Youth Evangelization

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESES OF DES MOINES; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Roman Catholic Dioceses of Des Moines is seeking a Director of Youth Evangelization to lead a diocesan renewal of youth ministry as Confirmation moves to sixth grade. The role focuses on evangelization, accompaniment, and missionary discipleship across adolescence, listening to youth and families, and equipping parish leaders for sustained ministry.

Responsibilities include strategy development, parish coaching, and collaboration with schools and Catholic Charities, in a role that requires

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Theology, Catechetics and/or Religious Education or related field required.
• Minimum 3+ years in diocesan ministry or 5+ years in parish ministry.
• Travel required; must have reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the Diocese of Des Moines.
• Fluent in English; Spanish helpful.

Responsibilities

• Develop and renew diocesan strategy for youth evangelization aligned with the Diocesan Strategic Plan.
• Coach parishes in post-Confirmation pathways, evangelizing catechesis, and mission.
• Form and support clergy, parents, parish and school staff, youth ministers, and volunteers for relational ministry.
• Coordinate diocesan, regional, and national opportunities for youth formation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Pastoral care

Cross-cultural sensitivity

Education

Master’s degree in Theology or related field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Director, Youth Evangelization

Role Specifics:

Position: Youth Evangelization

Status: Exempt, 12-month full time

Supervisor: Director, Evangelization and Mission

Faith: The Youth Evangelization Director is a practicing Catholic in goodstanding with the Church.

Position Purpose

As Confirmation moves to sixth grade, the Director leads a diocesan reset of the culture of youth ministry: from ministry organized principally around sacramental preparation to sustained evangelization, accompaniment, belonging, and missionary discipleship throughout adolescence. The Director listens to young people and families, equips parish and school leaders, strengthens local capacity, and forms young people to exercise their baptismal gifts in the life and mission of the Church.

Essential Functions:

The Youth Evangelization Director will:

• develop and continually renew diocesan strategy for youth evangelization, aligned with the Diocesan Strategic Plan and grounded in listening to young people, families, pastors, schools, and culturally diverse communities.
• coach parishes in building post-Confirmation pathways marked by encounter with Christ, evangelizing catechesis, sacramental life, mentoring, small groups, service, vocational discernment, and mission.
• equip parish leaders to help young people as protagonists and peer evangelizers who recognize their culture, language, experience, and talents as gifts for the Church and society.
• form and support clergy, parents, parish and school staff, youth ministers, adult mentors, and volunteers for relational, intercultural, and family-centered ministry.

Position Responsibilities:

Listen, assess, and plan

• Spend 40-50% of working time in parish communities—urban, rural, multicultural, and underserved—listening, consulting, assessing local gifts and barriers, and coaching leaders toward practical renewal.
• Establish measurable diocesan priorities and regular structures through which diverse young people help shape ministry, including a Diocesan Youth Commission with meaningful youth membership.

Renew parish ministry

• Help parish leaders develop locally appropriate pathways for grades 7-12, with multiple schedules, languages, and points of entry rather than a one-size-fits-all program.
• Equip parish leaders to partner with parents, grandparents, godparents, and other trusted adults to strengthen the domestic church through intergenerational prayer, conversation, service, healing, and discernment.
• Revive and renew retreat ministry with the St. Thomas More Center, Dowling Catholic High School, St. Albert School, and parish leaders so retreats become evangelizing encounters with Christ leading into ongoing accompaniment, small groups, sacramental life, and mission.

Form missionary disciples and leaders

• Create a network of real opportunities with Catholic Charities and other outreach organizations aligned with the Catholic Church for youth leadership, peer outreach, meaningful service and social mission, especially among young people disconnected from parish life or claiming no religious affiliation.
• Collaborate with Vocations, Marriage and Family Life, Hispanic Ministry, Catholic schools, campus ministry, and parishes to foster vocational discernment and full participation in the Church's life.
• Coordinate appropriate diocesan, regional, and national opportunities, including NCYC, as components of sustained formation rather than stand-alone events.

Form and multiply adult leaders

• Provide accessible formation, opportunities for certification, coaching, and professional development in evangelizing catechesis, accompaniment, adolescent development, mental-health awareness and referral, safe-environment practice, intercultural ministry, and family partnership.
• Identify and mentor new lay leaders, especially bilingual and bicultural leaders, and prepare experienced leaders to mentor successors.

Essential Relationships:

Bishop and Evangelization and Mission Team colleagues

Pastors and parish leaders

Diocesan Pastoral Council and Diocesan Youth Commission

Internal Stakeholders in the Pastoral Center (Vocations, Safe Environment, Catholic Schools)

Dowling Catholic High School and St. Albert Campus Ministers

Regional and National Youth Ministry Partners

Competencies (based upon if you work is direct service or indirect service for the evaluation):

Job Knowledge:

performs duties within required standards; continues education to update skills; and exhibits leadership skills.

Problem Solving:

clarifies the context to solve problems; uses sound judgment; and makes constructive recommendations.

Communication:

expresses ideas and thoughts verbally and in written form; communicates regularly with colleagues and supervisor.

Servant leadership:

listens effectively; is present and accountable to stakeholders; empowers and equips others to engage in pastoral ministry; and exercises courtesy and professionalism in dealing with others.

Group Work:

leads effective group meetings; delegates effectively; and works with colleagues collaboratively

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Theology, Catechetics and/or Religious Education or related field required
• Minimum 3+ years in diocesan ministry or 5+ years in parish ministry

Other/Preferred Skills:

• Travel required. Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the Diocese of Des Moines.
• Must be willing to work on a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends.
• Fluent in both English and Spanish is helpful.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This position works evenings and weekends as needed and travels regularly throughout the Diocese of Des Moines.