Senior Coordinator for Children and Family Ministry

Archdiocese of Chicago•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Senior Coordinator for Children and Family Ministry implements and assists in the design of innovative and strategic approaches to support parish catechetical leaders with engaging and accompanying children, youth, parents, and families in faith formation and sacramental preparation processes. Ministry focus includes catechetical leader professional development, resource creation and implementation of guidelines for religious education and sacramental formation. Works under the direction of the Parish Catechetical Support Manager to execute strategies to identify, train, support and resource catechetical leaders in realizing the vision of the Archdiocese of Chicago for an engaged, evangelizing, and revitalized Church of disciples that transform their communities through witness to the love of Jesus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry or related field of study from an accredited college or university, or equivalency.
At least three years of experience in leading parish faith formation, outreach, ministry and administration.
Fully committed to the Catholic Church’s teaching on the Gospel message.
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, including persons with varied social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Must be an excellent communicator, detail-oriented and self-motivated.
Working knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point, and Teams.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Theology or related field of study.
Five or more years of proven professional experience and leadership in parish faith formation ministry.
Ability to mentor colleagues toward success.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Develops strategies and guidelines to assist catechetical leaders with best practices for catechetical ministry.
Works with ministry team to design, coordinate and implement formation strategies through the planning and creation of workshops, webinars and trainings for parish catechetical leaders and catechists.
Collaborates with ministry team, archdiocesan offices and outside organizations on initiatives for catechetical leader professional development.
Creates a practical vision for the development and implementation of guidelines and resources (in English and Spanish) to support catechetical leaders.
Plans and develops monthly editions of the Office of Lifelong Formation Taking Shape Newsletter.
Collaborates with archdiocesan offices (such as Safe Environment, Respect Life, Global Missions, Ecumenical Affairs) and outside organizations on initiatives related to catechetical leader resource development and ministry best practices.
Serves as primary contact for parishes regarding archdiocesan catechetical and sacramental policies and procedures.
Contributes to the development and implementation of pilot approaches to formation of children, youth and families that is inclusive of both kerygmatic and formational moments, as well as invitation and opportunity for missionary outreach.
Conducts need analysis, assesses and makes determinations as to the ministry needs and challenges and manages alignment and integration of these needs with the other ministries.
Fosters a spirit of creativity, collaboration, professionalism, and accountability among members of the children’s ministry team.
Contributes to determinations about the Children’s Ministry budget.
Leads and participates in committees, projects, or initiatives as directed by the Office of Lifelong Formation or Department of Parish Vitality and Mission.
Increases skills and knowledge through continuing education, attending conferences, and reading appropriate literature.
May be given other assignments and projects consistent with the responsibility level of this position.