Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry - Catholic Center, Shreveport, LA

Category: Exempt - Full Time

Salary Range: $52,000 - $54,000

Basic Functions

Director Responsibilities:

• Articulate the vision, values, goals and objectives that foster the development of Christian discipleship based on traditions and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and the spiritual growth and leadership among the youth in our diocese and evaluate past goals and objectives.

• Provide leadership training and resources for the adults who assist and participate in youth ministries in the diocese.

• Assist clergy and staff in the education and formation of parish youth ministers.

• Research, evaluate and provide resources to support the ministry of youth in parishes. 

• Collaborate with other diocesan offices, parishes, and civic organizations involved in Catholic education formation and evangelization in the diocese.

• Maintain consistent and positive contact with the adults working in youth ministry to keep them informed of ministry developments and offer support.

• Develop and communicate mission, policies and programs with parish coordinators of youth ministry.

• Establish and maintain an Advisory Council for Youth Ministry consisting of coordinators of youth ministry and youth leaders from each parish.

• Assist parishes in the coordination, collaboration, planning organization and implementation of diocesan level opportunities and events for middle school and high school youth, throughout the parishes to socialize, worship, serve and grow in the Catholic faith.

• Implement and coordinate retreats, workshops, networking, meetings, and other opportunities to gather as professionals in ministry.

• Be open to assignments from the Bishop.

Administrative Duties:

• Participate in scheduled diocesan and departmental meetings and events.

• Attend national, regional, and provincial events relevant to youth and young adult ministry as directed by Bishop or supervisor as the diocesan representative.

• Formulate and administer an annual budget.

• Prepare written reports as requested.

• Manage the activities and responsibilities of an Administrative Assistant for the Youth Office.

• Maintain database of parish and school coordinators of youth ministry.

• Participate in educational and training opportunities for personal development.

• Establish and maintain a monthly Newsletter as well as other correspondence and resource materials to be distributed to all locations in the diocese, including youth ministers, DRE’s, school principals and pastors.

• Maintain website for Youth Ministry.

• Coordinate a yearly calendar of programs and events throughout the diocese, including regional and national events.

 Relationships:

• Collaborate with the other diocesan offices, especially faith formation, vocations, and development. 

• Communicate with the diocesan Bishop on matters of the youth office as requested.

• Maintain liaison with pastors, other ministers, campus, youth and young adult ministers.

Accountability:

• Reports to the Chancellor for Personnel & Administration through regular meetings and periodic performance evaluations.

 Qualifications:

 Academic Preparation

• Undergraduate degree in theology, adolescent psychology, religious education, secondary education, or related field.

• Preferred - graduate degree in theology, religious education, pastoral ministry or related field.

• Possess working knowledge of current Church doctrine.

• Preferred - bilingual in Spanish and English is beneficial to this position.

 Experience:

• Be a practicing Catholic in good standing and active in parish.

• Possess at least three (3) years of relevant, responsible, and documented parish, school, and/or diocesan experience.

• Demonstrated abilities for effective teaching skills and methodologies.

• Experience in using commonly utilized computer programs (Microsoft Suite applications like Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access etc.)

• Experience in planning and coordinating seminars and other large-scale events.

• Experience in supervision and training in this ministry.

 Critical Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and group communication; both written and spoken.

• Ability to function effectively in a team or collaborative ministry setting, even in a diverse population.

• Confidentiality

• Leadership

• Accountability

• Initiative/Commitment

• Able to work nights and weekends as necessary.

• Travel as needed.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of relevant work to mstraub@dioshpt.org or if you have any questions.

Please include "Director of Youth Ministry Application" in the subject line.