About the job

• 30% - Counsel Muslim students on religious, spiritual, ethical, vocational and personal matters. This includes engaging in an extensive outreach campaign to identify Muslim students and help them identify how their religious values and beliefs can inform their life choices through weekly meetings and other educational opportunities. - (Essential)
• 25% - Provide guidance to students leading Occidental College’s Muslim Student Association as they implement programs to help students grow intellectually, religiously, and spiritually or host events to enable students to practice their faith in community with other students. - (Essential)
• 25% - Plan regular prayer services (frequency based on student interest), text studies and holy day prayer services and celebrations. This includes working with the Occidental community to ensure that Muslim students can properly engage in Ramadan rituals including iftars or break the fast meals. - (Essential)
• 10% - Advocate for Muslim students across the institution. This includes working with the Director for Religious and Spiritual Life and senior campus leaders to advocate for college policies and practices that promote respect for Muslim students and educating the larger community about the unique needs, beliefs, practices and concerns of Muslim students. This also includes serving as an affiliate member of the Bias Education Support Team and other appropriate campus committees. - (Essential)
• 10% - Collaborate with the ORSL professional staff and campus partners to plan and host programs that promote interfaith understanding, spirituality, and spiritual wellness, with a particular focus on engaging Muslim and Jewish student communities. Provide a visible Muslim presence at interfaith events such as the Interfaith Thanksgiving Lunch and Interfaith Baccalaureate Service, and represent the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life at key campus events—including Convocation, Commencement, and special interfaith services, vigils, or programs responding to campus, national, or global events. Attend ORSL staff meetings, Division meetings and other committee meetings as appropriate. - (Essential)

• Bachelor’s Degree in religious studies, theology, or Islamic studies or equivalent experience.
• Two years of relevant experience working in a campus setting. Demonstrated ability to speak effectively to both small and large diverse groups, preferably composed of college-aged individuals.
• Ability to read and understand the Quran. The ability to speak Arabic.
• A demonstrated interest in providing religious, spiritual, educational and vocational support to Muslim undergraduate students. Comfort with one’s Muslim identity and able to support students as they seek to incorporate their religious and spiritual identity into their sense of self.
• Knowledge of issues facing Muslim undergraduate students.
• Ability to develop meaningful relationships with students and to help them plan activities to support Muslim students on campus.
• An appreciation for Occidental College’s values of equity, diversity and inclusion and the intersectionality of identities and a commitment to interfaith cooperation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google drives/folders/forms, Adobe Acrobat, Web Editing, and social media applications or any combination of productivity programs applicable to position responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and thorough; skilled at anticipating and preventing potential problems and handling a wide variety of tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
• Strong commitment to a quality work product.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing and electronically.
• Effective interpersonal skills as evidenced in the ability to collaborate with a variety of constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, inclusion & diversity.
• Demonstrated skill in adapting to and performing work effectively in high-volume, high accountability, confidential environment with multiple and changing priorities.
• Effective organizational, logistical, time management and planning skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks/projects simultaneously, prioritize and fulfill the functions of an office in a timely manner.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
• Ability to provide effective leadership and training, and to work effectively and professionally across functions, disciplines, levels, and with diverse groups.

• Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies and Leadership, Islamic Education or Islamic Chaplaincy.

• Lead the development and alignment of early childhood curriculum and instructional practices.
• Support and mentor educators through coaching, training, and regular feedback.
• Monitor classroom environments to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with state regulations.
• Coordinate professional development for teaching staff.
• Collaborate with families to support children’s development and transitions.
• Analyze assessment data to inform teaching and program improvements.
• Serve as a liaison between staff, families, and administration.

• Oversee and support Early Childhood staff, including training and supervision, and assist with recruitment efforts in coordination with the Principal and HR Coordinator
• Provide professional development opportunities
• Oversee classrooms to ensure coverage

• Develop educational programs and standards and oversee curriculum implementation
• Oversee the enrollment and withdraw process for early childhood students
• Ensure safety and health guidelines are met by not exceeding classroom capacity requirements

• Ensuring the safety and health of students by keeping the facility clean, orderly and maintained according to state regulations.
• Ensuring the safety and health of students by keeping safety equipment available and working according to state regulations.

• Communicate with parents and staff and assist staff in communicating with children.
• Meet and Greet with parents and visitors and answer any inquiries relating the Early Childhood department
• Communicate with parents are placement of students
• Plan and implement family engagement activities

• Salary range:  (commensurate with experience)
• 5 days PTO (Paid Time Off)
• 1 Mental Health Day
• Paid school holidays and breaks
• Activities will result in a work schedule of 40-45 hours per week
• Annual receipt of a personalized feedback plan to contribute to career development
• Discount tuition for children
• IRA Plan with 3% employer matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance option available for full-time employees

• The ability to lift 10  pounds
• The ability to respond quickly to sounds
• The ability to move safely around campus
• The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
• The ability to sit/stand most of the day
• Ability to use desktop computers and office equipment such as phone, IPad, desktop

• Delivers a minimum of two well-prepared and researched Friday Jumu’ah khutbahs (sermons) per month and aids in the vetting and training of other Khateebs.
• Schedules other qualified Khateebs when unavailable to deliver khutbahs.
• Personally delivers one to two substantive classes per week on topics addressing the community’s needs and oversees workshops and seminars.
• Provides oversight and guidance over the development and implementation of educational programs for youth and adults, including Weekend School, Quran Institute, Tajwid, and Arabic language classes.
• Leads by example to prevent discrimination based on Islamic school of thought, sex, race, nationality, age, ethnic origin, citizenship, political affiliation, or economic status.
• Develops religious programming for Ramadan and other Islamic holidays/celebrations.
• Works with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Religious Programs Committee to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Supervises and manages the Assistant Religious Director(s), if there are any on staff.
• Reports directly to the Executive Director.

• Responds to community members’ questions via email and other selected electronic communication means.
• Writes insightful articles and handouts for print, publication, distribution, and/or posting on ICOI’s website or blog within ICOI guidelines.
• Proactive leadership, taking initiative and not waiting for things to happen.
• Performs matrimonial and funeral services when needed.
• Provides religious consultation utilizing empathy and a non-judgmental stance while referring out to professional counselors for marital and psychological counseling.
• Interacts with all Muslim and non-Muslim persons and organizations in a manner that reflects positively on ICOI.
• Supports public relations activities to build and maintain relationships with other organizations and the broader Irvine community.
• Speaks to the media on behalf of ICOI, if requested.

• Engages with the youth in the community through at least one regular halaqah/class (frequency to be determined).
• Aware of current issues (LGBT, cannabis, etc.) and capable of connecting with youth (ages 13-30).

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to develop and communicate ICOI’s mission and vision.
• Excellent conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Good oratory skills with experience in khutbahs and seminars.
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills to unite a diverse community.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of Islamic Fiqh, Quranic interpretation (Tafsir), and Hadith.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in English and Arabic.
• Leadership and management skills, including the ability to supervise and mentor staff and volunteers.
• Deliver sermons and lectures on Islamic teachings and current issues.
• Provide religious guidance and rulings on various matters.
• Good presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate knowledge.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and social media.

• Educational Background
• A degree in Islamic studies or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Experience
• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a senior leadership role within an Islamic institution or community center, with at least five of those years being in a relatively large community.
• Proven experience in leading congregational prayers, delivering sermons, and providing religious guidance.
• Experience in community outreach and engagement, including interfaith activities.
• Personal Attributes
• A strong moral character and commitment to Islamic values.
• Ability to work with diverse groups and maintain a harmonious community environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Moderate in view of Islam, not too extreme on either side.
• Have proper Tajweed in a voice that’s pleasing to the congregants.
• Lead by example, embodying the qualities of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) in daily life.
• Demonstrate kindness, forgiveness, and mercy in daily interactions with the community.
• Ethical integrity with high moral standards and a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Awareness and respect for cultural diversity within the Muslim community.
• Strong believer with qualities to unite the community and the patience to endure challenges and transform negativity into positivity.
• Adaptable and moderate in beliefs, avoiding rigidity.

• Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America.

• This role offers a competitive salary comparable to the cost of living here in Southern California.
• Other benefits include health, dental, vision, retirement, housing, paid time off, and a budget for professional development.

Role Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage front-office operations and administrative tasks
• Develop and document office systems and procedures
• Serve as point-of-contact and operational expert
• Utilize MS Office and QuickBooks
• Support HR, payroll, and accounting functions (preferred)
• Uphold Islamic values in all communications and engagements
• Promote inclusiveness, professionalism, and respect in the community

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 3+ years in office management, non-profit, or school environments
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Eligible to work in the U.S.
• Experience with interfaith or community outreach

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years customer service experience, ideally in a religious institution
• Proficient in digital and social communication tools
• Flexibility for evening/weekend events

Compensation

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications