Coordinator of Youth Ministry

Job Description

Position Summary:
The Coordinator of Youth Ministry is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing youth ministry programs for middle school and high school students. This role focuses on discipleship, faith formation, and leadership development, engaging youth in a vibrant Catholic community while also supporting young family integration into parish life.

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend commitments.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Oversight
• Develop and implement a strategic vision for middle and high school ministry in alignment with parish mission.
• Evaluate and adapt programs based on participation, feedback, and parish needs.
• Collaborate with clergy, religious education staff, and Catholic schools for a cohesive faith formation experience.
• Provide pastoral care and mentorship, fostering discipleship among youth.

Youth Ministry Programs
• Lead or assist in setting up leadership to lead weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly youth nights incorporating catechesis, prayer, fellowship, and service.
• Organize seasonal retreats, including Confirmation and high school formation retreats.
• Support faith-based small groups, including Blaze Bible Study and discipleship groups for middle and high schoolers.
• Oversee youth participation in parish apostolates (e.g., CYO Sports, Trail Life, American Heritage Girls, Junior Catholic Daughters, Junior Legion of Mary).
• Coordinate special events, trips, and service projects (e.g., WorkCamp, Steubenville Conference, Diocesan BASH, parish outreach initiatives).
• Manage summer programming, including Vacation Bible School's counselors programs and family engagement events.

Volunteer Recruitment & Training
• Recruit, train, and oversee adult volunteers, young adult mentors, and high school leaders.
• Ensure volunteers comply with diocesan Safe Environment policies and receive proper formation.
• Foster parent engagement and support within youth ministry initiatives.

Administrative & Financial Oversight
• Manage the youth ministry budget and resources responsibly.
• Maintain event calendars, attendance records, and compliance documentation.
• Develop promotional materials for social media, the parish bulletin, and Flocknote
• Oversee logistical arrangements, facility coordination, and risk management compliance.

Formation Goals:
• Foster a personal relationship with Christ through prayer and discipleship.
• Teach the richness of Catholic doctrine and moral life.
• Develop leadership skills in young students to take ownership of their faith.
• Strengthen the connection between faith, service, and community life.

Qualifications:
• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong commitment to Church teachings.
• Bachelor's degree in theology, catechetics, pastoral ministry, or related field preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and pastoral skills.
• Experience engaging youth in faith formation and discipleship.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and social media outreach.
• Familiarity with youth ministry best practices and Catholic apologetics.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight retreats/trips.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication tools.

Supervision & Accountability:
• Reports to the Director of Ministries to the Youth, Young Adults, and Young Families.
• Collaborates with parish clergy, religious education staff, and school faculty.
• Oversees youth ministry volunteers, catechists, and student leaders.
• Participates in staff meetings and ministry planning sessions.

About the Employer

Our parish, a Minor Basilica, was founded in 1795 in historic Old Town Alexandria and is the oldest Catholic parish in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are part of the Diocese of Arlington and have over 3,000 registered families.