ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR of DISCIPLESHIP FORMATION
FLSA Classification – Exempt/Salaried
Supervisor/Manager – Director, Department of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship. Indirect reporting relationship to the Deputy Director, Department of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship for project and mission-based work.
Date Prepared – August 2024
Job Summary
The Associate Director for Discipleship Formation leads the Office of Discipleship Formation staff in assisting Families of Parishes (FOPs) in their ministry to form disciples in support of the mission of
Unleash the Gospel. This Mission Direct area is responsible for supporting catechesis, sacramental preparation, small groups, and youth ministry in FOPs, and supplementing these ministries with diocesan initiatives and events. The Associate Director provides direction, support, and accompaniment for FOP Directors of Discipleship Formation, Directors of Religious Education/Faith Formation, and other faith formation ministers.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Leads the Office of Discipleship Formation staff in prayer, planning, and strategy.
- Oversees diocesan ministry in the areas of faith formation, youth ministry, small group ministry, sacramental preparation (First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and other sacraments as needed), and adult faith formation.
- Welcomes and supports FOP Directors of Discipleship Formation, providing regular meetings and communications, as well as formation opportunities, resources, and professional development.
- Supports other discipleship formation staff working in FOPs, including, but not limited to, Directors of Religious Education (DREs), Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation ministers (First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and other sacraments as needed), and Coordinators of Youth Ministry.
- Serves on the Ministerial Certification Board and approves Advanced Catechist Certifications.
- Provides consultation and support to the Department of Catholic Schools in the development and selection of faith formation curricula and other initiatives related to Catholic Culture.
- Collaborates with other offices in the Department of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship and other Curia departments as needed.
- Manages budget and payroll platform for the Office of Discipleship Formation.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Coordinator of Youth Ministry
- Coordinator of Small Groups and Youth Ministry
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Familiarity with Archbishop Vigneron’s Pastoral Letter, Unleash the Gospel.
- Strong life of prayer and commitment to a life of missionary discipleship.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Strong Microsoft 365 and computer skills.
- Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently and handle multiple projects at the same time while paying attention to details.
- Strong ability to work collaboratively and strategically with various staff and constituents.
- Strong public speaking, presentation and training skills.
- Strong knowledge of national trends in catechetics and religious education.
- Must be willing to work on a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends.
Education And Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Theology, Catechetics and/or Religious Education or related field required. Master’s degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in catechetics and/or religious education or related field required.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged sitting and working at a desk with repetitive motion working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
- May involve some standing, bending, and walking.
Travel Required
- Must have reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Additional Requirements
- Must be a Catholic in good standing and adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Must demonstrate understanding, respect and support for Catholic Church teaching, mission and values.
- Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding any archdiocesan information gained within the Archdiocese of Detroit.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
The Archdiocese of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer and does not illegally discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, height, weight, genetic information, or marital or other legally protected status. The Archdiocese of Detroit is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity and encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.