Associate Director of Life & Social Justice

Reports to: Director for Life & Social Justice. Location: Pastoral Ministry Center. FLSA Status: Exempt.

About the role

The Associate Director works with the Director for Life and Social Justice to promote Catholic Social Teaching through awareness, education, advocacy, and ministry. The Associate Director complements the Director as the subject-matter specialist on social doctrine in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, offering resources to parishes, Catholic schools, and Catholic organizations in the development and/or promotion of Catholic Social Teaching, human dignity, and the sanctity of life.

The office represents the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church in supporting direct parish ministry, collaborating with community organizations, and integrating in a “pastoral de conjunto” to serve the multicultural pastoral needs of children, youth, young adults, adults, persons with disabilities, and seniors. The Associate Director provides direct support for programmatic needs that advance the vision of life, justice, and peace and oversees part-time ministry directors for Deaf Ministry and Wellness Ministry.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Director for Life & Social Justice in identifying current resources, models, and best practices used in identified areas of ministry.
• In collaboration and consultation with the Director, establish and implement strategic short- and long-term office goals, plans, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
• Develop new formation and workshops based on the vision and guidelines of the Department for Pastoral Ministries.
• Offer trainings and workshops regarding Life and Social Justice for parish ministry leaders and the general faithful throughout the Archdiocese. Communicate with parish ministry leaders to develop a sense of supportive presence, offer outreach and formation, and help make them aware of training opportunities.
• Create, contribute, and manage content for communications to parish leaders and relevant audiences, including collaboration with appropriate DPM staff for promotional efforts. Assist in maintaining up-to-date contact information for parish leadership across areas of life and social justice.
• Develop and maintain local partnerships and relationships with Lay Ecclesial Movements, internal and external Church organizations connected to their specialized area of ministry. Serve as a resource and guide for pastors and parish ministers for general practices common to all areas of Life and Social Justice. Stay informed of any important gathering or activity internal or external to the Catholic Church in national, regional, or local matters pertaining to this role.
• Work with pastors and parish leaders to create or support parish-based ministries that encourage and promote Church Teaching on all matters of life and social justice. Provide resource review and recommendations for parishes.
• Participate in task force teams in creating, planning, annual goals and objectives, evaluating programs and events, in matters of content, and attending department meetings as required.
• Meet regularly with ministry directors to provide support, encouragement, training, accountability, and direction.
• Supervise the development of office budgets focused on ministry directors’ goals and implementing strategies.
• Responsible for ministry evaluation and work plan, monitoring, and evaluation for the office. Work with ministry directors to hold one another accountable for the development and management of their individual and ministry priorities.
• Guide and work with ministry directors to maintain an effective ministry and ensure that work is completed in a timely and professional manner.
• Motivate employees by leading by example, resolving issues, and making sound decisions. Monitor staff hours, review, and approve time sheets in a timely manner. Ensure the mission, vision, values, and priorities of the archdiocese are communicated clearly and carried out effectively, efficiently, and collaboratively within the assigned office.
• In collaboration with the Directors & Department Head, recruit, interview, hire, and train office staff within the assigned office. Maintain good working relationships and effective communications between ministries and offices.
• Assist the Archbishop, Bishops, Moderator of the Curia, and Department Heads as needed with additional requests or related tasks.
• Adhere to safety training and protocols daily and take precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of self and others.
• Responsible for protecting the confidentiality of any information or material obtained in service with the organization, including but not limited to client names and information, services rendered to clients, donor names and gifts, internal and external investigations or results, and financial information.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and the Faith and Moral Policy. Every employee is required to take a solution-oriented approach in their interactions and undertakings, as well as being a team member that promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Church Leadership and/or Social Teaching or comparable field.
• Minimum of three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience in the areas of responsibility.
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience.
• Must be a Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver license, and valid vehicle insurance.

Skills

• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Leadership experience including team-building, coaching, and strategic planning.
• Strong management skills with ability to support, lead, motivate, and evaluate employees and initiatives.
• Extensive working knowledge of Catholic Church teachings and related papal, council, USCCB, and pastoral letter documents.
• Experience with computer software, thorough proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media. Other publishing programs preferred.
• Solid grasp of critical thinking and problem solving in the context of the mission of the archdiocese.
• Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, and able to work well independently and on a team.
• Good written and verbal skills.
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and excellence in organizational and project management with the ability to achieve strategic objectives while managing a budget.
• Ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders with impeccable integrity.
• Strong analytical skills, basic business intuition, and prudential judgment.
• Demonstrate maturity as a person, believer, and apostle.
• Proven ability to design and present talks, presentations, and educational and skills training programs.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure: handles demands of multiple people and prioritizes tasks.
• Excellent team leadership and coordination skills.
• Excellent relationship management, interpersonal, and networking skills.
• Excellent diplomacy, tact, and strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills, detailed planning, and organizational skills.
• Excellent ability to interview and hire qualified candidates as required.
• Excellent ability to comprehend and explain complex, semi-complex policy and procedure.

Schedule

Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (evenings and weekends as needed).

Travel Requirements

Up to 50% local travel and 2% overnight travel.