Director of Campus Ministry

ABOUT THE POSITION

St. Mary’s Ryken High School is seeking a passionate, visionary, and faith-filled leader to serve as our next Director of Campus Ministry. Rooted in the Catholic tradition and inspired by the Xaverian Brothers’ charism, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the spiritual life of a vibrant, diverse, and mission-driven school community.

The Director of Campus Ministry serves as the spiritual heart of campus life — fostering meaningful opportunities for prayer, worship, service, retreat, faith formation, and pastoral care for students, faculty, and staff. As a key member of the school’s leadership team, the Director will help cultivate an inclusive and engaging spiritual culture that honors the Catholic identity of St. Mary’s Ryken while welcoming and supporting individuals from all faith backgrounds.

This leader will inspire students to deepen their faith, discover purpose, serve others with compassion, and live out the values of the Gospel in everyday life.

The Director reports directly to the Principal and serves on the President’s Leadership Team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Spiritual Leadership & Vision

• Provide innovative and mission-centered leadership for the Office of Campus Ministry in alignment with the Catholic faith and the Xaverian educational tradition.
• Develop and implement strategic goals that deepen spiritual engagement and faith formation across the school community.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports students and employees of diverse faith backgrounds while remaining grounded in SMR’s Catholic identity.

Liturgical & Faith Formation Programming

• Lead and oversee the school’s liturgical and sacramental life, including daily prayer, school-wide Masses, reconciliation opportunities, and seasonal celebrations.
• Collaborate with clergy, musicians, faculty, and community partners to create meaningful worship experiences.
• Design and support engaging programs that encourage spiritual growth, reflection, leadership, and service.

Retreats & Student Leadership

• Direct all aspects of the student retreat program, including planning, facilitation, logistics, and formation of student leaders.
• Recruit, mentor, and train student retreat leaders and coordinate faculty/staff chaperones.
• Attend and support retreat experiences, including overnight retreats throughout the school year.

Pastoral Care & Community Engagement

• Provide compassionate pastoral presence and support to students, faculty, staff, and families.
• Collaborate with Counseling, Administration, and other student-support offices to respond to student needs and crisis situations.
• Coordinate prayer services, vigils, communication, and outreach during times of community loss or crisis.

Service & School Community Involvement

• Partner with school leaders to create meaningful service-learning opportunities that support SMR’s mission and graduation requirements.
• Represent Campus Ministry at major school events including Open House, Orientation, Back-to-School Kight, Commencement, and Admissions events.
• Build strong relationships with local parishes, retreat centers, the Archdiocese of Washington, and the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools network.

Administrative Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office of Campus Ministry, including budgeting, planning, scheduling, and assessment of programs.
• Supervise ministry initiatives and ensure programs reflect best practices in student engagement and spiritual development.

Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the school’s mission and community life.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Ministry, Religious Studies, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in ministry, education, program leadership, or related fields.
• Practicing Catholic
• Demonstrated experience leading programs, supervising teams or volunteers, and managing operational responsibilities, including budgeting and planning.
• Strong understanding of Catholic liturgy, faith formation, and pastoral ministry.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to engage and inspire high school students in meaningful and authentic ways.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and Catholic identity of St. Mary’s Ryken and the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Divinity, or a related field.
• Previous experience in Catholic secondary education or youth ministry.
• Experience facilitating retreats, liturgical planning, and student leadership development.
• Familiarity with the Xaverian charism and Catholic educational traditions.
• Experience working within diverse and multi-faith communities.
• Demonstrated pastoral sensitivity and crisis response experience.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE

A successful Director of Campus Ministry will:

• Inspire students to actively engage in their faith journey and service to others.
• Cultivate a vibrant and welcoming spiritual culture across campus.
• Build strong relationships rooted in compassion, trust, and authenticity.
• Create meaningful liturgical and retreat experiences that resonate with today’s students.
• Lead with creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to Catholic education.
• Serve as a visible and approachable presence throughout the school community.
• Advance the mission of St. Mary’s Ryken by helping students grow intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and morally.

Please forward a cover letter and your resume using the link below.