Career Center

About Us

The University of St. Mary of the Lake /Mundelein Seminary (USML) is the major seminary and graduate school of Theology for the Archdiocese of Chicago.  Mundelein Seminary is one of the largest priesthood preparation programs in the United States having graduated over 4,000 students since 1926 and serving over 30 dioceses in the United States. 

Mission Statement

To form a church that consecrates the world to God,  according to the heart of Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Vision Statement

To form priests, deacons, and the laity for parish leadership, ministry, and evangelization – adhering to timeless Truth while adopting to constant change.

At the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, our people are our greatest strength. Every member of our community—faculty, staff, administrators, and ministry leaders—plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Church and forming leaders who serve with wisdom, compassion, and faith. Working here is more than a career; it is an opportunity to contribute to a mission that transforms lives and impacts communities around the world. Rooted in collaboration, respect, and a shared sense of purpose, we foster a workplace where your talents are valued, your growth is encouraged, and your work truly matters. Join a community where faith and purpose inspire excellence every day.

The University of Saint Mary of the Lake benefits from the insights and assistance provided by its Advisory Board. This board plays a role in advising and supporting university officials in various areas. It aids in the promotion of the university’s presence not only within the Archdiocese but also in wider contexts, while also advancing mission. In addition to this, the Advisory Board is a valuable resource for matters related to budgeting, finance, legal considerations, and management practices. Their consultation ensures the university’s growth, sustainability, and effective operation.

To view the members of our Board of Advisors click here.

To view our university leadership team click here.

Elizabeth Santilli

Vice President, Human Resources

Marlene Arcos

Human Resources – Assistant/Coordinator

1000 E. Maple Ave., Mundelein, Illinois 60060

To view a map of our campus click here.

Open Positions

Create and showcase your profile, upload your resume, and explore career opportunities tailored for professionals at every stage of their career.

Life at USML

The University of St. Mary of the Lake Career Center is built for those shaping the future of the Catholic Church through our work at the University of St. Mary of the Lake’s (USML) Mundelein Seminary and our School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization (SPLE).

Notice to job seekers: Please be mindful of recruitment fraud and job scams. Only positions posted on our website are legitimate. We conduct video and in person interviews only and will never ask you to disclose personal information over email or text or to receive or send money. If you are concerned that you have been contacted by someone pretending to be a USML recruiter, please contact us via email using this link.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Plans

The Archdiocese of Chicago’s medical insurance provides comprehensive health care coverage. The archdiocese pays a large portion of employees’ medical insurance premiums.  The archdiocese offers three medical insurance plans, all administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL), to help you meet your and your family’s medical needs.

The BCBSIL medical insurance plans offered via the archdiocese are:

  • PPO Plan
  • HMO Illinois
  • Blue Advantage HMO
  • Archdiocese of Chicago also offers dental and vision insurance coverage.
  • Four Tier insurance offerings: employee only, employee and spouse, employee and children and family.
  • A prescription drug benefit is included with all the Archdiocese of Chicago medical insurance plans.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care FSA.
  • Parental Leave with up to 12 weeks paid.

Life and Disability Insurance

  • 100% paid by the Archdiocese of Chicago
  • Life Insurance – 1x your annual salary rounded to nearest $1,000. Supplemental coverage available.
  • Long Term Disability insurance –  Monthly benefit 66 2/3% of employee monthly salary. (Maximum $6,000 monthly).

Retirement Program

  • Discretionary match contributions at 50¢ per $1.00 for the first 4% of annual gross earnings contributed for full time and benefit eligible part time employees.
  • Share plan contributions ranging from 1.25% to 5%.

Paid Time Off

  • 15 Vacation days
  • 10 Sick days
  • 2 Personal days
  • 14 Holidays

Wellness Program

  • Employee Assistant Program  (EAP) 24/7/365
  • PerkSpot – Exclusive online discount platform that provides access to private discounts (local, national, international). 

Professional Development

  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Paid professional development training, certification, and membership  

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Archdiocese of Chicago assures equal employment opportunity in all its employment policies and practices. These policies and practices are administered without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, marital status, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation or mental or physical disabilities not affecting one’s ability to perform the essential functions of one’s job.  

There are certain positions in the Archdiocese for which it is necessary to be Catholic, and some positions for which preference in hiring shall be given to people who are Catholic and who evidence an understanding of the Catholic faith and a commitment to living that faith. Such preference is allowed under state and federal law and does not constitute an illegal act of discrimination. In furtherance of the equal employment opportunity policy, the Archdiocese of Chicago shall strive to employ minorities at all levels. Likewise, the Archdiocese shall strive to employ women at all levels except those positions precluded by canon law.

Career Areas

At the University of St. Mary of the Lake (USML), our Facilities teams main focus is on environmental stewardship. This stewardship is essential to building a vibrant and thriving campus community. We are dedicated to supporting our students, vocations, staff, and visitors through vigilant service, and a commitment to the university’s core values. 

The Facilities Department provides services throughout campus to maintain safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing environments while optimizing building systems, reducing maintenance costs and operational excellence.  Our primary responsibilities include: 

  • Maintain campus grounds, landscaping, roads, walkways, and parking areas. 
  • Provide seasonal services, including snow removal, irrigation, and waste management. 
  • Inspect, maintain, and repair campus facilities and infrastructure. 
  • Service and support building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and masonry. 
  • Respond to work orders and facility-related issues. 
  • Support campus events and operational needs. 
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and maintain campus assets. 

At USML, our work is more than a job—it is a vital ministry of protection and care for a campus that has shaped religious leaders for generations. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and highly professional team environment where our staff can grow and excel. Whether you are an experienced professional or looking to begin a career in campus facilities, you will find a workplace where you are valued, your contributions matter, and your daily efforts directly safeguard the mission and people of USML. We invite you to explore opportunities with us and become a steward of the USML community. 

The Environmental Services team at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake sustains a clean, healthy, and welcoming environment for all who live, study, and gather on our campus. Rooted in stewardship, service, and respect for the dignity of each person, this team plays an essential role in supporting the daily life and mission of our university community.

Whether maintaining classrooms, chapels, offices, or sleeping rooms, Environment Services supports the ongoing needs of the community with a team spirit that embodies a commitment to excellence through service.

  • Maintain a clean, healthy, and well-prepared campus through daily custodial care
  • Clean, sanitize, and restock restrooms, ensuring hygienic conditions and readiness for use
  • Remove trash and recycling, ensuring prompt and proper disposal
  • Perform floor care, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and maintaining surfaces for cleanliness and safety
  • Clean classrooms, offices, common areas, sleeping rooms, furniture, and fixtures with attention to detail and the highest cleaning standards
  • Care for custodial supplies and equipment with a mindset of stewardship, using resources thoughtfully and avoiding waste
  • Report maintenance needs, ensuring spaces remain functional, safe, and ready for use
  • Follow safety protocols for cleaning products and custodial equipment 
  • Stewardship as Service: A commitment to caring for spaces with pride, responsibility, and attentiveness to health and safety
  • Professional Excellence: Reliability, attention to detail, and consistency in maintaining high standards
  • Integrity: Honesty, accountability, and a strong sense of ownership in all work performed
  • Collaboration: A team-oriented approach grounded in mutual respect and shared responsibility
  • Mission Alignment: Appreciation for and commitment to the Catholic mission and identity of the University 

Working in Environmental Services at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake is more than a job—it is an opportunity to contribute to a mission-centered community dedicated to formation, scholarship, and spiritual growth. Team members are part of a supportive environment where their work directly sustains a healthy, welcoming experience for those discerning vocations, pursuing theological study, and attending conferences, retreats, and times of reflection on campus.

At the University of St. Mary of the Lake (USML), our Facilities teams main focus is on environmental stewardship. This stewardship is essential to building a vibrant and thriving campus community. We are dedicated to supporting our students, vocations, staff, and visitors through vigilant service, and a commitment to the university’s core values.

The Facilities Department provides services throughout campus to maintain safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing environments while optimizing building systems, reducing maintenance costs and operational excellence.  Our primary responsibilities include:

  • Grounds and Maintenance personnel are responsible for ensuring that the university campus remains safe, functional, and visually welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. This includes the upkeep of outdoor spaces such as lawns, landscaping, walkways, roads, and parking areas, as well as supporting seasonal needs like snow removal, irrigation, and waste management.
  • In addition, the team manages the maintenance, repair, and general operation of campus facilities and infrastructure. Key responsibilities include performing routine inspections, addressing work orders, maintaining building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, masonry), support events, and responding promptly to safety or facility-related issues. The team plays a critical role in preserving campus assets, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and contributing to a clean, well-maintained environment that supports the institution’s mission and vision.

At USML, our work is more than a job—it is a vital ministry of protection and care for a campus that has shaped religious leaders for generations. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and highly professional team environment where our staff can grow and excel. Whether you are an experienced professional or looking to begin a career in campus facilities, you will find a workplace where you are valued, your contributions matter, and your daily efforts directly safeguard the mission and people of USML. We invite you to explore opportunities with us and become a steward of the USML community.

The Academic Affairs office at USML plays a central role in supporting students from admission through graduation. At USML, Registrar Services ensure the integrity and accuracy of academic records, course scheduling, and degree progression, providing essential support to both students and faculty. At SPLE, Admissions and Student Services focus on welcoming and guiding prospective students, assisting them through the application process, and supporting their ongoing formation and success throughout their program. Together, these functions create a seamless and student-centered experience that upholds academic standards while fostering personal and professional growth. This area is ideal for individuals who are highly organized, service-oriented, and committed to supporting students within a mission-centered and faith-based environment.

The Development Office is responsible for building and fostering lifelong relationships with donors and alumni in support of our mission and financial and operational needs. From annual giving and major gifts to planned giving and alumni and stewardship events, the Development team connects benefactors with the formation programs, scholarships, and ministries that prepare the next generation of parish leaders. Our team builds and nurtures relationships with donors, alumni, and friends of the seminary who share a deep commitment to supporting the formation of future priests, deacons, and lay leaders for Catholic parishes in more than 30 dioceses across the United States — a testament to the breadth of impact every gift makes possible.

Development at USML is a vocation within a vocation. Our team members are mission-driven professionals who are relationship-centric, focused on long-term donor engagement, and have a mindset of fostering “radical hospitality.” As connectors, we help others through building genuine, long-term relationships rooted in shared values. Whether you have a background in fundraising, ministry, communications, customer relations, or sales and marketing, you will find in our office an energetic, collaborative, and prayerful environment where your professional gifts directly serve the Church’s mission of evangelization and parish leadership across the country and around the world.

Faculty at the University of St. Mary of the Lake take on a formational role in preparing those who will serve the Church pastorally as ordained and lay ministers. Those who make this commitment engage in the integral formation of persons, accomplished through diverse pedagogical methods. 

Formed in tradition. Trained in compassion. Prepared to shepherd.

Mundelein Seminary offers a comprehensive program of integral formation. This formation assists students in the conscious appropriation of their Catholic faith and prepares them to proclaim and teach God’s Word. Seminarians are accompanied by faculty as they grow in readiness for diocesan priestly life. Their formation promotes self-awareness, competence and confidence, psychological integration, healthy sexual maturity, and the capacity to relate to others with compassion. It fosters simplicity of life, obedience, and pastoral service. Seminarians are prepared for the ministry of priestly leadership exercised in communion with the diocesan bishop, in collaboration with other ecclesial ministers and in consultation with the baptized faithful.

The School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization (SPLE) offers integral formation through degree, parish, and ongoing education programs candidates preparing for lay ministry and those preparing for service as ordained deacons. These programs ensure that students are deeply immersed in a supportive faith community of peers while developing a Catholic ministerial identity as women and men who are called, supported and commissioned to serve in the name of the Church.

The mission of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology is to foster teaching and research concerning Christian revelation, especially as understood in the Catholic dogmatic and theological tradition.

Service as a faculty member at USML is more than an “academic” appointment. It is a call through which faculty members dedicate the gifts God has given to them, in love, for the building up of future ministers in the heart of the Church.

The University Finance Office is responsible for guiding the financial operations of the University of St. Mary of the Lake in a manner designed to protect assets, meet reporting requirements, provide timely and meaningful reports of the University operation and effectively plan for and audit the financial needs of the University.

The Finance Office serves many constituents besides the Rector/President of the University. Reporting obligations exist with university department managers, Archdiocese of Chicago finance and administrative departments, University Board of Advisors, and various government and regulatory departments.

To accomplish these objectives, the Finance Office consists of a team of dedicated and skilled individuals in the area of accounting and finance.

Team Members include:

  • Senior Vise President of Finance
  • Accounting Manager
  • Staff Accountant -Accounts Payable
  • Staff Accountant-Accounts Receivable
  • Administrative Assistance and Cash Receipts Processor

The Front Office at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake serves as a welcoming presence for all who come to our campus. Rooted in a spirit of hospitality, service, and respect for the dignity of each person, this team plays an essential role in shaping the first and lasting impressions of our seminary and university community.

Professionals in the Front Office are entrusted with creating an environment that reflects our Catholic identity—one marked by warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care. Whether greeting guests, assisting students and faculty, supporting campus events, or managing day-to-day operations, the Front Office team embodies a commitment to excellence through service.

  • Create a welcoming, attentive, and caring experience for guests from arrival to departure
  • Check guests in and out, assign and adjust room assignments, and serve each interaction with a spirit of service
  • Respond promptly and thoroughly to guest inquiries, phone calls, and requests, providing accurate and appropriate solutions
  • Process payments and maintain accurate guest accounts, including billing and reconciliation
  • Partner with Environmental Services and Facilities to ensure spaces are clean, fully functional, and ready for occupancy
  • Complete end-of-day responsibilities, including reviewing transactions, performing cash drawer reconciliation, and preparing reports
  • Hospitality as Ministry: A genuine desire to serve others with compassion and attentiveness
  • Professional Excellence: Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Integrity: Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and a consistent commitment to doing what is right
  • Collaboration: A team-oriented approach grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose
  • Mission Alignment: An appreciation for and commitment to the Catholic mission and identity of the University

Working in the Front Office at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake is more than a role—it is an opportunity to contribute to a mission-centered community dedicated to formation, scholarship, and spiritual growth. Team members are part of a supportive environment where their work directly enhances the experience of those discerning vocations, pursuing theological study, or serving guests attending conference-center events or personal retreats.

At the University of St. Mary of the Lake (USML), we believe inclusive hiring practices are essential to building a vibrant and successful workforce. We are committed to attracting and retaining talented individuals who share our core values and support our Mission and Vision.

USML offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits may include:

  • Competitive compensation 
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for Health/Dependent Care
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage 
  • Life insurance 
  • Parental leave 
  • Professional Growth Allowance
  • 403(b) retirement plan 
  • Vacation, sick, and personal time off 
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Additional employee benefits and resources 

Our Human Resources team is dedicated to serving employees throughout their employment journey. Key areas of responsibility include:

  • Talent acquisition and recruitment 
  • Payroll administration 
  • Benefits management 
  • Employee and labor relations 
  • Regulatory compliance and reporting 
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) administration 
  • Workers’ compensation 
  • Employee support services 

At USML, your work is more than a job—it is an opportunity to contribute to a mission that has shaped lives and formed religious leaders for generations. We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment, value collaboration, respect, professional growth, and a strong sense of community, where employees can thrive. Whether you are beginning your career or bringing years of experience, you will find a workplace where your talents are appreciated, your contributions matter, and your work helps advance our mission/vision every day. We invite you to explore opportunities with us and become part of the USML community.

The Information Technology (IT) department at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake supports the mission of forming leaders for the Church through dependable, secure, and innovative technology services. Rooted in a spirit of service, collaboration, and stewardship, the IT team works across the university to ensure that technology enhances teaching, learning, formation, and daily operations.

Our work is centered on creating a reliable and thoughtful digital environment that allows students, faculty, and staff to focus on what matters most—their academic, spiritual, and vocational development. IT professionals at USML approach their work not only as technical experts, but as partners in the university’s mission, serving the community with professionalism, integrity, and care.

What We Do

  • Provide responsive and compassionate technical support for the campus community
  • Maintain and enhance core systems, networks, and enterprise applications
  • Safeguard institutional data through strong cybersecurity practices and responsible stewardship
  • Support instructional and classroom technologies that enrich teaching and learning
  • Enable online and hybrid education through learning platforms and digital tools
  • Develop clear documentation and training resources to promote effective and confident use of technology

Career Opportunities

Careers in Information Technology at USML offer meaningful opportunities to apply technical expertise in a mission-driven environment. Roles may include:

  • Technical Support and Service Desk
  • Systems and Network Administration
  • Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
  • Application Management and Integration
  • Data Services and Reporting
  • Instructional Technology and Academic Systems Support

Why Work in IT at USML

Working in Information Technology at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake is an opportunity to contribute to a community grounded in faith, tradition, and service. IT staff play a key role in supporting the formation of seminarians and lay leaders, helping to ensure that the university’s mission is carried forward with excellence and care.

Team members are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally, engaging in collaborative work that values respect, accountability, and continuous improvement. In IT at USML, your work directly supports a larger purpose—advancing the mission of the Church through education, formation, and service.

The Library at USML serves as a central resource for academic excellence, research, and intellectual formation, supporting students, faculty, and staff across theological disciplines. The Library provides access to extensive print and digital collections, research assistance, and specialized services that promote scholarly inquiry, theological study, and lifelong learning. Those working in the Library contribute directly to the mission by guiding users in information literacy, curating resources that support the curriculum, and fostering an environment conducive to study and reflection. It is an ideal area for individuals who are detail-oriented, service-driven, and passionate about advancing knowledge within a mission-centered and faith-based environment.

The Marketing team at USML plays a vital role in communicating the mission, identity, and impact of the institution to prospective SPLE students, partners, donors, and the wider Church community. This area encompasses brand management, digital and print communications, storytelling, recruitment support, and strategic outreach initiatives that highlight the unique formation and educational experience offered. Individuals who work in Marketing have the opportunity to contribute creatively and strategically to advancing the institution’s mission by sharing compelling narratives, promoting key programs, and supporting enrollment and engagement efforts. It is an ideal area for professionals who are collaborative, innovative, and passionate about mission-driven communication in a faith-based environment.

At the University of St. Mary of the Lake (USML), we believe that a safe and secure environment is essential to building a vibrant and thriving campus community. We are dedicated to protecting and supporting our students, vocations, staff, and visitors through proactive engagement, vigilant service, and a commitment to the university’s core values.

The Public Safety Department provides a comprehensive range of security and emergency services designed to ensure the peace of mind and well-being of everyone on campus. Our primary responsibilities and services include:

  • 24/7 Campus Patrols and Monitoring: Continuous physical and surveillance oversight of all university grounds and facilities.
  • Emergency Response and Preparedness: Rapid intervention for medical, fire, or safety emergencies, alongside robust crisis management planning.
  • Access Control and Campus Security: Management of keycard access, visitor logs, and secure entry points across campus.
  • Parking and Traffic Management: Administration of campus parking permits, traffic flow, and transit safety compliance.
  • Regulatory Compliance and Incident Reporting: Strict adherence to safety mandates, maintaining accurate daily logs, and generating required institutional safety reports.
  • Community Support and Liaison Services: Providing safety escorts, motorist assistance, and collaborating closely with local law enforcement and emergency services.

At USML, our work is more than a job—it is a vital ministry of protection and care for a campus that has shaped religious leaders for generations. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and highly professional team environment where our officers and staff can grow and excel. Whether you are an experienced safety professional or looking to begin a career in community protection, you will find a workplace where your vigilance is valued, your contributions matter, and your daily efforts directly safeguard the mission and people of USML. We invite you to explore opportunities with us and become a guardian of the USML community.

The Rector/President’s Office serves as the central leadership hub for the University, advancing its mission, strategic priorities, and institutional effectiveness across all areas of academic and administrative life. Through vision-setting, collaboration, and stewardship, the office provides support that enables students, faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors, and community partners to thrive.  

As the University’s primary representative, the Rector/President’s Office cultivates relationships with donors, alumni, Church leaders, sending Bishops and Vocation Directors, accrediting bodies, and strategic partners. These relationships help secure resources, expand opportunities, and enhance the University’s reputation and impact.  

The office also serves as a source of institutional coordination and decision-making, guiding during periods of growth, change, and challenge. Through thoughtful governance, effective communication, and stewardship of resources, the Rector/President’s Office promotes transparency, operational effectiveness, and a shared commitment to the University’s values.  

Ultimately, the Rector/President’s Office supports the entire University by providing mission-driven leadership, strategic direction, relationship-building, and institutional stewardship, ensuring that all areas of the University are equipped to fulfill their goals and contribute to the institution’s success. 

The School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake provides holistic formation for those seeking to serve and lead in a synodal Church. We offer both graduate degree programs (Doctor of Ministry, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, and Master of Arts in Liturgy) and non-degree programs (Deacon Formation Program, Parish Ministry Programs). The School is deeply rooted in the life and mission of the Catholic Church, offering courses in English, Spanish, and Polish that are authentically Catholic, pastorally grounded, and responsive to the real needs of today’s parishes. Every program attends to the four dimensions of formation: intellectual, human, pastoral, and spiritual.

At the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, we welcome guests not merely as visitors, but as a continuation of our greater mission.

Our serene, sacred and historic campus serves as a vital spiritual home where we form the next generation of parish priests, deacons, leaders, and laity. The University Events and Guest Services (UEGS) department is the heartbeat of this hospitality, extending the love of Christ to every person – seminarian, student, program participant, and guest – who steps onto our grounds. Working here is more than a job – it is a purpose-driven vocation centered on building a community rooted in mutual respect, prayerful tradition, and profound care.

Our Conference Center is a bustling center for theological conferences, spiritual retreats, and academic sessions. The University Events and Guest Services team strives to provide radical hospitality and exceptional guest service experiences in a memorable, faith-filled environment for those seeking a place to conduct events for the purposes of spiritual, personal or professional growth. 

UEGS ensures that our environment remains an oasis free from distraction, smoothly facilitating everything from large national gatherings to spiritual retreats. We are looking for team players who embrace a mindset of “radical hospitality” – individuals who view the logistical details and mechanics of an event as an expression of everyday care.

  • Deliver an exceptional guest experience throughout the event planning cycle – from inquiry and contacting to planning and execution.
  • Collaborate with campus operational partners including our Dining, Front Desk, Facilities, Finance, Environmental Services, Office of Worship, Public Safety and Setup teams.
  • Coordinate logistical planning maintaining exceptional client files and using the event management software platform.
  • Establish and manage client relationships to ensure all needs are not only being met but exceeded; continuous post-event engagement, proactively securing rebookings.

By joining our team, you become a core pillar of campus hospitality dedicated to serving all at USML, the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Catholic Church, and all those that come to the Conference Center. We foster a highly collaborative, encouraging, and intellectual workspace where your unique professional gifts are valued and nurtured. If you have a servant’s heart, a passion for seamless organization, and a desire to be a bridge that connects our Conference Center to the wider world, we invite you to explore our open roles.