
Community Imam – ADAMS Center
- On-site
- Sterling, Virginia, United States
Compensation & Benefits
Full-time salaried role (commensurate with experience and qualifications).
Includes health benefits, paid leave, and professional development support.
Job description
Location
Assigned Branch(es) within ADAMS Network
Reports To
Resident Scholar and Executive Director (Branch Leadership Dotted Line for Collaboration Purposes)
Position Type
Full-Time | On-Site
Position Summary
At the ADAMS Center, the role of the Imam is not simply a job — it is a mission of spiritual leadership, guidance, and service. An Imam is a community anchor, walking with members through every phase of life, from celebration to grief, and everything in between. The Imam is expected to lead religious rituals, foster Islamic learning, provide counseling, and engage proactively with people of all ages and backgrounds — all with compassion, clarity, and consistency.
Core Responsibilities
Religious Leadership & Rituals
Lead Friday Jumu’ah prayers weekly; minimum two khutbahs per week, priority being the primary branch and its satellite(s).
Ensure proper conduct (quality) of multiple Friday prayer services if held at the same location.
Manage the coordination of Khateeb’s for your Primary location in collaboration with Khateeb Management Team.
Lead or be visibly present for at least three of the five daily prayers, especially those with high community attendance.
Maintain clear office hours in the evening at your Primary Branch at least 3-days a week for a minimum of 3 hours.
Officiate marriages, funerals, and aqeeqahs with spiritual and pastoral care.
Participate in janazah services, including funeral prayers and burial rituals.
Education & Teaching
Deliver weekly halaqas, spiritual reminders (khatiras), and structured Islamic courses tailored to different groups (youth, adults, families).
Support programs on Qur’an memorization, Tajweed, Seerah, Fiqh, Aqeedah, and contemporary Islamic issues.
Provide support and presence at weekend schools, youth retreats, or seasonal intensives (e.g., Ramadan, Conferences, Camps, Tours).
Spiritual Counseling & Community Support
Allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week to Spiritual counseling sessions (marriage, family, grief, youth development, personal growth, etc.).
Maintain weekly office hours, open to appointments and walk-ins at Primary Branch for the given day of the week.
Respond promptly to religious inquiries, phone calls, and emails using official ADAMS communication tools.
Assist with community healing and resilience in times of crisis or tragedy.
Youth & Family Engagement
Build authentic, mentoring relationships with youth and young adults.
Lead or support youth-focused programming such as mentorship circles, Q&A sessions, and social-spiritual events.
Encourage cross-generational dialogue and inclusive spiritual spaces.
Program Development & Community Events
Design and implement mission-aligned programming that responds to community needs and fosters spiritual growth.
Participate actively in major community events (Ramadan, Eid, interfaith gatherings, etc.), offering reflections and presence even when not in a lead role.
Support new initiatives, support groups, or outreach efforts as requested.
Collaboration & Institutional Alignment
Coordinate regularly with the Imam Ratib, Other Imams, Qurtuba, Youth, Education, etc. for calendar alignment, coverage, and shared initiatives.
Coordinate coverage amongst other Imam’s for Sterling ADAMS during the day.
Provide Islamic guidance aligned with balanced scholarship and ADAMS mission/values.
Maintain accurate personal and shared calendars of commitments.
Represent the religious leadership team in meetings with the Branch Committee, Central Religious Affairs, or external partners when needed.
Job requirements
Essential Qualities
Seen by the community as a source of wisdom, trust, and empathy.
Committed to a flexible, non-corporate schedule that prioritizes presence and responsiveness.
Capable of offering faith-based support to individuals and families across all life stages.
Embodies servant leadership and spiritual humility.
Qualifications
Advanced Islamic education (Alimiyyah, ijazah, or degree from recognized institutions).
Fluent in English and Arabic.
Proven experience in teaching, community service, and spiritual care.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with cross-generational and multicultural fluency.
Deep understanding of Muslim American dynamics and diversity.
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