Director of Mission and Ministry

About the Role

The Director of Campus Ministry is responsible for promoting the mission of Alvernia University by creating an environment and space for all campus community members to feel a sense of belonging. The role focuses on educating and engaging the community in examining their beliefs, inter-religious dialogue, and experiencing the living Catholic Franciscan tradition of Alvernia University.

Responsibilities

• Model Alvernia’s Franciscan values through compassionate service, ethical leadership, and commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for all.
• Cultivate a campus culture that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and proactive communication.
• Lead a cohesive campus ministry team (professional staff and student leaders) to produce quality spiritual programming for a diverse student body, including training student leaders.
• Serve as a spiritual leader who walks humbly with others, comforts and counsels those in need, and cultivates an authentic community.
• Unite and lead campus ministers, equipping and empowering student leaders while modeling respectful, collaborative support of the University’s Mission and Catholic and Franciscan higher education.
• Develop an inclusive ministry program serving undergraduate, graduate, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Participate in and lead yearly professional development and formation experiences (e.g., retreats, days of reflection).
• Engage in the liturgical and prayer life of the university community, including Sunday and other Campus Masses.
• Design and implement liturgical worship and rituals that highlight the Catholic, Franciscan mission, emphasizing peace and social justice.
• Promote spiritual enrichment through small faith groups, retreats, faith-based Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), athletics, and interfaith/ecumenical communities, with a focus on vocational language.
• Coordinate peace and social justice programs grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and the Franciscan mission.
• Oversee annual pilgrimages to Assisi for students, faculty, staff, and University board members.
• Establish and lead a representative council of faith-based student organizations to facilitate collaboration and shared initiatives.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of University events such as Mission Day and Baccalaureate Mass.
• Collaborate with Campus Ministers to foster an inclusive environment by recognizing major faith celebrations and supporting interfaith dialogue.
• Design and oversee student retreat experiences that foster spiritual reflection and personal and vocational development.
• Oversee student commissioning services for leadership roles, athletics, alternative break trips, and other significant endeavors.
• Partner with the Director of SEARCH to integrate the history and legacy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters into the curriculum and first-year student experience.
• Partner with the Holleran Center to support community service projects and initiatives.
• Lead or contribute to internal training and professional development initiatives that enhance compliance, service excellence, communication, and inclusive practices.
• Promote high standards of customer service through responsive, solutions-oriented interactions.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for the university at recruitment, outreach, and community engagement events.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline and five (5) years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Commitment to the mission statement, core values, and goals of Alvernia University.
• Practicing Catholic with knowledge of and respect for the Catholic Faith and the Teachings of the Catholic Church (required).
• Musical experience for liturgical worship (preferred but not required).
• Experience in the promotion of peace and social justice.

Benefits

• Robust Health Coverage: Choose from three medical plans, plus dental and vision.
• Financial Security: University-paid life/AD&D insurance and long-term disability, with options for short-term disability and supplemental coverage (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity). Flexible spending accounts available.
• Exceptional Retirement: 403(b) Retirement Plan with 100% immediate vesting, a University gift contribution, and a generous match up to 5% of deferrals.
• Time Off & Flexibility: 20 paid holidays each year, including 5 floating holidays, and potential flexible or hybrid work options.
• Invest in Your Future: Tuition remission benefits for yourself and dependents.
• On-Campus Wellness: Free access to the Medical & Counseling Center for benefit-eligible employees on the main campus.
• Employee Meal Plan: Convenient, flexible dining options on campus at a reduced cost.