Executive Chaplain

Flo Harris Lodge (FHL) – Petersham Baptist Church

Location: Lewisham, NSW Australia

Appointment: Full-Time (with on-site accommodation)

Term: Two-year contract

Compensation: In line with qualifications and experience, per NSW & ACT Baptist Remuneration Recommendations

About FHL

FHL is a ministry of Petersham Baptist Church. Established over 60 years ago, it provides a warm and secure Christian residential community for around 50 young adults each year.

Most residents are aged 18–24 and are beginning tertiary study or work in Sydney, often coming from regional Australia or overseas. FHL is a place where young adults can grow personally, spiritually, and relationally — encountering the Christian Gospel in community & being supported to grow in their Christian faith and witness.

About the Role

To provide both executive leadership and pastoral oversight for Flo Harris Lodge, ensuring the Lodge remains a safe, caring, and well-managed residential ministry. This is a senior position combining organisational management, spiritual leadership, and community formation. The Executive Chaplain is responsible for leading staff, overseeing operations, nurturing Christian community, and ensuring the ongoing partnership between FHL and Petersham Baptist Church.

The role is suited to job share; ideally a husband-and-wife team able to provide chaplaincy to both male and female residents. The position includes on-site accommodation as part of the remuneration package, enabling the Executive Chaplain(s) to live alongside residents and participate fully in community life.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Providing executive leadership for FHL's ministry, operations, and staff.
• Overseeing the care, culture, and community life of the Lodge.
• Providing pastoral care, discipleship, and Christian leadership to residents.
• Leading and mentoring staff, including the Secondary Chaplain and Business & Finance Manager.
• Working with Petersham Baptist Church to align ministry, governance, and mission.
• Ensuring the long-term sustainability and strategic development of the Lodge.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate(s) will demonstrate:

• A genuine and mature Christian faith, reflected in character, conduct, and relationships.
• Theological convictions compatible with those of Petersham Baptist Church.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with experience managing people and operations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to relate well to young adults.
• A heart for pastoral ministry among young adults and a capacity to teach, model, and mentor.
• The ability to integrate practical management with Christian community formation.
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to work well within both ministry and governance contexts.
• Willingness and capacity to comply with FHL's safe organisation policies, including:
• Agreement to abide by and uphold the Code of Conduct;
• Holding or being eligible for a Working With Children Check;
• Completing a screening questionnaire;
• Undergoing a National Police Criminal Record Check.

Desirable criteria include:

• Experience in Christian residential ministry, student ministry, or Christian leadership.
• Formal theological qualifications or ministry training.

Experience working in or alongside church governance or not-for-profit boards.

Conditions

This is a full-time, residential position. The package includes on-site accommodation (covering housing, food, and utilities) to facilitate community engagement and pastoral availability.

The role offers six weeks annual leave.

Contact

For more information about this role, request for a copy of the position description, or to apply, please contact:

David McKinnon

Chair, Flo Harris Lodge Committee

Applications should be via email. Please include a cover letter, resume, and details of at least two referees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $78,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free food
• Housing provided

Work Location: In person