Project Manager Ministry to the Incarcerated

Archdiocese of Detroit; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Archdiocese of Detroit is seeking a Project Manager for Ministry to the Incarcerated. The role leads development and coordination of Catholic prison, jail, and reentry ministry across the Archdiocese, engaging volunteers, managing relationships, and planning programs.

The position requires strong project management, communication, and strategic planning skills, with travel to facilities and parishes. A theology-related degree is preferred; experience in ministry to the incarcerated is valued.

Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing and supportive of Catholic Church teachings.
• Commitment to evangelization, mercy, and service.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills.
• Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Complete Protecting God's Children and Vulnerable Adults training and pass background screening.
• Able to obtain security clearances for correctional facilities.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with regular travel to facilities/parishes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with databases or volunteer management software.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality in correctional settings.
• Experience with project management, program development, and stakeholder engagement preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry, or related field preferred.
• Experience in ministry to the incarcerated or related ministry preferred.
• Experience coordinating volunteers, ministry programs, or nonprofit initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to establish and sustain Catholic ministry to the incarcerated (MIC).
• Identify ministry opportunities and areas for growth across the Archdiocese of Detroit.
• Recruit, support, and coordinate ministry leaders and volunteers; maintain a contacts database.
• Coordinate volunteer onboarding, compliance and required training; support formation opportunities.
• Serve as liaison with correctional facility leaders, chaplains, clergy, and parish teams; expand ministry collaborations.
• Coordinate religious services, sacramental ministry, and distribution of faith resources.
• Develop and maintain ministry resources, communications, and website content; manage budget and procure materials.
• Track activities, volunteer participation, and program outcomes; prepare leadership reports.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship-building

Travel readiness

Discretion & confidentiality

Volunteer engagement

Independent work

Budget awareness

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theology (or related field)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Volunteer management software

Job description

Position: Project Manager Ministry to the Incarcerated

Location: Southfield, MI

Job Id:5495

# of Openings:1

Position Summary

The Project Manager, Ministry to the Incarcerated serves as a primary point of contact for Catholic prison, jail, and reentry ministry within the Archdiocese of Detroit. Working closely with the Manager of Mission Integration and Evangelical Charity and the Coordinator of Ministry to the Incarcerated, this position develops, coordinates, and strengthens ministry efforts that bring the Gospel, pastoral care, and sacramental life of the Church to incarcerated individuals and those transitioning back into the community.

The Project Manager provides leadership in ministry development, volunteer engagement, relationship management, strategic planning, and program administration to foster sustainable and effective Catholic ministry to the incarcerated throughout the archdiocese.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Practicing Catholic in good standing who supports and faithfully represents the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Church's mission of evangelization, mercy, and service.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and collaboration abilities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Completion of the Archdiocese of Detroit Protecting God's Children and Vulnerable Adults training and successful background screening prior to employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the security clearances required for access to state and county correctional facilities (e.g., Michigan Department of Corrections volunteer clearance).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with the ability to travel regularly to correctional facilities and parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort working with databases or volunteer management software.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries in correctional settings.
• Experience with project management, program development, and stakeholder engagement preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Experience in ministry to the incarcerated, pastoral, or related ministry preferred.
• Experience coordinating volunteers, ministry programs, or nonprofit initiatives preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Ministry Development and Strategic Planning

• Assess the current state of Catholic prison, jail, and reentry ministry throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit.
• Identify ministry opportunities, service gaps, and areas for growth.
• Develop and implement strategies to establish and sustain Catholic ministry to the incarcerated (MIC) programs.
• Research and incorporate best practices from successful Catholic MIC and reentry ministries.
• Establish and facilitate a Ministry to the Incarcerated advisory council.

Volunteer Leadership and Formation

• Recruit, support, and coordinate ministry leaders and volunteers.
• Maintain an accurate database of ministry contacts, volunteers, and ministry sites.
• Coordinate volunteer onboarding, compliance requirements, and required training.
• Assist in developing pastoral, spiritual, and catechetical formation opportunities for volunteers.
• Promote volunteer engagement through regular communication and support.
• Coordinate annual Ministry to the Incarcerated appreciation event.

Partnership and Ministry Coordination

• Serve as a primary liaison with correctional facility administrators, chaplains, clergy, and parish leaders.
• Build collaborative relationships that expand opportunities for Catholic ministry within correctional facilities.
• Assist in coordinating Catholic religious services, sacramental ministry, and distribution of faith formation resources.
• Support ministry leaders with liturgical resources and worship materials.
• Collaborate with clergy and ministry leaders to help ensure appropriate access to the sacraments.

Program Administration

• Develop and maintain ministry resources, communications, and website content.
• Manage the ministry budget and oversee the procurement and distribution of Bibles, rosaries, catechetical materials, and other ministry resources.
• Track ministry activities, volunteer participation, and program outcomes.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for leadership regarding ministry effectiveness and future initiatives.

Position Classification, Type & Expected Hours of Work : This position is full-time (preferred); part-time may be negotiable; with a flexible schedule of primarily daytime hours with occasional evenings and weekends.