Director of Religious Education - Grades 6-12

Explore a Career within the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls•Sioux Falls, SD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Religious Education for grades 6-12 is responsible for the faith formation of adolescents in this age group, including sacramental preparation. This role operates according to the catechetical norms of the Diocese of Sioux Falls and the religious education program. The position involves directing religious education programs, overseeing faith formation in accordance with Church teachings, coordinating sacramental preparation for Confirmation, and implementing youth group events. The Director will also invite, motivate, train, and mentor volunteers to serve as catechists, maintain communication with parents and parishioners, manage student records, and collaborate with the Religious Education team on special events and programming. A key aspect of the role is developing relationships with individuals and families to foster a supportive network in faith and discipleship, managing the religious education budget in conjunction with the Business Manager, and establishing communication channels through various parish media. The Director will also utilize social media for formation and support.

Requirements

Willingness, desire, and ability to effectively make known the Catholic Church's teachings through the varied ministry activities expected of this position.
Willingness and ability to act as an outstanding personal witness to the Catholic faith by living one's professional and personal life in accordance with the doctrines and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, as embodied in the Church's documents, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Strong relational and leadership skills.
Organizational and team-building skills.
Ability to work as a team with the Pastor and other staff members and volunteers.
Public speaking and teaching skills.
An active life of prayer and sacramental life.
Flexibility in relation to work hours.
An understanding and working knowledge of all desktop applications included in the Microsoft Office Suite and various web applications.
Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment; to think strategically; to multitask; and to adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
Flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.
Proven communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Diplomacy, an even temper, and a positive, efficient, and enthusiastic attitude.
Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry items up to 30 pounds.
Ability to sit, stand, bend, stoop, climb stairs, talk, hear, grasp, reach, and perform repetitive motions of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Ability to work in an office setting as well as at various venues according to event or activity.
Vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

A degree in Theology, Catholic Studies, or a related field is preferred but not required.
Some training in education is also preferred but not required.
Experience with catechesis and missionary work in some form is preferred.
Familiarity with the Church's work of evangelization and discipleship is also preferred.
Knowledge of Church documents, the origins and development of the Church's teachings, the principles of catechesis for all age levels, and catechetical resources and their application.

Responsibilities

Direct the parishes' religious education for adolescents in grades 6–12.
Oversee the parish faith formation programs in accord with the Church's Magisterium and sacred traditions.
Coordinate and develop the sacramental preparation program for Confirmation, including planning and direction of the program and development of parish leaders who will direct it.
Oversee the implementation of youth group events.
Invite, motivate, train, and mentor volunteers to serve as responsible and effective catechists.
Maintain communication with parents and parishioners.
Maintain student lists, class attendance, and all other office work attached to the programs.
Collaborate with the Religious Education team on special parish events and summer programming for youth and parents; organize participation in diocesan or non-diocesan events and programs, helping to create a vibrant parish culture of active participation in the faith.
Develop relationships with individuals and families, creating a network of support in faith and discipleship among parishioners.
In conjunction with the Business Manager, manage the pastorate's religious education budget.
Establish and manage communication with families through the parish bulletin, newsletter, social media, and email notifications.
Use social media platforms to assist catechists, group leaders, parents, and individual parishioners, and as a means of formation and support.