Director of Youth Ministry

Archdiocese of St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community organization is seeking a passionate Director of Youth Ministry to lead a vibrant youth program. This role involves developing engaging faith-based events, outreach initiatives, and retreats that foster spiritual growth and community among teens. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to mentoring youth and creating an inclusive environment rooted in strong values. Join a team committed to building authentic relationships and inspiring teens to deepen their faith while actively participating in parish life. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of young people.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Youth Ministry, or related field required.
• Experience in youth ministry or education is essential.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive youth ministry program.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity and spiritual growth.
• Recruit and mentor a core team for youth ministry activities.

Skills

Youth Ministry Experience

Strong Catholic Faith

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Event Planning

Mentoring

Social Media Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Theology or related field

Tools

Event Marketing Tools

Job description

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The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area. Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Job Summary

Job Summary

St. Catherine Laboure Parish is seeking a passionate and dedicated Director of Youth Ministry to lead and grow our youth ministry program. The Director of Youth Ministry will be responsible for developing, planning, and implementing high school ministry nights, faith-based events, outreach initiatives, retreats, and service projects that align with the vision of Building an Authentic Community ALIVE in Jesus Christ. The ideal candidate will have a heart for ministering to teens, helping them deepen their relationship with Christ, and fostering an inclusive, vibrant youth community rooted in Catholic teachings.

Please call 314-843-3245 x214 if you have specific questions regarding the position.

Job Responsibilities

o Develop and implement a comprehensive YM program, including faith-based prayer and social events, retreats, service projects, and discipleship opportunities.

o Plan and execute regular youth gatherings, ministry nights, retreats (e.g., Luke 18 and other teen-centered retreats and events), and engaging activities designed to deepen teens' faith, build authentic community and develop teens into leaders within their faith.

o Foster a culture of inclusivity, spiritual growth, and Christian discipleship, while ensuring all events are welcoming, spiritually enriching, energizing and fun.

· Teen Outreach & Relationship Building:

o Build meaningful relationships with teens and their families to foster spiritual growth and community engagement – office time for teens.

o Develop and apply strategies to engage teens from the parish and community, encouraging participation in YM events and parish life.

o Serve as a mentor, role model, and spiritual guide to teens, supporting them in their faith journeys through active listening and compassionate guidance.

o Lead planning and coordination of retreats and events, including the Luke 18 retreat for middle school students, high school parish-based retreats, Steubenville Youth Conference and other special events. Ensure each retreat is focused on spiritual growth and community-building.

o Oversee logistics, scheduling, themes, and content for retreats and events, collaborating with adult and teen leaders to ensure an impactful and spiritually fruitful experience for all. Fundraise within parish guidelines to help offset cost of events.

· Core Leadership Recruitment & Development:

o Recruit, train, and mentor a team of qualified adult and young adult core leadership to assist with YM programming, including ministry nights, small groups, retreats and more.

o Build and mentor a core team where each member is valued and empowered to bring the YM mission to life.

o Develop/implement creative marketing strategies to promote YM events through weekly parish bulletin updates, social media posts, newsletters, direct outreach, high school visits, emails, etc.

o Regularly participate in hospitality for parish masses, especially the youth Mass.

· Service Projects & Social Responsibility:

o Organize/lead service-oriented projects that encourage teens to live out their faith.

o Partner with Parish and organizations to provide service opportunities.

· Collaboration & Leadership:

o Work collaboratively with the pastor, parish staff, school principal/staff, volunteers, parish organizations and parents to ensure the success of the YM program.

o Collaborate with Middle School Youth Minister to ensure a fully developed YM program that builds relationships and encourages future participation in the High School YM Program.

o Participate in staff meetings, retreats, and continuing education to enhance professional and spiritual growth.

o Collaborate with other parish ministries and leadership to promote youth involvement in the life and mission of the parish.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Theology, Youth Ministry, Religious Studies, or a related field).
• Strong Catholic faith with an active commitment to the teachings of the Church.
• Experience in youth ministry, education, or a related field (volunteer or professional).
• Creativity and enthusiasm for developing innovative and engaging youth ministry programs.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Active listening skills and the patience needed to guide teens and foster spiritual growth.
• Ability to engage and inspire teens, creating an environment of trust and openness.
• Proficiency in social media, event marketing, and technology tools.

The policies and procedures of the St. Catherine Laboure Handbook, the requirements of the Archdiocesan Safe Environment/Prevent and Protect STL program are to be implemented and followed at all times.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience leading a Catholic youth ministry program or similar role.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.

Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.