Director of Youth Ministry

About the Role

The Director of Youth Ministry is responsible for implementing a comprehensive vision of Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Scranton, integrating youth and their families into the total life and mission of the Church. Within the framework of "Renewing the Vision" and "Listen, Teach, Send" (USCCB), the Director will assist parishes in empowering young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ today, drawing young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic community, and fostering the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.

Responsibilities

• Formulate, communicate, and further the vision & priorities of comprehensive youth ministry throughout the diocese according to "Renewing the Vision" (USCCB)
• Serve as an expert in best practices for evangelization and catechesis of youth, including the sacrament of Confirmation
• Support and enhance youth ministry that currently exists in parishes, and assist parishes in implementing youth ministry where it does not exist
• Develop and implement standards of formation and training for youth ministers and those who work with youth in parishes, acting as mentor during the formation process
• Network youth ministers and parishes, collaborating with clergy and lay ministers
• Organize diocesan opportunities to enhance parish ministry, including national conferences, advocacy events, service trips, and regional or diocesan retreats, rallies, and trainings
• Develop, maintain, and regularly update communications across all diocesan channels
• Work in conjunction with the Safe Environment office to develop and enforce policies that keep young people safe
• Work with the Catholic Schools Office to efficiently and effectively partner on topics including chastity, respect for life, and service
• Oversee the work of a diocesan youth advisory team
• Guide the work of parish Pastoral Councils and Finance Councils to prioritize the vision and goals of comprehensive youth ministry in the parish, including allocation of resources for staffing and programming
• Work within Region III and national organizations to advance the work related to Youth/Young Adult Ministry, identifying and implementing best practices and current approaches
• Responsible for all budgetary funds, reports and allocations/grants/gifts

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of parish youth ministry experience
• Minimum 2 years practical diocesan experience
• Must have vision and a demonstrated ability to plan, develop, coordinate, manage and implement youth ministry within the parameters of the Catholic Church
• Proven ability to work effectively with clergy, parish leadership, youth and teams of volunteers, earning the confidence of those with whom the Director collaborates
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, conflict management skills, and computer skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Familiarity with communication platforms and the ability to create content
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus

Pay & Schedule

• Base pay: $60,000 to $70,000 salary
• Full-time position
• Very flexible work schedule and availability throughout the week, including frequent evening and weekend work
• Regular driving and valid driver's license are required
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds

Additional Requirements

• Practice of the Catholic faith is required
• Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church
• Public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese

Candidates may submit a cover letter and resume to James Burke, Diocesan Secretary for Human Resources: jburke@dioceseofscranton.org