Senior Director of Missionary Discipleship

Job Description

Job Description

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is seeking a strategic and action-oriented leader who can effectively translate pastoral vision into meaningful ministry initiatives throughout the Diocese. The Senior Director for Missionary Discipleship serves as a key leader in advancing the diocesan mission to Courageously Live the Gospel by fostering a culture of evangelization, lifelong faith formation, and missionary discipleship.

This senior leadership role provides strategic direction, pastoral leadership, and operational oversight for diocesan ministries focused on Faith Formation, Hispanic Ministry, Marriage, Family & Life, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Lay Ministry Formation, and related pastoral initiatives. The Senior Director collaborates closely with diocesan leadership, clergy, parish staff, schools, and ministry leaders to equip and support missionary disciples and disciple-making leaders across the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

The position also supports the broader ministries and pastoral initiatives within the Ministries of Missionary Discipleship and works to strengthen parish vitality, evangelization efforts, and pastoral accompaniment throughout the Diocese.

Areas of Oversight and Responsibility
• Faith Formation
• Hispanic Ministry
• Marriage, Family & Life
• Youth & Young Adult Ministry
• Lay Ministry Formation
• Evangelization & Missionary Discipleship Initiatives
• Additional Ministries within Missionary Discipleship

Primary Responsibilities

Senior Leadership & Strategic Vision
• Provide strategic leadership and pastoral direction for diocesan missionary discipleship initiatives.
• Foster a culture that inspires, equips, and supports missionary disciples and disciple-making leaders.
• Collaborate with diocesan leadership to advance pastoral priorities and diocesan strategic initiatives.
• Develop and implement ministry initiatives that strengthen evangelization, formation, and parish engagement throughout the Diocese.

Faith Formation Leadership

• Direct diocesan efforts related to lifelong faith formation, catechetical leadership, and religious education.
• Support parish leaders, catechists, and ministry personnel through formation, resources, and training opportunities.
• Develop and promote initiatives that strengthen discipleship formation across parish and school communities
• Develop and promote initiatives that strengthen the promotion of life across parish and school communities

Hispanic Ministry Leadership

• Provide leadership and support for diocesan Hispanic Ministry initiatives and outreach efforts.
• Collaborate with parishes and ministry leaders to strengthen evangelization and pastoral accompaniment within Hispanic communities.
• Promote culturally responsive ministry efforts throughout the Diocese.

Ministry Collaboration & Support

• Support and collaborate with the various ministries and pastoral initiatives within the Ministries of Missionary Discipleship.
• Work closely with clergy, parish leaders, schools, and diocesan departments to foster collaboration and shared mission.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of workshops, conferences, formation opportunities, and diocesan ministry events.

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Supervise ministry leaders and support staff within the department.
• Oversee departmental planning, communications, operational priorities, and ministry support functions.
• Maintain strong collaborative relationships throughout the Diocese and represent the Diocese at meetings and ministry events as needed.

Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong understanding of Catholic teachings and Church ministry.
• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Ministry is required; a Masters' degree in Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Ministry or Church Management is preferred and is desirable. Willingness to obtain a master's in Ecclesial/Church management within first five years, if incumbent does not possess such a degree.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of paid leadership experience within Catholic ministry, diocesan, or parish environments.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, communication, and pastoral skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, parish leadership, diocesan staff, and volunteers.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general administrative systems.
• Ability to travel throughout the five-county Diocese as needed.

About the Employer

Our Mission

The people of God, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, in union with our bishop, are transformed by Baptism, sealed with the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Word and Eucharist to promote the incarnation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.