Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries

About the Role

The Diocese of Harrisburg is looking for someone who can look at the landscape of our youth and young adults, develop a compelling vision for their spiritual and personal growth, and collaboratively build the effective strategies needed to bring that vision to life. If you are passionate about forming the next generation of Catholic leaders, empowering grassroots parish efforts, and building a culture bold Christian witness, we invite you to join our mission-oriented team. The Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries is a member of the Laity & Family Team, within the Office of Catholic Life & Evangelization. The position reports to the Director for Laity & Family and serves as the primary visionary partner and strategic support to parish, college, and regional youth and young adult ministries, moving beyond mere execution to drive long-term planning, implementation, and leadership development across the Diocese.

Core Competencies

• Vision & Strategic Planning: Proven ability to look at the big picture, establish a clear vision, and map out the practical, long-term strategies, timelines, and metrics required to achieve it.
• Multiplier of Leaders: A passion for talent development, with a demonstrated ability to identify, form, mentor, and equip local leaders and volunteers to lead their own communities.
• Grassroots Support: Driven to support local parish initiatives by developing and delivering highly relevant, scalable resources that meet the particular needs of pastors and lay leaders in their circumstances.
• Compelling Communicator: Effective and sensitive verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to cast vision, build consensus, manage conflict, and inspire diverse audiences.
• Mission-Driven Disciple: A Catholic in good standing, eager to embrace and advance the mission, vision, and values of the Roman Catholic Church, motivated by a desire to reach all people with the Gospel.
• Collaborative & Humble Leader: Leads and follows with charity, humility, courage, and goodwill; listens intently to understand local realities, discern opportunities and challenges, and provide sound direction and practical solutions.
• Innovative & Adaptable: Demonstrates a spirit of innovation, initiative, and agility when navigating changing policies, cultural shifts, and new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Cast Vision & Strategy: Act as the primary visionary resource to parish and diocesan offices, guiding them through strategic pastoral planning and holistic spiritual growth models for youth and young adults.
• Form & Equip Leaders: Elevate the professionalism and competency of ministry leaders across the Diocese by building robust networks and providing ongoing leadership training, mentorship, and support.
• Empower Grassroots Efforts: Develop, curate, and distribute relevant tools, frameworks, and resources to help parishes independently implement, scale, and sustain impactful youth and young adult programs.
• Drive National Frameworks: Translate national USCCB frameworks and pastoral plans into actionable, localized strategies that inspire active discipleship.
• Strategic Relationship Management: Cultivate trust