Dir of Faith Formation for Young Adult and Youth Ministry

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Faith Formation for Young Adult and Youth Ministry
Location: Erie, PA (St. Mark Catholic Center)
Organization: Diocese of Erie
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt, Salaried

About the Role

The Diocese of Erie is seeking a Director of Faith Formation for Young Adult and Youth Ministry to lead and support dynamic ministry with youth (grades 6-12), college students, and young adults across the diocese.

In this mission-focused leadership role, you will shape diocesan strategy, form and support parish and campus leaders, and create impactful programs and gatherings that bring young people into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ and the Church.

You'll serve as a key member of the Faith Formation Team, helping to implement the diocesan Faith Formation Process and advancing the Church's vision for lifelong discipleship and evangelization.

What You'll Do

Collaborate with the Faith Formation Team to implement diocesan initiatives for youth in grades 6-12 and contribute to department-wide goals.

Promote a comprehensive, Catholic vision of youth and young adult ministry rooted in the U.S. Bishops' documents (Renewing the Vision, Sons and Daughters of the Light, Empowered by the Spirit) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Provide training, formation, mentoring, and resources for pastors, parish youth and young adult leaders, college campus ministers, and volunteers.

Build strong, collaborative relationships with parishes, college campuses, Catholic schools, and diocesan offices.

Envision, develop, and coordinate diocesan programs, retreats, events, and outreach for youth and young adults (e.g., middle school retreats, NCYC participation, diocesan youth and young adult events).

Supervise diocesan campus ministry personnel and coordinate diocesan efforts in campus ministry.

Oversee communications and digital presence for youth and young adult ministry (website content, social media, printed materials).

Stay connected with national and regional youth and young adult ministry organizations to monitor trends and identify best practices and resources.

Assist in budget planning and financial stewardship for your area of responsibility.

Respond to individual young adult needs when appropriate and connect them with parish communities or regional young adult networks.

What You Bring

Master's degree in theology, pastoral ministry, or a related field.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in youth, young adult, or campus ministry (parish, school, or diocesan setting preferred).

Proven leadership experience in program development, volunteer management, and budget oversight.

Working knowledge of key Church documents on youth and young adult ministry (e.g., Renewing the Vision, Sons and Daughters of the Light, Empowered by the Spirit, National Catechetical Directory, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Evangelii Gaudium, Catechesi Tradendae).

Strong communication, organizational, administrative, and presentation skills.

Ability to collaborate effectively with pastors, parish leaders, campus ministers, and diocesan offices.

Experience with strategic planning, annual program planning, and assessing ministry needs.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and online platforms; ability to learn specialized software (e.g., Salsa).

Experience with website management and social media as tools for communication and evangelization.

A self-directed, self-motivated "self-starter" who can manage multiple priorities.

Ability and willingness to travel extensively within the diocese and occasionally outside it, including evenings and weekends.

Valid driver's license and ability to lift up to 15 pounds (e.g., laptop, projector, materials).

Faith & Mission Alignment

Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church.

Strong personal faith, commitment to Gospel values, and alignment with the Church's vision for lifelong faith formation.

Desire to serve as a credible, joyful witness of Christ to youth and young adults.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based at St. Mark Catholic Center (Erie, PA) with frequent parish and campus visits.

Includes evening and weekend work and extensive travel throughout the Diocese of Erie.

To Apply:
For best consideration, please apply by March 18, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Full position profile and application may be found at

https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, certifications, references and a signed and completed job Application Form in one of two ways:

1) Email all materials to: hrinfo@eriercd.org. (Application form must be scanned, completed, signed, and scanned.)
2) Mail to HR, Attn: Director of Faith Formation for Young Adult and Youth Ministry Search, 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504

About the Employer

Diocese of Erie

With faith in Jesus Christ
and commitment to living Gospel values,
the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie,
in communion with the universal Church,
serves the people of northwestern Pennsylvania.
Through evangelization, education, charity, service,
the proclamation of Word and the celebration of Sacrament,
the mission of our Community
is to call forth the gifts of individuals
in order to enable each person to advance the reign of God
and achieve full human potential
and salvation in Jesus Christ.