Director of Evangelization and Mission

Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

HSA

401(k) with match

Housing option

Professional development stipend

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish in Madison, WI is seeking a Director of Evangelization & Mission to lead the parish’s evangelization efforts and form missionary disciples, working closely with the pastor.

You will develop a comprehensive strategy, oversee the Evangelization team, coordinate parish-wide missions and outreach, and guide volunteers while engaging parishioners at every faith stage. This full-time role offers a salary with health benefits, HSA, 401(k) match, housing options,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, or Evangelization preferred.
• 3+ years of parish ministry, campus ministry, or missionary work.
• Relational leader with strong communication and evangelization skills.
• Bilingual abilities (Spanish/English) are a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine a comprehensive evangelization and discipleship strategy.
• Oversee the Evangelization team and guide associate directors in execution.
• Coordinate parish-wide formation initiatives and outreach to inactive, non-Catholic, and marginal groups.
• Foster a joyful, prayerful staff culture and be visibly present at weekend Masses and key events.

Skills

Leadership & discipleship

Communication skills

Relational leadership

Bilingual: Spanish/English

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in Theology/Ministry (preferred)

Job description

Director of Evangelization & Mission

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish - Madison, WI

Reports to: Pastor

Employment Type: Full-Time (evenings and weekends required)

Start Date: Fall-Winter 2026

About the Parish

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish is a vibrant and growing community of over 1,900 families on Madison's west side. We strive to be a place where people encounter Jesus Christ in a way that transforms how they live.

We are intentionally moving from maintenance to mission, inspired by the Diocese of Madison's Go Make Disciples initiative. Our vision is to be a parish where missionary disciples are called, formed, and sent in the power of the Holy Spirit and the joy of Christ.

We are prayerfully seeking a leader to join our pastoral team and help guide this next stage of our parish's renewal.

Position Summary

The Director of Evangelization & Mission works closely with the pastor to lead the parish's evangelization efforts and form missionary disciples.

In this role, the Director provides leadership, vision, assessment, and alignment for evangelization efforts in the parish, while also personally accompanying individuals in their journey of faith. The Director will help foster a parish culture in which every parishioner understands their call to share the Gospel.

The Director should be comfortable engaging people at every stage of faith-from committed Catholics to the disengaged, the searching, and those on the margins-and will possess a genuine understanding of the art of accompaniment.

Success in this role will be measured by the growth of a parish culture in which missionary disciples are formed, by increasing engagement in evangelization and discipleship, and by the multiplication of small-group leaders and outreach initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Vision

• Work closely with the pastor to develop, implement, and continually refine a comprehensive evangelization and discipleship strategy
• Serve as team lead for the Evangelization team, providing leadership, vision, and alignment across all evangelization efforts, including oversight of the following roles:
  • Associate Director of Digital Evangelization (social media, website, communications)
  • Associate Director for Sacramental Awakening (OCIA, Baptism, Marriage Preparation)
• Associate Directors oversee day-to-day program execution; this role focuses on leadership, vision, alignment, and team development
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of evangelization efforts and provide honest, constructive feedback to the pastor

Parish-Wide Evangelization

• Coordinate and support parish-wide formation initiatives such as parish missions, retreats, ReachMore, and small-group experiences
• Support and guide parish leadership and volunteers in evangelization efforts
• Develop intentional outreach efforts to invite and engage:
  • Inactive Catholics
  • Non-Catholics
  • Those on the margins
• In partnership with the Parish Life Coordinator, ensure a clear and welcoming path for new parishioners from initial contact to full integration into parish life
• Collaborate with the Discipleship team and catechists to strengthen evangelization among parents and families

Staff Culture & Presence

• Help cultivate a unified, joyful, and prayerful staff culture through retreats, days of recollection, and ongoing formation
• Be visibly present at weekend Masses and key parish events to build relationships with parishioners; weekend coverage is scheduled in advance and balanced with compensatory time off during the week
• Model a spirit of missionary discipleship within the parish community

Future Opportunities

As the parish's evangelization efforts grow, this role will have the opportunity to expand in scope and leadership. The Director will play a key role in shaping the long-term missionary vision and culture of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic with a deep love for Jesus Christ and His Church
• Personal commitment to prayer, sacramental life, and personal discipleship
• A relational leader with strong communication skills.
• Passionate about helping others encounter Christ and grow as disciples
• At least 3 years of experience in parish ministry, campus ministry (e.g., FOCUS/Newman Center), or missionary work
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, or Evangelization preferred
  • Proven ministry experience and a genuine fire for the Gospel will be given equal consideration alongside formal education
• Bilingual abilities (Spanish/English) is a strong asset

Practical Details

• Typical hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., with some evenings and weekend commitments. Weekend and evening commitments are balanced with flexible scheduling during the week

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried position.

• Salary: $60,000-$65,000, commensurate with experience
• Health Benefits: Medical coverage through Christian Brothers/Blue Cross Blue Shield, along with Delta Dental and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account: Employer contribution to an HSA
• Retirement: 401(k) plan through Mutual of America with a 3% employer match
• Rental housing may be discussed as part of the overall compensation package, if applicable
• Professional Development: Annual professional development stipend
• Paid Time Off: 30 combined vacation, personal, and sick days per year
• Paid Holidays: Paid holidays and designated holy days