Current Parish & Institutional Opportunities

The Position

The Episcopal School of Knoxville seeks a dynamic and approachable Episcopal priest to be its next School Chaplain. Reporting to the Head of School and serving on the senior administrative team, the Chaplain oversees and promotes the spiritual culture of the school, leads the school in daily chapel, integrates the religious instruction, and oversees the service-learning program. As an ambassador of the school’s mission and Episcopal identity, the Chaplain is a warm and welcoming figure who embraces the diverse backgrounds within the school family, as well as the school’s vision for excellence in Faith, Knowledge, and Culture.

The Chaplain exhibits energy and excitement for spiritual nourishment throughout the educational program. Chapel is celebrated daily with three services: Lower School (8:00); JK (8:45); and Middle School (10:30). All students and faculty attend one of the three 15-min services, and families and friends are a welcomed addition at our community time for song, lessons, and prayer. Eucharist is celebrated monthly, and special services including, Blessing of the Pets (a community favorite), All Saints’ Day, Christmas (of course), MLK Day, Kindness Week, Ash Wednesday, and Holy Week, all add to the life culture of the school. The Chaplain orchestrates the calendar of services and religious observations throughout the year.

The Chaplain oversees the religious curriculum and participates in religious instruction. Connecting the teaching of the Old and New Testaments to the values and social dynamics promoted at the school, the religious instruction is a good support for the school’s culture for community. Since it’s beginning, the school has been grounded in the teachings and practices of Tribes Learning Communities and Artistry for Learning. This offers a wonderful and practical opportunity for students to apply and understand the teachings of the Episcopal faith in a real-world environment.

ESK is a firm believer in community stewardship to prepare young “citizens of the world and children of God”. The Chaplain coordinates the service-learning program and helps orchestrate community partnerships and service projects, both direct and indirect, at each grade level.

Finally, our Chaplain leads the school community in pastoral care and supports an “open door” for students, their families, faculty, and staff to seek assistance and support in their spiritual growth and attention. The Chaplaincy is a fulltime position based on the 10-month employee calendar (summers off) and is accompanied by a competitive benefits package including medical insurance, contribution to the Church Pension Fund, and discounted tuition.

The Successful Candidate will:

• Possess a love and understanding for children of all ages
• Demonstrate outstanding listening and communication skills
• Possess an advanced degree in divinity
• Embrace the principles that distinguish Episcopal education as articulated by the National Association of Episcopal Schools
• Serve as a transitional Deacon or Ordained Priest in the Episcopal Church

View the Full PDF
To Apply

Candidates should provide:

• Letter of interest with qualifications for this position
• Complete resume with previous positions and responsibilities
• Statement of Educational Philosophy
• Five references with contact information

Please send materials and direct any questions to:

Dr. Jack Talmadge, Head of School
The Episcopal School of Knoxville
950 Episcopal School Way
Knoxville, TN 37932

(865) 777-9032
talmadge@esknoxville.org