Position Title : Head Chaplain
Level : Professional
Load : Full-time
Service Period : Contract
Nature & Scope
The Head Chaplain will lead the spiritual life of Heritage International School, cultivating a Christ-centered atmosphere that reaches across students, staff, families, and the broader community. Working in partnership with Co-Chaplain, school leadership, and the Spiritual Life Committee, the Head Chaplain serves as both a visionary and a shepherd : planning and leading chapel services, discipling students and staff, and offering consistent pastoral care.
This role requires strong spiritual leadership, a visible ministry of presence, and the ability to counsel, mentor, and inspire across cultural and denominational lines. The Head Chaplain should be gifted in Bible teaching, preferably musically inclined, and open to leading a Sunday church service on campus to further support the school community and others in Kampala seeking a vibrant, gospel-rooted fellowship.
1. Personal Qualities
Spiritual Leadership
- Demonstrate an active, growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Exhibit a lifestyle consistent with biblical values and Heritage’s Statement of Faith.
- Maintain a deep and disciplined devotional life, including regular prayer and Scripture study.
- Actively engaged in a local church and ideally qualified to preach and pastor within a church setting.
Pastoral Heart
A shepherd’s heart for people—compassionate, trustworthy, and spiritually mature.Approachable and sensitive to the emotional and spiritual needs of students, staff, and families.Able to counsel, disciple, and guide others through life’s challenges with wisdom and biblical insight.Leadership Capacity
Strong communicator with the ability to inspire and challenge others in their faith.Demonstrated leadership in spiritual programs, chaplaincy, or church ministry.Skilled in team leadership, program coordination, and cross-departmental collaboration.Committed to serving all stakeholders, including support staff, with humility and inclusivity.Experienced in multicultural or international environments and comfortable engaging across denominations.Open to or experienced in church leadership or planting—capable of launching or pastoring a Sunday church service on campus.2. Professional Responsibilities
Ministry Oversight
Plan and lead weekly chapels for elementary and secondary students.Oversee special chapels (e.g., Spiritual Emphasis Weeks, Parent Prayer, Holiday Services).Coordinate and support K–12 mission and service opportunities, aligned with school values.Lead and sustain school-wide spiritual rhythms, including prayer gatherings and staff devotions.Serve as a spiritual resource and mentor to students, staff, and families.Equip student leaders and staff to take active roles in leading worship, prayer, and outreach.Build and maintain devotional and speaker rosters, ensuring diverse and engaging content.Pastoral Care
Provide individual pastoral care to students, staff, and families as needed.Offer crisis response, grief care, and biblical counseling in coordination with student support services.Welcome and help integrate new staff and families into the spiritual life of the school.Church Leadership
Explore the opportunity to establish or lead a Sunday worship gathering on campus in alignment with Heritage’s mission and values, in consultation with the Head of School and Board.3. Professional Development
Set annual spiritual and leadership goals aligned with the school’s mission and submit to the Head of School.Actively participate in professional development, faculty meetings, and theological enrichment.Stay current with trends in Christian education, discipleship, and pastoral care.Pursue continuing education or certifications as needed.4. Professional Qualifications
Mature, active faith in Jesus Christ and alignment with the Heritage Statement of Faith.Degree in theology, ministry, biblical studies, or a related field; pastoral ordination preferred.Substantial ministry experience, ideally with a combination of school and church-based work.Strong Bible teaching ability; musical gifting is a plus.Experience working cross-culturally and / or in international school contexts.Strong organizational, relational, and communication skills.Technologically proficient and comfortable using multimedia tools for chapel and communication.A genuine calling to serve at Heritage International School, and willingness to be a spiritual anchor for the community.