Associate Director for the Office of Youth Ministry

Under the supervision of the Senior Director for the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, the Associate Director for the Office of Youth seeks to share the Lord's mission in the areas of adolescent (youth) and family evangelization and catechetical formation. 

The Associate Director of Youth Ministry is responsible for the development, coordination, supervision, and execution of ministry to youth and their families, designed to engage and educate the youth of the parish.  He/she will act as an advocate and link between the Diocese of Columbus and Parishes. 

The Associate Director for Youth Ministry is expected to conduct him/herself according to the teachings of the Catholic Church. As such, the Associate Director of Youth Ministry should be a faithful and active practicing Catholic in good standing. He/she should demonstrate a love for the particular needs of young people and be a Christ-like example to them of an individual who lives a moral and ethical life according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.   

While not intended to be a complete list, the following are examples of duties associated with this position.  Other related expectations, responsibilities, and tasks are required at times.  The Associate Director should be adaptive and receptive to the varying requirements of this position. 

Responsibilities of the Position:

1.     Build positive and fruitful relationships with the Clergy, Parish staff, specifically the Parish Youth Ministers, Coordinators, and volunteers, and support them with all aspects of youth and adolescent evangelization, catechesis, catechetical formation, sacramental, and OCIA formation.

2.     Research and remain informed on best practices and resources for Youth Ministers and Coordinators' evangelization, catechetical, and sacramental formation. 

3.     Provide professional training and formation for Clergy and Parish staff in areas of Youth and Adolescent evangelization and catechesis, based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the General Directory for Catechesis, the Directory for Catechesis, and all applicable Church documents on adolescent and youth formation and outreach.

4.     Train and offer ongoing formation, support, and encouragement for the parish adolescent youth ministry teams.  

5.     Provide Family Catechesis formation and training, especially to parents, grandparents, legal guardians, and caregivers.

6.     Assist independent ministries and apostolates as appropriate to the ministry of youth.

7.     Create resources for Youth Ministers, Coordinators, and volunteers through various social media channels, e.g., X (Formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, etc. 

8.     Develop and implement sound evangelization and catechetical curricula in the area of evangelization, catechesis, doctrine, liturgy and sacraments, moral life (Theology of the Body), and prayer in keeping with all Diocesan Catechetical Guidelines.

9.     Assists with the Implementation of the New Diocesan Confirmation Mandate.

10.  Create and oversee all Diocesan Youth Ministry retreat opportunities. 

11.  Represent the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis at local, regional, and national events.  

12.  Collaborate on all Diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis projects and initiatives as tasked by the Sr. Director for the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

13.  Makes certain that all events and programs reflect the Magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church.

14.  Develops and maintains records and database(s) of information pertinent to the department, such as membership lists, resource materials, event information, etc.

15.  Assures that all legal, moral, and Diocesan responsibilities are provided for within the context of the youth program.

Education:

BA in Catechetics, Theology, Religious Education, or a related educational field and/or a certificate in ministry or theology from a Catholic institution of higher learning.

Experience:

Five to seven years of prior experience in parish ministry or a diocesan setting is preferred; bilingual is a plus.

Qualifications for the Position and Job-Related Skills:

1.     Deep abiding personal faith in Jesus Christ and love for people

2.     Has the passion, understanding, and ability to articulate the teachings of the Catholic Church as articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 

3.     Excellent oral and written communication ability, including listening skills.

4.     Ability to work and communicate effectively with various age groups and diverse cultures. 

5.     Proven management skills and the ability to train and coach others.

6.     Take initiative and exhibit creativity, responsibility, and flexibility.

7.     Possess responsible organizational skills, can track numerous projects/people, multitask, and establish priorities.

8.     Exercises discretion and maintains confidentiality when necessary.

9.     Proficiency with all basic office equipment, including Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and Excel), as well as the ability to use audio/visual equipment.

10.  Ability to lift and transport heavy objects regularly (where/if applicable).

Please note: The role requires the individual to be active practicing Catholic faithful to the Magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church.

Working Environment:

Work is performed both in an office setting and in meetings. Evening and weekend work is essential, and occasional travel is required. The ability to maintain all information highly confidential.

The job offer is contingent on the successful passing of the mandatory background screening, completion of the VIRTUS "Protecting God's Children" course, and reference checks. Salary is commensurate with experience.  Benefits are according to Diocesan policy.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and ability.  We offer paid time off and a full complement of benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, short & long-term disability, and matching 403(b).  Benefits are according to Diocesan policy.