Position Description for Religious Director
Greater San Diego Muslim Community Center
Position Title: Religious Director of the Greater San Diego Muslim Community Center
Posting Date: December 29, 2007
Contact: Jeff Colborn, Chairman of the Board, jacolborn@yahoo.com
Job Summary:
- • This is a full-time position requiring the dedication of at least 40 hours per week. We will consider part-time if preferred by the candidate, in which case the responsibilities will be more limited.
- • Responsible for all religious activities and functions of the GSDMCC.
- • Must adhere to the GSDMCC bylaws.
- • Motivate, educate and spiritually guide the Muslim Community and help improve relations among its members and between Muslims and non-Muslims.
- • Assist with Islamic instruction for the weekend school.
- • Provide spiritual counseling to individual members of the Muslim community as needed on personal, family, work, and life matters.
- • Help the board of directors administer its resolutions and directives and apply the GSDMCC’s general policies.
- • Exercise mature judgment and initiative in utilizing the GSDMCC, its facilities and resources, and in advising the board of directors on religious matters.
- • Help with ongoing fundraising to support GSDMCC operations and expansion.
- • Assist in administering MCC youth and social programs.
It is expected that in fulfilling the obligations of the position of Religious Director as outlined below that the Religious Director will utilize the support of volunteer individuals and committees drawn from the GSDMCC community. This utilization shall be in consultation with the Board of Directors and in accordance with GSDMCC Bylaws and operating principals. Also a set of khateebs approved by both the Religious Director and the board of directors will be drawn upon to give the Friday khutbahs and lead the Friday prayers at the times of approved absence of the Religious Director.
Basic Functions and Responsibilities:
1. Lead 5 daily prayers five days a week (negotiable depending on schedule).
2. Give congregational sermons (Khutbah) and lead the prayers on Eids (holidays) and on half of the Fridays. The other half of the Fridays, this function will be performed by khateebs approved by both the Religious Director and the board of directors.
3. Conduct a minimum of three sessions per week of approximately 40 minutes each in Qur’aan, Tafseer, Hadeeth, Fiqh, (one of these sessions will be exclusively for sisters, and one for youth ages 13-21).
4. Together with the Youth Committee, plan, manage, and participate in religious and social activities for the different youth age groups.
5. Attend Board meetings as determined by the GSDMCC Board of Directors and provide active input.
6. In consultation with the board of directors, organize other Islamic activities in the Center (e.g. workshops, guest speakers).
7. With the community relations committee, plan, manage and participate in outreach activities and programs with other Islamic organizations, media, interfaith organization, churches, synagogues, etc.
8. Represent the GSDMCC in religious presentations and debates of academic nature, or designate an appropriate alternate. This may include media contact. Representation must be within the framework of the GSDMCC Bylaws and the directives and decisions of the board of directors.
9. Maintain contact with, and guide Muslim groups of various ethnic backgrounds, and encourage their active participation in the GSDMCC’s activities.
10. Approve moon-sighting efforts and resolve Islamic Hijra calendar issues in collaboration with national authorities and the administrations of other local masjids and community centers.
11. Coordinate with the charitable works committee for the collection and dispersion of Zakat money, distribution of Zabiha (during Eid El-Adha).
12. Dedicate at least four (4) hours a day (5 days a week) to office work and meeting with community members seeking private consultation or counseling with the Religious Director. Office hours need to be posted. Answer phones as needed while in the office.
13. In coordination with the board of directors, raise funds for GSDMCC operations and expansion.
14. Conduct and provide the following general services to the community upon request:
a) Marriage:
1. Verify the Islamic requirements and conditions for Marriage
2. Perform and officiate the marriage ceremony
3. Issue, approve, and authenticate all required legal documents and facilitate filling them with the local government
b) Funeral:
1. Provide instructions on the proper Islamic procedures of washing and preparing the deceased for burial
2. Perform Janazah prayer
c) Counseling: Provide Islamic counseling in matters of family and/or interpersonal conflicts among members of the community.
d) Weekend School-- In coordination with the education committee chairperson:
1. Provide input on Islamic curriculum together with school administration
2. Help school administration as needed in design of Arabic language curriculum
3. Help recruit school staff
4. Assist in teaching
Salary: Depends on experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
- • Three weeks paid comprehensive leave per year. No more than four weeks of leave can be accrued. A one-week notice is required prior to taking vacations except in emergencies. Two days off each week shall be negotiated with the Board of Directors.
Characteristics of the Successful Candidate:
• An understanding that Islam is meant as a mercy to all humankind.
• An enthusiastic, friendly, and cheerful demeanor.
• An appreciation of the importance of tolerance of the different major schools of thought within Islam on the details of fiqh.
• A sound education in shari‘ah, preferably from a recognized university.
• Thorough understanding of Quranic Arabic.
• Legally employable in the U.S.
• Experience living in North America and a commitment to being an American Muslim. Enthusiasm and appreciation for the positive role Muslims can play in American society through interaction with non-Muslims.
• Ability to deliver positive, motivational and inspirational khutbahs.
• Ability to relate well with young Muslims and stimulate their enthusiasm for Islam and for the GSDMCC.
• Ability to relate well with Muslims and non-Muslims from all cultural and national backgrounds and make them feel welcome at the GSDMCC.
• Ability to effectively represent the GSDMCC to the public, to other Islamic organizations, and to non-Muslims and their organizations.
• A strong work ethic.
• A strong command of the English language.
• Computer literacy helpful.
Note that this document is only a guide and is not binding. To apply for this position, please submit your resume to:
Jeff Colborn
Chairman of the Board
Greater San Diego MCC
jacolborn@yahoo.com
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