Director of Youth Ministry

Job Description

Diocese of Scranton
Position Description

JOB TITLE: Director of Youth Ministry FLSA STATUS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Parish Life HRS/WEEK: Full-time

REPORTS TO: Secretary for Parish Life

Primary Purpose: The Director of Youth Ministry is responsible for implementing a comprehensive vision of Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Scranton, integrating youth and their families into the total life and mission of the Church. Within the framework of "Renewing the Vision" and "Listen, Teach, Send" (USCCB), the Director of Youth Ministry will assist parishes in empowering young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ today, drawing young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic community, and fostering the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.

Essential Functions:
• Formulates, communicates, and furthers the vision & priorities of comprehensive youth ministry throughout the diocese according to "Renewing the Vision" (USCCB)
• Serves as an expert in best practices for evangelization and catechesis of youth, including the sacrament of Confirmation
• Supports and enhances youth ministry that currently exists in parishes, and assists parishes in implementing youth ministry in parishes where it does not exist
• Develops and implements standards of formation and training for youth ministers and those who work with youth in parishes, acting as mentor during the formation process
• Network youth ministers and parishes, collaborating with clergy and lay ministers
• Organizes diocesan opportunities to enhance parish ministry, including national conferences, advocacy events, service trips, and regional or diocesan retreats, rallies, and trainings
• Develops, maintains, and regularly updates communications across all diocesan channels
• Works in conjunction with the Safe Environment office to develop and enforce policies that keep young people safe
• Works with the Catholic Schools Office to efficiently and effectively partner on topics including chastity, respect for life, and service
• Oversees the work of a diocesan youth advisory team
• Guides the work of parish Pastoral Councils and Finance Councils to prioritize the vision and goals of comprehensive youth ministry in the parish, including allocation of resources for staffing and programming
• Works within Region III and national organizations to advance the work related to Youth/Young Adult Ministry, identifying and implementing best practices and current approaches
• Responsible for all budgetary funds, reports and allocations/grants/gifts

Knowledge and Skills Required or Preferred:
• Must have vision and a demonstrated ability to plan, develop, coordinate, manage and implement youth ministry within the parameters of the Catholic Church
• Proven ability to work effectively with clergy, parish leadership, youth and teams of volunteers, earning the confidence of those with whom the Director collaborates
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, conflict management skills, and computer skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Familiarity with communication platforms and the ability to create content
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus
Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree required. Masters degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of parish youth ministry experience
• Minimum 2 years practical diocesan experience

Physical and Cognitive Requirements:
Duties require a very flexible work schedule and availability throughout the week, including frequent evening and weekend work. Regular driving and valid driver's license are required. Qualified candidates will be on their feet for much of the day and must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

Candidates may submit a cover letter and resume to:
James Burke, Diocesan Secretary for Human Resources
Jburke@dioceseofscranton.org

About the Employer

The Catholic community of the Diocese of Scranton is called through Baptism to imitate the servant leadership of Jesus Christ. In union with our Holy Father, the Pope, we proclaim the Gospel faithfully, celebrate the sacraments joyfully, and boldly promote life, justice and peace in northeaster and northcentral Pennsylvania.