Director of Ministry Development

Ascension • Milwaukee, WI

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Director of Ministry Development is responsible for developing and sustaining mission-driven ministries aligned with the charism of the Alexian Brothers. This role focuses on identifying unmet needs in the communities of Milwaukee and Chicago, building innovative and sustainable ministries rooted in Catholic/Christian values, and fostering a visible “Brother’s Presence” among those most in need. This leader will ensure that all ministry initiatives reflect the Alexian charism and our values of compassion, simplicity, and service to the marginalized, while also cultivating pathways that connect ministry engagement to a vibrant and growing vocation pipeline.

Requirements

• High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience and 1 year of cumulative leadership experience required OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience and 1 year of cumulative leadership experience required.
• Understanding of Catholic/Christian social teaching and religious life.
• Ability to integrate mission, strategy, and operations.
• Proven leadership in nonprofit, ministry, or mission-driven environments.
• Skilled in relationship-building, collaboration, and community engagement.
• Visionary thinker with the ability to implement practical, sustainable solutions.

Nice To Haves

• The Alexian Charism is the prophetic and daring response of a faith community to the gospel of Jesus. It is rooted in prayer and simple life style. In discipleship with Jesus, our response is reaching out to the poor, sick and dying, especially the marginated and the powerless. Our charism calls us to conversion and total self-giving in continuing the healing and reconciling mission of Jesus in collaboration with others.
• The Values Which Shape the Alexian Brothers Philosophy: Compassion, Dignity of the Person, Care of the Poor, Holism, Partnership.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate emerging social, pastoral, and human service needs in Milwaukee and possibly Chicago.
• Develop new ministries that respond to gaps not currently being addressed by other organizations.
• Ensure all ministries are aligned with the Alexian Brothers’ values and Gospel mandate (cf. Matthew 25:40).
• Design scalable and sustainable ministry models with measurable impact and outcomes.
• Safeguard and integrate the Alexian charism and values into all ministry initiatives.
• Ensure ministries reflect: Compassionate presence and care; Service to the marginalized; Relational accompaniment (“Brother’s Presence”).
• Maintain fidelity to Catholic and Christian principles in all operations and partnerships.
• Conduct ongoing evaluation of ministry effectiveness, sustainability and mission alignment with the Alexian Brothers charism and values.
• Develop strategic plans for long-term viability of ministries.
• Explore partnerships, funding opportunities, and collaborative efforts to strengthen impact.
• Align ministry development with broader Unit strategic planning efforts.
• Intentionally design ministries that serve as entry points for discernment and vocational awareness.
• Collaborate closely with the Vocation Director and vocation team.
• Ensure ministries create opportunities for: Relationship building; Exposure to the life and mission of the Alexian Brothers.
• Embrace the model: Ministry feeds vocations → Vocations feed ministry.
• Build and oversee a structured volunteer program across ministries.
• Develop a “volunteer-to-vocation” pathway, fostering deeper engagement and discernment.
• Recruit, form, and retain volunteers aligned with the charism, mission and values of the Alexian Brothers.
• Provide formation opportunities rooted in charism, service, and faith by working with the Director of Vocations.
• Establish a strong and visible Alexian Brothers presence in Milwaukee and possibly Chicago.
• Increase awareness of the Alexian Brothers Congregation, its mission, and ministries.
• Represent the Alexian Brothers in civic, ecclesial, and nonprofit settings.
• Promote storytelling and engagement that highlights impact, values and charism.
• Identify and develop overlooked ministries that are: Underserved or overlooked; Aligned with the Brothers’ historical mission (care for the sick, poor, marginalized); Responsive to contemporary needs (e.g., trauma care, transitional housing, accompaniment ministries).
• Encourage creative, “hands on” approaches rooted in relational ministry.
• Oversee and coordinate all administrative operations, including setting priorities, assigning workloads, and ensuring high-quality output.
• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Lead talent management efforts, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and staff development.
• Manage budgets and departmental activities, ensuring cost-effective operations aligned with organizational goals while serving as a key resource for stakeholders.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED