Director of Cedarbrake Retreat Center

Diocese-of-Austin; Belton (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Diocese of Austin seeks a Director of Cedarbrake Retreat Center to oversee operations, programming, and outreach, reporting to the Secretariat Director for Formation and Spirituality. The role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to Catholic ministry.

You will manage budget, staff, and partnerships with parishes and groups, ensuring quality guest experiences and overseeing spiritual direction resources.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in theology or pastoral ministry from an accredited American Catholic university or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of full time wage earning related work experience including supervision of volunteers or staff.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).
• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the Diocese of Austin's mission.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Manage seven-days-a-week operations, programming, services and staffing of Cedarbrake Retreat Center.
• Promote the ministry of the center and recruit other secular and non-secular groups to use the facilities.
• Provide diocesan leadership with support regarding the retreat center and retreat ministries.
• Responsible for budget development, implementation and monitoring.
• Coordinate with vendors in support of programs and services.
• Follow up with visitors and participants to ensure positive event experience.
• Serve as the primary resource for spiritual direction in the diocese and maintain directory of spiritual directors.
• Create, maintain and disseminate information via diocesan communications and website.

Skills

Knowledge of Roman Catholic Church

English & Spanish communication

Customer service

Time management

Team supervision

Discretion & confidentiality

Follow instructions (verbal/written)

Multitasking

Education

Master’s degree in theology or pastoral ministry

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Database programs

Job description

Description

Job Summary

The Director of Cedarbrake Retreat Center develops, implements and maintains a wide range of operational and public relations activities to promote the Cedarbrake Retreat Center. The position reports to the Secretariat Director for Formation and Spirituality and operates with wide latitude for the use of independent judgement, discretion and initiative.

Ministerial Character

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

Essential Job Duties

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Manage seven-days-a-week operations, programming, services and staffing of Cedarbrake Retreat Center.
• Promote the ministry of the center and recruit other secular and non-secular groups to use the facilities.
• Provide diocesan leadership with support regarding the retreat center and retreat ministries.
• Responsible for budget development, implementation and monitoring.
• Facilitate the Cedarbrake Advisory Board.
• Coordinate with vendors in support of programs and services.
• Follow up with visitors and other participants to ensure positive event experience.
• Serve as the primary resource for spiritual direction in the diocese. Facilitate the Institute of Spiritual Direction, provide ongoing formation to spiritual directors and maintain a directory of spiritual directors.
• Create, maintain and disseminate information and resources via diocesan communications, the diocesan website, social media outlets and other media and communication tools.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to parishes, diocesan staff and other customers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques.
• Ability to respect confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to proficiently communicate in English and Spanish (conversing, writing, and reading).

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Trainings

• Master’s degree in theology or pastoral ministry from an accredited American Catholic university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience

• Three (3) years of full time wage earning related work experience which also included supervision of volunteers or staff.

Language Requirement

• Bilingual English Spanish preferred (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

Catholic Requirement

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications

• Training in spiritual direction at a Catholic institute or place of formation preferred.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions

• All employees of the Diocese of Austin are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Diocese of Austin is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Diocese of Austin are tobacco-free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes, and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal or diocesan vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the diocese to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.