Youth Ministry Director

Description

NOTICE:

We are seeking the right person to lead and grow our youth ministry. We have posted both a Youth Minister and Youth Coordinator position, but we do not expect to fill both roles. We are open to hiring for either position, a blend of the two, and on a part-time or full-time basis.

Our priority is finding the right fit for the St Joseph team. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply and let us know what interests you and what level of commitment you are seeking.

SUMMARY

The Youth Ministry Director is responsible for the overall leadership, development, and direction of parish youth ministry for junior and senior high school students. This role establishes vision, develops strategy, and oversees all aspects of youth ministry, including faith formation, service, retreats, and leadership development. The Director leads and develops staff and volunteers, collaborates with parish leadership, and ensures that youth ministry is fully integrated into the parish’s mission and aligned with diocesan standards.

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees.

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living.
2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.
3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly.
4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and functions outlined herein are representative of the types of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this role. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Program Development and Relationships

• Leads the creation, development, and ongoing direction of a youth ministry advisory group composed of youth and adults; ensures its continued growth and effectiveness.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive youth ministry plan in collaboration with the Pastor, parish staff, and advisory group, aligned with parish priorities and diocesan standards.
• Provides leadership in the development of youth and adult leaders, fostering growth, engagement, and discipleship.
• Oversees and ensures the effective preparation of liturgical celebrations for youth, including reconciliation, confirmation, retreats, and special events.
• Provides pastoral presence, including listening, advising, and appropriate referral.
• Leads the development and execution of retreats and reflection opportunities, including formation and oversight of retreat teams.
• Cultivates strong relationships with parents and families to support open communication and engagement in youth ministry.
• Oversees the development of age-appropriate catechetical programming aligned with diocesan standards and parish formation goals.
• Leads initiatives for service and justice education, fostering understanding of Catholic social teaching.
• Guides youth in discerning and utilizing their gifts within parish life and ministry.
• Collaborates with the Parish Catechetical Leader to ensure alignment between youth ministry and broader faith formation efforts.
• Oversees the development of peer ministry programs to support retreats, service, and prayer experiences.

Recruitment and Training

• Leads the recruitment, formation, supervision, and evaluation of youth ministry leaders and volunteers.
• Provides ongoing direction, coaching, and support to youth ministry leaders.
• Oversees and evaluates volunteer engagement and program effectiveness.
• Establishes clear roles and expectations for all adult leaders and advisors.
• Ensures compliance with diocesan Safe Environment policies and procedures.
• Promotes and facilitates leadership development opportunities, including diocesan certification and professional formation programs.
• Builds parish-wide support and engagement in youth ministry, especially among parents and parish organizations.

Administration

• Leads efforts to assess the needs, interests, and engagement of youth within the parish.
• Oversees the planning, organization, and implementation of comprehensive youth ministry programs and experiences.
• Develops and manages the youth ministry budget, including financial reporting and stewardship of resources.
• Ensures accurate and effective recordkeeping for programs, events, and ministry activities.
• Establishes and implements effective communication and promotion strategies for youth ministry initiatives.
• Provides regular reports to the Pastor on youth ministry programs, progress, and outcomes.
• Implements evaluation processes to assess and improve all aspects of youth ministry.

Communication

• Collaborates with the Parish Catechetical Leader/Director of Faith Formation to ensure alignment of curriculum and ministry efforts.
• Actively participates in parish staff meetings, providing leadership updates and insights on youth ministry.
• Communicates vision, goals, and activities of youth ministry to the parish community.
• Maintains relationships with diocesan and regional youth ministry networks, including participation in Deanery meetings.
• Engages in parish leadership structures to promote youth involvement and integration into parish life.
• Oversees scheduling and coordination of youth ministry events and activities.
• Pursues ongoing professional development through conferences, reading, and professional associations.
• Maintains consistent communication with parents, encouraging participation and support.
• Builds connections with community organizations and resources that support youth.
• Establishes and monitors annual goals and objectives for youth ministry programs.

Professional and Personal Development

• Participates in annual retreat and seeks ongoing spiritual development.
• Maintains active involvement in the Faith Formation Deanery Association.
• Supports and participates in diocesan catechetical certification efforts.
• Attends diocesan, regional, and national formation opportunities.
• Pursues continued professional growth aligned with national and diocesan standards for youth ministry leadership.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and experience required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CATHOLIC FAITH

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. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Theology, Ministry, Catechetics, or a related field from an accredited institution preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant ministry experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of practical parish-level ministry leadership experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Strong leadership and team development skills, with the ability to recruit, form, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, events, and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage youth, parents, parish leadership, and the broader community.
• Knowledge of Catholic doctrine, catechesis, and youth ministry principles, with the ability to apply them in a parish setting in alignment with diocesan standards.
• Ability to develop and implement ministry plans, set goals, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with parish staff, diocesan representatives, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment in a variety of situations.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, manage budgets, and support responsible stewardship of ministry resources.
• Proficiency in standard office and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, digital communication platforms).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as required for ministry programming.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods of time, lift at least 40 pounds, walk, bend, crouch, talk, feel, grasp, hear and perform repetitive motions of the hands, wrists, and arms. Job incumbent also required to read/see up close and from afar. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (15 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.