What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Mission and Ministry position at Alvernia University?
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 work of educating and engaging the community in examining their beliefs, engaging in inter-religious dialogue, and experiencing the living Catholic Franciscan tradition of Alvernia University are all part of the experience. To this end s/he will focus on: (1) leading a cohesive inclusive campus ministry team producing diverse quality programming to meet the needs of all our students, (2) designing and implementing events that highlight our Franciscan mission and campus ministry pillars, (3) promote the enrichment of the spiritual lives of our students, with a special emphasis on vocation, and (4) promote peace and social justice ideals as articulated by the principles of Catholic social teaching. The director must be a Catholic who is active in her/his faith and is competent working with persons of many cultures, ethnicities, and religious traditions.
Essential Functions:
Mission, Culture & Leadership
- 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 (both pro staff and student leaders) that produce quality spiritual programming that meets the needs of a diverse student body. This includes training a new student leadership team that encourages growth within the mission and ministry office.
Ministerial Vision:
- Sees him/herself as a spiritual leader – one who walks humbly with others, who calls them to the fullness of life, who comforts and counsels those in need, and who cultivates an authentic community.
- Leads and unites campus ministers across campus.
- Equips, empowers, and integrates student leaders.
- Models respectful, collaborative, and active support of the University’s Mission and of Catholic and Franciscan higher education through dedicated job performance and exemplary service to the University’s many constituencies.
- Leads the ministry team as it develops an inclusive ministry program which serves the undergraduate, graduate, faculty, staff and alumni of Alvernia University.
- Participates and leads yearly professional development (books, conferences, classes) and/or formation experiences (retreats, days of reflection)
- Participates in the liturgical and prayer life of the university community, in particular Sunday and other Campus Masses.
Interfaith Spiritual Development:
- With the campus ministry team, design and implement liturgical worship and rituals that highlight the Catholic, Franciscan mission of Alvernia University, especially the Franciscan emphases on peace and social justice, conscious of the “new normal” of ministry.
- Promote the enrichment of the spiritual lives of our students on campus with special emphasis on vocational language. This enrichment takes shape through small faith groups, retreat programming, faith based Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), athletics, and Interfaith/Ecumenical communities.
- Coordinate peace and social justice programs on campus, through on campus programming, grounded in Catholic Social teaching and our 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, facilitating collaboration, communication, and shared initiatives that support the spiritual life of the campus community.
Collaboration and Planning:
- Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of the University events such as Mission Day and Baccalaureate Mass.
- Collaborate with Campus Ministers to foster an inclusive campus environment by coordinating recognition of major faith celebrations and supporting interfaith dialogue and events.
- Design and oversee student retreat experiences that foster spiritual reflection, deepen faith, and support students’ personal and vocational development.
- Oversee the planning and implementation of student commissioning services that recognize and bless students as they prepare for student leadership roles, athletics seasons, alternative break trips, and other significant endeavors.
- Partner with the Director of SEARCH to integrate the history and ongoing legacy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters into the SEARCH curriculum and first year student experience.
- Partner closely with the Holleran Center assisting and supporting community service projects and initiatives.
Professional Development, Customer Service & Representation:
- Lead or contribute to internal training and professional development initiatives that enhance compliance, service excellence, communication, and inclusive practices across the organization.
- Promote a high standard of customer service by modeling responsive, solutions-oriented interactions with students, clients, colleagues, and external partners.
- Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization by communicating its mission, values, and offerings effectively to internal and external audiences.
- Represent the university at recruitment and outreach events, including open houses, orientations, and community engagement programs.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform additional duties assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.
Qualifications/Education:
- 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 are required.
- Musical experience for liturgical worship is preferred but not required.
- Experience in the promotion of peace and social justice.
Employee Benefits:
Join a team that values your well-being! We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family:
- Robust Health Coverage: Choose from three offered medical plans, plus dental and vision.
- Financial Security: Enjoy University-paid life/AD&D insurance and long-term disability, with options for short-term disability and supplemental coverage for you and your family (including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans). Flexible spending accounts are also available.
- Exceptional Retirement: Start saving immediately with our 403(b) Retirement Plan. You will get 100% immediate vesting, a University gift contribution, and a generous match up to 5% of your deferrals.
- Time Off & Flexibility: Take advantage of 20 paid holidays each year, including 5 floating holidays, and the possibility of flexible or hybrid work options for many roles.
- Invest in Your Future: Enjoy tuition remission benefits for yourself and your dependents.
- On-Campus Wellness: Benefit-eligible employees on our main campus receive free access to our Medical & Counseling Center.
- Employee Meal Plan: This plan provides convenient, flexible dining options on campus at a reduced cost.