Community Life Director (Asst Pastor, Pastoral Care)

Job Description

The Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Angels at the Franciscan Renewal Center is set on 25 acres of serene desert grounds in Paradise Valley. Founded in 1951 by the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), the Center is dedicated to its mission of renewing lives through spiritual growth, healing and transformation, and service to others.

Working in close cooperation with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, our church is a non-parish community that welcomes people from across the Valley. Many are drawn here in search of a spiritual home where joyful liturgies with Franciscan friars, a deeply engaged community, and meaningful opportunities for retreat, reflection, and service are woven into a shared life of faith.

Through contemplative grounds and prayer spaces, as well as outreach ministries serving the poor and vulnerable, we seek to live the Gospel in a spirit of compassion and hospitality. Pastoral care and guidance are offered by a dedicated team of friars, staff, and volunteers who foster a supportive environment of accompaniment and belonging-inviting all to encounter God and experience renewal rooted in Catholic and Franciscan tradition.

The Community Life Director helps to provide pastoral care, supporting the Friars and facilitates a conventual church community where all who attend feel welcomed, supported, and have opportunities to grow in their faith journey. This role focuses on cultivating relationships, strengthening community belonging, and creating meaningful pathways for formation, engagement, and service. The ideal candidate brings a pastoral heart, strong organizational and communication skills, and a deep commitment to Roman Catholic and Franciscan values.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT
• Provide leadership for the church community, ensuring programs and activities align with Roman Catholic teaching, Franciscan spirituality, and the mission of the FRC.
• Develop and implement strategies that foster a welcoming, inclusive, and engaged community for newcomers, long-term members, and online participants.
• Promote committed belonging by helping members find meaningful ways to connect, serve, and take responsibility within the life of the Church.
• Re-engage members who have been absent for a year or more through thoughtful outreach and pastoral connection.

FORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND CONNECTION
• Create clear pathways and multi-channel communications that invite participation in worship, service, small groups, special events, and volunteer opportunities.
• Advise and discern appropriate growth opportunities for individuals at different stages of faith and community involvement, ensuring all members feel valued and connected.
• Effectively communicate one-on-one and in group settings, relating well to people of diverse cultural, generational, educational, economic, and faith backgrounds.

COLLABORATION AND ASSESSMENT
• Collaborate closely with the Rector, Vice-Rector, and teams across Development, Faith Formation, Liturgy, and other ministries to assess community needs and interests.
• Develop and implement programs and processes that respond to identified needs and support the overall vitality of the community.
• Provide administrative support to the Rector and Vice-Rector as needed, including reports and related materials.

VOLUNTEER AND MINISTRY LEADERSHIP
• Assist in recruiting, training, supporting, and developing volunteers and ministry leaders.
• Foster a sustainable volunteer leadership pipeline that supports ministries and community initiatives.
• Encourage and support volunteer leaders through relationship-building and ongoing formation.

PASTORAL PRESENCE AND CARE
• Maintain an active and visible pastoral presence at weekend and daily Masses on a rotating basis, before and after liturgies.
• Proactively build relationships before and after Mass by welcoming new members, connecting attendees to groups and service opportunities, and supporting ministry leaders.
• Provide pastoral care as needed and represent the church pastorally within the wider community, including attendance at social and community gatherings.
• Integrate pastoral care into the ongoing life of Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church and the FRC.

REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor degree in Pastoral Studies, Theology, Religious Education or related field
• Fully initiated, practicing Roman Catholic, fully committed to the Mission and teachings of the Catholic Church and Franciscan values.
• 3 or more years of full-time experience in Catholic ministry, faith-based community outreach, volunteer development or similar.
• Communication: Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence (EQ) in interpersonal relations and public communication skills
• Organizational Skills: The ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple priorities effectively
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to meet changing needs and ministry demands.
• Leadership and team building: History of effectively building strong relationships, leading teams and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Strategic Thinking: Skill in evaluating processes, assessing needs and developing appropriate new strategies for community growth.
• Ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and build positive relationships.
• Ability to articulate, demonstrate and model Roman Catholic and Franciscan values and teachings values in a professional setting.
• Consistently demonstrate joy, a positive attitude and enthusiasm
• Dependable and demonstrate emotional maturity with decision making and commitments
• Ability to work a full-time flexible schedule to attend Saturday, Sunday and daily masses on a rotating basis along with other events.
• Ability to work 100% on-site.

WE OFFER competitive pay and a full benefits package, including:
• Health, life, and disability insurance.
• Vision and basic dental covered 100% by employer.
• 403b retirement plan with employer match.
• 15 days PTO + 9 paid holidays + paid sick time.
• Free tele-doctor visits. • Paid retreat leave and professional development.
• Staff lunches and events.
• A values and mission-driven workplace where your work truly matters.

Online applications Only - Apply on our Career page at https://www.thecasa.org/> About Us> Careers > Community Life Director
OR directly to this job at https://apply.appone.com/job/695da3fe56526a5e9ab6db3c

JOIN THE FRC TEAM!
At the Franciscan Renewal Center, every role is more than a set of duties-it is hands-on, impactful, and valued, with many describing it as a true calling. Each day, our staff embody Franciscan (OFM) values, working collaboratively and in a spirit of hospitality, serving as faithful stewards of our property and operations, and demonstrating unwavering dedication to our mission. Together, this shared commitment creates the welcoming environment that draws guests back program after program, year after year, and keeps our church community active, vibrant, and thriving.

Apply directly to this job at https://apply.appone.com/job/695da3fe56526a5e9ab6db3c

About the Employer

The Franciscan Renewal Center is a nonprofit Catholic retreat center and home to Our Lady of the Angels Church, in Paradise Valley, AZ. Founded in 1951 by the Order of Friars Minor, we're committed to our mission of renewing lives through spiritual growth, healing and transformation, and service to others. Our staff and volunteers are passionate about our shared work that provides a peaceful and welcoming experience for all who come here.

Mission services:
• Retreats, meeting and conference space for faith-based and nonprofit organizations
• Joyful worship with Franciscan friars at Our Lady of the Angels Church, and support with faith formation and spiritual education
• Service and outreach programs for the poor and vulnerable
• Counseling, therapy, and support groups