Director of Catholic Education

Job Description

The Director of Catholic Education (DCE) provides vision, leadership, and oversight for the Diocese's Catholic schools and parish-based formation programs. This role advances the evangelizing mission of
the Church by ensuring excellence in Catholic identity, academic quality, and lifelong faith formation for children, youth, and adults. The Director collaborates closely with the Bishop, Superintendent/ Principals, pastors, clergy, diocesan leadership, and lay leaders to ensure that all educational and catechetical ministries are faithful to Church teaching and responsive to diocesan priorities.

The Director serves as the chief diocesan leader for Catholic education, integrating school-based education and parish faith formation into a cohesive, mission-driven approach.

Major Responsibilities:
1. Catholic Identity & Mission
• Ensure that all diocesan schools and parish formation programs are firmly rooted in the teachings, sacramental life, and moral tradition of the Catholic Church.
• Promote a culture of evangelization and discipleship in collaboration with clergy and lay leaders.
• Ensure compliance with Vatican, USCCB, and diocesan policies related to Catholic education and catechesis.
• Support the ongoing spiritual formation of educators, catechists, and ministry staff.

2. Catholic Schools Oversight
• Provide strategic leadership for all diocesan Catholic elementary and secondary schools.
• Supervise school system leadership (e.g., Superintendent of Schools, principals, or equivalent roles).
• Establish and monitor academic standards, curriculum frameworks, and assessment practices consistent with Catholic educational philosophy.
• Support school accreditation, continuous improvement, and governance structures.
• Collaborate on enrollment management, tuition models, and school sustainability planning.
3. Parish Faith Formation & Catechetical Programs
• Provide diocesan leadership for parish-based faith formation programs, including:
o Religious education for children and youth
o Sacramental preparation
o Youth ministry
o Adult faith formation and RCIA/OCIA
• Ensure catechetical materials and programs are doctrinally sound and developmentally appropriate.
• Support and train parish catechetical leaders, directors of religious education, and volunteers.
• Promote coordination between schools and parishes to support family-centered catechesis.

4. Leadership, Collaboration & Pastoral Support
• Serve as a key advisor to the Bishop and diocesan leadership on matters of Catholic education and formation.
• Collaborate with pastors to support educational and catechetical programs in their parishes.
• Foster collaboration among schools, parishes, diocesan offices, and Catholic organizations.
• Represent the Diocese at regional, state, and national Catholic education and catechetical
meetings.

5. Personnel Development & Professional Formation
• Oversee hiring, supervision, evaluation, and professional development of diocesan education and formation staff.
• Promote leadership development for principals, catechetical leaders, and teachers/catechists.
• Ensure formation programs meet diocesan, state, and accreditation requirements.

6. Strategic Planning, Policy & Administration
• Lead diocesan-wide strategic planning related to Catholic education and formation.
• Develop, implement, and review policies for schools and parish formation programs.
• Collaborate with diocesan finance and advancement offices on budgeting, grants, fundraising, and stewardship initiatives.
• Analyze trends in enrollment, participation, and ministry effectiveness to inform decision-making.

Qualifications:
Required
• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a demonstrated commitment to the mission of the Church.
• Master's degree in education, Theology, Religious Education, Pastoral Studies, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Significant leadership experience in Catholic education, catechesis, or ministry (typically 7-10+ years).
• Strong knowledge of Catholic Church teaching, catechetical standards, and educational best practices.
• Proven ability to lead complex systems and supervise professional staff.

Preferred
• Doctorate or advanced graduate degree in education, theology, or leadership.
• Experience at the diocesan level or in multi-site educational systems.
• Experience with accreditation, curriculum development, and school or parish administration.
• Knowledge of state education requirements as they relate to nonpublic schools.

Skills & Competencies
• Strategic leadership and visioning
• Collaborative and pastoral leadership style
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Organizational and administrative effectiveness
• Ability to integrate faith formation and academic excellence
• Comfort working with clergy, religious, lay professionals, and volunteers

Working Conditions
• Full-time diocesan position
• Evening and weekend work required, including parish visits, diocesan events, and travel within the Diocese
• Reports directly to the Bishop, Chief Operating Officer, or equivalent senior diocesan official

About the Employer

We, the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, from diverse backgrounds yet guided by the same Spirit, are working together in Eastern Montana to forge new dimensions in our church. The sacred richness of our land and people shapes us. Rooted in the Eucharist and Catholic Tradition, we are living witnesses who struggle to embody the values of Christ's reign. We commit ourselves to discover and make known God's presence in our world by living the Gospel joyfully, working for justice and peace, and continuing our spiritual growth through a lifetime.