Associate Director of the Office of Faith Education

Diocesan Job Description:  Associate Director of the Office of Faith Education

Classification:  Exempt, Ministerial, Full-Time Position (40- hour week position, some evening/weekend work required)

Reports To:  Director of the Office of Faith Education

The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Job Summary

The Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is responsible for evangelizing and catechizing the people of northeast Indiana. The Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis exists to assist the bishop in implementing his vision for formation of the people of the diocese by aiding pastors, lay ministers, educators, and catechists in the human formation of the members of our diocese, ordered toward evangelization and catechetical development. The Associate Director of Faith Education assists the Director of Faith Education in strategic alignment to the Secretariat for realizing Bishop’s vision, in coordinating the St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catechetical Institute, curricular development and implementation, direct formation of formators/educators, and auxiliary events/programs for the diocese at large.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

·        Aid the Director in the implementation and operationalization Bishop Rhoades’ vision for evangelization and catechesis in schools and parishes

·        Work with Director to implement the Secretariat’s strategic plan for evangelization and catechesis in the Diocese in the Office of Faith Education

·        Support parishes and schools in their efforts to evangelize, catechize, and disciple adults of the diocese

·        Form pastoral ministers through training, resources, and networking

·        Aid the Director in ensuring compliance with sacramental norms and diocesan expectations

·        Assist the Director in vetting current curricula, as well as developing curriculum and curricular aids for the formators of this diocese

·        Assists the Director in the planning and execution of Events and Programs:

o   OSV Scholars program for the Master of Arts in Theology at the University of Notre Dame

o   Two annual formation days (Catholic School Mission Days) for teachers in our diocesan schools

o   Aid the Director in coordinating and managing the St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catechetical Institute

o   Assist the Director in planning annual formation retreats and semi-annual meetings (Pastoral Minister Convocation) for catechists and formators in our Diocese

o   Assist the Director in planning two annual formation retreats for confirmandi in the Diocese

o   Support pastors and formators in running OCIA programs

·        Assist Director in meeting with parish leaders to assess needs, gaps, successes, etc., with the aim of developing relevant avenues of support for parishes

·        Create and coordinate planning teams for the execution of events

·        Coordinate official communication with stakeholders and partners, internal and external, in planning and outreach for the Secretariat

Secondary areas of responsibility

·        Assist pastors in hiring and training of new religious educators, pastoral ministers, catechists, and other formators

·        Coordinate program budgets, track financial expenditures, pursue grant funding  

·        Assist with diocesan initiatives such as the Diocesan Synod and Eucharistic Revival  

·        Assist with diocesan support programs/grant initiatives such as the Legacy of Faith

·        Assist in other duties as directed by the Director

Specific Job Skills and Qualifications

·        Catholic and passionate about evangelization and discipleship

·        Possesses understanding of education as human formation

·        Demonstrates strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively

·        Possesses the necessary skills to be a part of a dynamic team

·        Ability to understand and operationalize a broad but deep overarching vision

·        Must be self-motivated and reliable, with ability to take initiative, work independently, and meet deadlines

·        Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize responsibilities

·        Excellent verbal and written communication and well-developed interpersonal skills

·        Ability to collaborate and maintain working relationships with diocesan/parish staff

·        Able to think critically, evaluate relevant information, recognize potential issues for concern, recognize alternatives, and reach logical conclusions

·        Skilled in editing web pages and managing social media accounts

·        Available to work some weekday evenings and weekends as needed for ministry

·        Willingness to travel within the diocese

·        Ability to help with set up of equipment for events

·        Ability to delegate responsibilities clearly to other volunteers

·        Demonstrates strong knowledge of computers, office software, and office equipment

Education and Preferred Work Experience

·        Master of Divinity/Theology preferred, or bachelor’s degree in a related field

·        Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership/management experience required, preferably in diocesan and parish-based ministry, or in a parallel Catholic institution

Mutual expectations of the Secretariat for Catechesis and Evangelization

·        Collaborate with other diocesan offices, especially the Office of Hispanic Ministry, the Catholic Schools Office, and others in the Secretariat

·        Communicate with pastors, principals, Directors of Religious Education (DREs), religion teachers, and catechists

·        Foster positive relationships with Catholic colleges and universities so that we can enhance the formation opportunities for our catechists, and teachers

·        Collaborate with other dioceses to learn from their programs and best practices

·        Participate in local, regional, and national professional development opportunities

·        Participate in staff meetings

·        Maintain a professional and orderly work area and office

·        Represent the Secretariat in a professional manner in all areas including communication, dress, and timeliness

Physical Demands

·        Regularly spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers

·        Regularly move from sitting to standing positions effortlessly

·        Regularly use hands and fingers to lift files, open filing cabinets, and for data entry purposes

·        Frequently bend to file paperwork

·        Must be able to speak and hear clearly so listeners can understand

·        Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

·        Occasionally lift 10-20 pounds