Diocese of San Jose
Associate Director of Young Adult Life, Chancery Office
Diocese of San Jose, San Jose, California, United States, 95199
Position Summary
The Associate Director of Young Adult Life is an integral member of the pastoral leadership team responsible for promoting and supporting the spiritual growth and leadership of young adults, engaged couples, and young families. In alignment with the diocesan pastoral plan “Renewed in Christ, Together in Mission” and its Journey to 2031 Young Adult Addendum, this position will support the implementation strategies for young adult ministry initiatives and strengthening family ministry, especially young families and marriage preparation efforts across the diocese. The Associate Director may also offer strategic input and support for other adult spirituality and family life initiatives as needed. The role requires a deep understanding of Catholic teaching, the ability to collaborate across diverse communities, and a passion for forming missionary disciples. The incumbent reports to the Director of Adult Spirituality and Family Life.
Responsibilities Vision, Strategy, and Leadership:
Collaborate with the Director of Adult Spirituality and Family Life in implementing the vision of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, especially the Young Adult Objectives Addendum.
Assist in designing, planning, and implementing parish pastoral programs and initiatives for young adult ministry and marriage preparation in alignment with diocesan vision and mission.
Provide input and support, as needed, to broader adult spirituality and family life initiatives.
Young Adult Community Life:
Develop and implement Diocesan Pastoral Plan programs and initiatives to engage young adults with their faith, nurture personal relationships with Jesus, and encourage active participation in the life of the Church.
Collaborate with parish leaders to support existing young adult ministries, programs, and events in fostering encounter, discipleship, and witness to the power of God’s mercy.
Provide formation, training, and support for parish leaders engaged in young adult ministry.
Support and oversee diocesan-wide young adult gatherings, retreats, conferences, and events.
Convene and support a diocesan Young Adult Council that advises the Director on Young Adult Life and collaborates to organize diocesan events. This includes accompanying the Hispanic Young Adult Council and other cultural or community-based groups as needed.
Convene campus ministry leaders of colleges and universities in our diocese to collaborate and share best practices.
Establish regular communication with parish Young Adult Points of Contact.
Collaborate with the Department of Communications to develop a Young Adult Digital Hub to enhance the availability of information about young adult activities and resources via website, social media and newsletters.
Marriage Preparation and Family Life
Help design and implement diocesan marriage preparation guidelines, formation paths, and support resources.
Provide support for parishes to establish and maintain marriage preparation programs that promote encounter, discipleship, and accompaniment.
Assist in developing pastoral pathways for integrating newly married couples into ongoing family and parish life.
Support parish leaders in providing formation and fostering connection for young families through diocesan and parish-based resources.
Assist Director in offering programs and resources for marriage enrichment and support movements that promote marriage and family life.
FinanceS and Operations :
Assist in the management of the ministry’s budget, ensuring responsible financial stewardship and effective utilization of resources.
Ensure that all activities and events are in compliance with Diocesan policies and guidelines.
Coordinate logistics for events, retreats, and workshops, including venue, vendor, and supply management.
Maintain accurate ministry records, registration systems, and program data.
Leadership Responsibilities:
Meet with parish leaders to understand local needs and support local activities
Provide guidance to staff or volunteers involved in young adult and marriage preparation ministry, ensuring effective teamwork and collaboration.
Organize formation workshops for young adult leaders
Design resource kit and templates for parishes to launch and improve young adult ministry
Foster a positive and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development.
Provide constructive feedback and identify opportunities for further training and skill development.
Collaboration and Communication:
Build strong relationships with pastors, parish teams, lay movements, and diocesan staff.
Prepare announcements and promote young adult and marriage preparation activities collaborating with Diocesan Communications Office.
Facilitate open and constructive communication, encouraging diverse perspectives.
Develop partnerships with external stakeholders, such as movements, programs, parish and community groups.
Represent the diocese in local and national ministry networks and conferences as needed.
Qualifications to Perform the Job Successfully To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in theology, pastoral ministry, or a related field (Master’s Preferred)
3 years of leadership experience in pastoral ministry, with a focus on young adults, youth and/or adult faith formation.
Demonstrated understanding of Catholic teachings and the ability to effectively communicate and engage with diverse audiences.
Leadership Skills
A commitment to foster open communication and be a part of a cohesive team that collaborates across departments to fulfill the mission of the Church.
Ability to inspire and equip lay leaders, mentor volunteers, and navigate ministry challenges with pastoral sensitivity.
Well-disciplined in organization, prioritizing multiple tasks and self-motivation and using analytical thinking and sound judgement for critical issues.
Ability to prioritize work according to milestones and deadlines.
Language Skills
Multilingual, English and Spanish
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Able to develop and facilitate workshops, training, and presentations.
Able to read and understand Church documents, guidelines, and professional journals. Able to understand and explain policies and answer questions.
Able to write presentations and effectively present information and respond to questions from groups and individuals in multicultural diocesan, school, and parish settings.
Technical Skills
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
Ability to utilize technology for effective communication, organization, and program management
Ability to travel locally regularly and nationally on occasion.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Valid Driver’s License
Physical Demands This job operates in a professional office environment which may require:
Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, repetitive motion, bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, stretching, twisting.
Lifting 25 lbs. in compliance with safety standards.
Operating standard office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, personal computer, and telephone
Sufficient vision, hearing, and speaking abilities to effectively communicate with individuals and groups.
Please note that reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Other Requirements
Must be a practicing Catholic and have a comprehensive knowledge of Church structure, culture, and mission.
Passionate about the work of making disciples.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
Deep passion for embracing and promoting the teachings and values of the Catholic Church and its mission.
Demonstrate mature personal awareness for developing healthy and constructive relationships with various stakeholders.
Enthusiastic and outgoing personality with a focus on building relationships.
Self-motivated, creative, and engaging to positively engage various stakeholders.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Salary Range:
$68,000 – $70,000 per year based on education and experience. How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume at jose.soto@dsj.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Associate Director of Young Adult Life is an integral member of the pastoral leadership team responsible for promoting and supporting the spiritual growth and leadership of young adults, engaged couples, and young families. In alignment with the diocesan pastoral plan “Renewed in Christ, Together in Mission” and its Journey to 2031 Young Adult Addendum, this position will support the implementation strategies for young adult ministry initiatives and strengthening family ministry, especially young families and marriage preparation efforts across the diocese. The Associate Director may also offer strategic input and support for other adult spirituality and family life initiatives as needed. The role requires a deep understanding of Catholic teaching, the ability to collaborate across diverse communities, and a passion for forming missionary disciples. The incumbent reports to the Director of Adult Spirituality and Family Life.
Responsibilities Vision, Strategy, and Leadership:
Collaborate with the Director of Adult Spirituality and Family Life in implementing the vision of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, especially the Young Adult Objectives Addendum.
Assist in designing, planning, and implementing parish pastoral programs and initiatives for young adult ministry and marriage preparation in alignment with diocesan vision and mission.
Provide input and support, as needed, to broader adult spirituality and family life initiatives.
Young Adult Community Life:
Develop and implement Diocesan Pastoral Plan programs and initiatives to engage young adults with their faith, nurture personal relationships with Jesus, and encourage active participation in the life of the Church.
Collaborate with parish leaders to support existing young adult ministries, programs, and events in fostering encounter, discipleship, and witness to the power of God’s mercy.
Provide formation, training, and support for parish leaders engaged in young adult ministry.
Support and oversee diocesan-wide young adult gatherings, retreats, conferences, and events.
Convene and support a diocesan Young Adult Council that advises the Director on Young Adult Life and collaborates to organize diocesan events. This includes accompanying the Hispanic Young Adult Council and other cultural or community-based groups as needed.
Convene campus ministry leaders of colleges and universities in our diocese to collaborate and share best practices.
Establish regular communication with parish Young Adult Points of Contact.
Collaborate with the Department of Communications to develop a Young Adult Digital Hub to enhance the availability of information about young adult activities and resources via website, social media and newsletters.
Marriage Preparation and Family Life
Help design and implement diocesan marriage preparation guidelines, formation paths, and support resources.
Provide support for parishes to establish and maintain marriage preparation programs that promote encounter, discipleship, and accompaniment.
Assist in developing pastoral pathways for integrating newly married couples into ongoing family and parish life.
Support parish leaders in providing formation and fostering connection for young families through diocesan and parish-based resources.
Assist Director in offering programs and resources for marriage enrichment and support movements that promote marriage and family life.
FinanceS and Operations :
Assist in the management of the ministry’s budget, ensuring responsible financial stewardship and effective utilization of resources.
Ensure that all activities and events are in compliance with Diocesan policies and guidelines.
Coordinate logistics for events, retreats, and workshops, including venue, vendor, and supply management.
Maintain accurate ministry records, registration systems, and program data.
Leadership Responsibilities:
Meet with parish leaders to understand local needs and support local activities
Provide guidance to staff or volunteers involved in young adult and marriage preparation ministry, ensuring effective teamwork and collaboration.
Organize formation workshops for young adult leaders
Design resource kit and templates for parishes to launch and improve young adult ministry
Foster a positive and supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development.
Provide constructive feedback and identify opportunities for further training and skill development.
Collaboration and Communication:
Build strong relationships with pastors, parish teams, lay movements, and diocesan staff.
Prepare announcements and promote young adult and marriage preparation activities collaborating with Diocesan Communications Office.
Facilitate open and constructive communication, encouraging diverse perspectives.
Develop partnerships with external stakeholders, such as movements, programs, parish and community groups.
Represent the diocese in local and national ministry networks and conferences as needed.
Qualifications to Perform the Job Successfully To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in theology, pastoral ministry, or a related field (Master’s Preferred)
3 years of leadership experience in pastoral ministry, with a focus on young adults, youth and/or adult faith formation.
Demonstrated understanding of Catholic teachings and the ability to effectively communicate and engage with diverse audiences.
Leadership Skills
A commitment to foster open communication and be a part of a cohesive team that collaborates across departments to fulfill the mission of the Church.
Ability to inspire and equip lay leaders, mentor volunteers, and navigate ministry challenges with pastoral sensitivity.
Well-disciplined in organization, prioritizing multiple tasks and self-motivation and using analytical thinking and sound judgement for critical issues.
Ability to prioritize work according to milestones and deadlines.
Language Skills
Multilingual, English and Spanish
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Able to develop and facilitate workshops, training, and presentations.
Able to read and understand Church documents, guidelines, and professional journals. Able to understand and explain policies and answer questions.
Able to write presentations and effectively present information and respond to questions from groups and individuals in multicultural diocesan, school, and parish settings.
Technical Skills
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
Ability to utilize technology for effective communication, organization, and program management
Ability to travel locally regularly and nationally on occasion.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Valid Driver’s License
Physical Demands This job operates in a professional office environment which may require:
Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, repetitive motion, bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, stretching, twisting.
Lifting 25 lbs. in compliance with safety standards.
Operating standard office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, personal computer, and telephone
Sufficient vision, hearing, and speaking abilities to effectively communicate with individuals and groups.
Please note that reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Other Requirements
Must be a practicing Catholic and have a comprehensive knowledge of Church structure, culture, and mission.
Passionate about the work of making disciples.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
Deep passion for embracing and promoting the teachings and values of the Catholic Church and its mission.
Demonstrate mature personal awareness for developing healthy and constructive relationships with various stakeholders.
Enthusiastic and outgoing personality with a focus on building relationships.
Self-motivated, creative, and engaging to positively engage various stakeholders.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Salary Range:
$68,000 – $70,000 per year based on education and experience. How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume at jose.soto@dsj.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr