending on the religious affiliation of the seminary. Academic programs are not limited to purely theology or religion courses, but could include a vast variety of programs. Faculty members, if not members of the clergy, likely will have attended a seminary school at some point in their education. Those holding the position of professor or professor emeritus have attended a seminary for at least one academic program, and many times for their studies in three or four different degree programs.
Seminaries commonly have a strong and well-integrated student life office, as well. Student life activities and counseling at a seminary would include extracurricular activities, events, and community building as well as spiritual guidance and ministerial formation. Depending on the religious affiliation, other positions as religious leaders may also be available. Visit a seminary of your preferred affiliation if you would like to learn more about a specific religious affiliation or denomination and the ministerial positions and seminary jobs available.
Searching a seminary employment site for available positions is the best way to get a feel for potential seminary jobs. Seminary magazines, journals, and newsletters could also provide a helpful look at seminary jobs and open positions. Visit a diocese or district offices for additional assistance if interested in a career working in a seminary.
