Main Function: With minimal supervision, as part of a leadership team and in keeping with L’Arche Syracuse’ mission, work closely with the Community Leader, Program Directors, House Coordinators and the Spiritual Life Committee to deepen the spirituality, mission and culture of L’Arche, recruit assistants, and participate in fundraising. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Spiritual Life of the Community 

• Oversee Tuesday Prayer, retreats, monthly Potluck, Days of Reflection, etc. 
• Chair the Spiritual Life Committee.   
• Meet with any member of the community, House teams, Day Hab, etc. to listen, counsel, address crisis or conflict, and discuss matters relating to their spiritual health and growth.  
• Arrange for ongoing accompaniment for interested member of the community. 
• Encourage nightly prayer in the homes by occasionally observing and modeling.  
• Facilitate attendance, particularly of core members and live-in assistants, at houses of worship of their choice.  
• Serve as the liaison between the L’Arche Community and churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious/spiritual organizations to announce L’Arche, recruit assistants, and fundraise. 
• Participate in orientation and lead formations for assistants. 
• Promote solidarity and connections with the greater L’Arche. 
• Write for community newsletter, reports, website, and other L’Arche publications. 
• Serve as a member of the weekend on-call team.  

2. Recruitment of Assistants 

• Develop pipelines with spiritual service groups, colleges (especially religiously affiliated), seminaries, and para-church organizations to attract assistants and other staff who are motivated by the mission of L’Arche. Visit these institutions and organizations to announce L’Arche and develop relationships for purposes of ongoing recruitment. 

• Design and implement an online advertising and recruitment campaign to attract assistants who are drawn to our mission.   

3. Fundraising 

• Assist with friend and fundraising by helping develop strategy, meeting with donors, and assist with fundraising events.  

Qualities of the Pastoral Minister: 

1. Openness to read, learn and help define the spirituality, mission and culture of L’Arche. 

2. Committed to working across interdenominational, interreligious, and non-religious boundaries.   

3. Demonstrate particular sensitivity and creativity to the needs of those with disabilities and those who are aging. 

4. Committed to working as a member of a team and nurturing the experience and gifts of others. 

5. A person of prayer and meditation. 

6. Be nourished by Community Life.  This also includes knowledge of the gifts and challenges of community life. 

7. Willingness to be available with flexible hours. 

8. Strong writing, interpersonal, and communication skills 

Education/Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree required, graduate degree preferred in religion, theology, pastoral counseling, psychology, or a related field. Training and/or experience in spiritual/pastoral counseling, spiritual direction and care. Position requires good verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to demonstrate teamwork and professionalism.  Basic word processing, e-mail and social media skills are required.   

Reports to: 

Executive Director 

Compensation and Benefits 

The salary range for this position is $42,000 to $48,000 depending on experience and training. L’Arche offers an outstanding health insurance plan in which L’Arche currently pays 96% of the deductible. L’Arche also offers dental, disability, life, and other insurance options as well as a matching retirement plan.  

Application Process 

Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to John Knechtle, Executive Director & Community Leader, L’Arche Syracuse at Ex***************@la************.org.