Regional Director of Youth Discipleship

The Jackson region parishes are currently seeking an outstanding candidate to fill a newly created Regional Director of Youth Ministry position.
The position is full time and is eligible for full benefits.
The position will report to the Dean of the region, Fr.
Tim MacDonald and is located at the Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Jackson.
The Regional Director of Youth Ministry furthers the mission of the Catholic Church by directing the religious formation programs for youth in the deanery by leading a deanery-wide youth ministry program founded in the Gospel that inspires and ignites the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the youth, according to the USCCB document Renewing the Vision.
Interested candidates should submit the online application and attach a resume and cover letter.
In your cover letter, please talk about your faith journey and why you want to serve the Church as a Regional Director of Youth Ministry.
The primary duties and responsibilities as well as the requirements for the position follow: Discipleship Formation Provide opportunities for youth to hear and respond to the Gospel message through onsite formation, retreats, and conferences.
Develop and promote an effective youth discipleship program for grades 7 – 12.
Provide opportunities for youth to live out their discipleship through various types of outreach to the poor and marginalized.
Collaborate with the pastors and faith formation ministry staff of the respective parishes to recruit, train, assign, and evaluate a team of youth ministry volunteers.
Assist in coordinating their participation in diocesan and parish sponsored catechetical and other training programs.
Monitor the efforts of volunteers and evaluate progress at least annually.
Build rapport and gain the endorsement, support, and involvement of adults (especially parents) in the parishes.
Collaborate with the diocese, other youth ministers, and the respective parishes for best practices.
Supervise the coordination of events held within the deanery and at the diocese to minimize conflict of dates.
Continually engage in personal faith formation and enrichment as well as professional development.
Program Development and Administration Gather and assess data to understand the interests, attitudes, beliefs, and formation gaps of youth.
Develop and implement inspiring programs that address the interests, attitudes, beliefs, and formation gaps of the youth.
Plan and deliver a regional program of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation that includes but is not limited to: Formal instruction in the faith, specific to Confirmation Coordinate retreats, service projects, and development of spiritual life Coordinate with the diocese the details of the administration of the sacrament Collaborate with the respective parishes throughout the preparation process Define volunteer responsibilities.
Submit and monitor an annual budget to the Dean and respective pastors.
Maintain necessary records.
Determine effective means for promoting and publicizing programs and activities.
Attend and lead meetings to ensure the success of this ministry.
Set annual goals, evaluate the youth ministry programs, and achieve goals.
Serve as a Liaison Keep the region’s parishes informed of the youth ministry programs.
Stay informed of developments directed toward improving youth ministry through attendance at diocesan, regional, and national conferences; regular reading and updating through current periodicals and websites; and membership in youth ministry associations.
Be visible and available to youth and their families.
Uphold diocesan policies in regards to Protecting God’s Children.
Create and maintain a Regional Youth Discipleship social media presence, supported by the regional parishes.
Provide outreach ministry to schools and other places where youth gather, including the Jackson Area Catholic Schools Network, Jackson Public Schools, other private or independent schools, and the homeschooling community.
Develop a network for reaching out to youth, particularly those who may not have a strong faith.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Education and Formation: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in theology or a related educational field and/or a certificate in ministry or theology from a Catholic institution of higher learning.
Experience: Minimum of two years of experience as a catechist or involvement in other parish ministry required.
Must be current on trends in catechetical ministry.
Require: Must be a practicing Catholic active in his/her parish.
Must have a valid driver's license.
Must pass background check and attend Virtus Child and Youth Protection Training.
Must have excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, and time management skills.
Physical Demands: While performing duties, employee has to sit for long periods of time, use hands in repetitive motion tasks, and answer telephone calls.
The position also requires some standing, stooping, and bending when coordinating various educational programs and presentations.
Employee is expected to work onsite.
Some travel is required throughout the school year.
Weekend work is required.