Director of High School Youth Ministry

Job Description

Saints Martha & Mary Parish seeks a dynamic, faith-filled leader committed to forming joyful missionary disciples through vibrant, relational youth ministry.

Summary:
The Director builds strong relationships with teens and families, fosters a welcoming Catholic community, and leads a team of adult volunteers and teen leaders. The role develops engaging faith formation experiences including weekly youth gatherings, retreats, service opportunities, and diocesan events, while integrating catechesis, prayer, and pastoral care. The Director also
collaborates with parish staff, ministries, and community partners to support the spiritual growth of young people and strengthen their connection to parish life.

Minimum Qualifications:
Experience:
> Practicing Catholic in good standing, able to fully participate in the sacraments, with a strong personal commitment to the faith and a relationship with God.
> Minimum age of 21, in good emotional health.
> Compliance with all diocesan policies and Safe Environment/child protection requirements.
> Minimum of three years of Catholic parish youth ministry experience, or equivalent formation with a commitment to ongoing training.
> Strong understanding of adolescent development, culture, and needs, with the ability to respond effectively through ministry programming.
> Comfortable working with youth while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Education:
Bachelor's or Masters's degree in theology, Catechetics, Religious Education, or related field preferred. A National Credential in Youth Ministry or background in theology and educational methodologies with a willingness to move toward credential or degree.

Knowledge/Skills:
> Proficient in Microsoft Office with an ability to create, format, and manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations efficiently.
> An effective leader and administrator; skilled in communication, pastoral planning, budgeting, and managing volunteers.

Routine Duties & Responsibilities:
Ministry Leadership & Coordination
> Coordinate a core team of adults and youth to plan and lead programs and ministry initiatives.
> Conduct leadership training for adult volunteers and teen leaders.
> Recruits, trains, supports, and evaluates youth ministry volunteers.
> Operates within and manages an approved ministry budget in collaboration with the Director and Business Manager.

Program Development & Faith Formation
> Plan and lead weekly youth ministry gatherings (e.g., Life Nights, discipleship groups, service projects, and social events).
> Develop catechetical content integrated into youth programming and other formation opportunities.
> Organize retreats, Bible studies, reflection groups, and seasonal or special gatherings.
> Provide opportunities for spiritual reflection before, during, and after service and outreach experiences.
> Arrange and implement social, service, and outreach programs that actively involve teens.

Events & Diocesan Engagement
> Coordinate annual retreats focused on spiritual growth for teens.
> Facilitate participation in national, diocesan, regional, and multi-parish youth events (e.g., Fall Retreat, NCYC, Steubenville Youth Conference, Damascus Summer Camp) collaborating with
other parish youth ministers.
> Support and participate in mission trips and large-scale spiritual events (i.e., Parish Festival of Praise), including logistics and promotion.

Family, Pastoral Care & Outreach
> Build strong, communicative relationships with parents to support youth and family engagement.
> Provide individual pastoral care to teens and parents, including referral to professional resources
when needed.
> Offer occasional parent formation programs for families of adolescents.
> Maintain ongoing relationships with graduating seniors (e.g., Senior Recognition Mass) to support continued faith engagement to plan outreach opportunities throughout the year.

Administration & Communication
> Manage registration, attendance, finances, records, and program documentation.
> Oversee communications through parish platforms (e.g., webpage, Flocknote, social media, and digital tools).
> Create promotional materials using design software (e.g., Canva).
> Ensure consistent communication with parish, diocesan offices, and community agencies serving youth.
> Keep the parish informed of youth ministry activities, goals, and events.

Presence & Parish Life
> Maintain a visible presence at parish liturgies and community events.
> Hold regular office hours for accessibility to youth, parents, and parish leadership.
> Participate in pastoral staff meetings and parish planning.

Collaboration & Youth Engagement
> Partner with Middle School Youth Ministry for joint programming and Confirmation support.
> Support teen leadership development and inter-parish collaboration.
> Engage youth in parish service opportunities and leadership roles.
> Participate in local community events to build relationships with young people.

Professional & Spiritual Development
> Pursue ongoing education in youth ministry, catechesis, and pastoral leadership.
> Engage in spiritual direction or mentorship for personal growth.
> Participate in an annual personal retreat focused on spiritual renewal.

About the Employer

We are a Roman Catholic Parish joyfully journeying toward holiness and salvation. Inspired by Martha's heart of hospitality and service and Mary's spirit of prayer and discipleship, we invite all to join us in centering our lives around Jesus Christ in Word, Sacrament and Community.