Director of Hispanic Ministry

Directorof Hispanic Ministry

Job Summary:

The Director of Hispanic Ministry oversees and supports all areas of ministry for the Hispanic/Latino apostolate in the diocese. The Director develops, communicates, and implements a comprehensive strategy to support evangelization and the pastoral needs of the culturally diverse and rapidly growing communities of Spanish-speaking Catholics throughout Central Texas. The Director ensures that ministry is accomplished in close collaboration with other diocesan offices and apostolates to achieve effective evangelization, compelling faith formation, comprehensive pastoral care, and well-discerned enculturation that fosters unity in diversity. The position operates with wide latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative and reports to the Director of Life, Charity, and Justice.

Ministerial Character

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ's mission present and enduring as the Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

Essential Job Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Develops, communicates, implements, and oversees the comprehensive strategy to evangelize and provide pastoral care to culturally diverse and rapidly growing communities of Spanish-speaking Catholics.
• Serves as liaison between the Bishop and Hispanic/Latino apostolate.
• Serves as the advocate of the Hispanic/Latino apostolate with all diocesan offices to offer comprehensive, mission-focused support. These include (but are not limited to) Life, Marriage, and Family; Social Concerns; Worship, Stewardship, and Development; Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry; Evangelization and Catechesis; Catholic Schools; et cetera.
• Works closely with parishes and ministries to form members of the Hispanic/Latino apostolate to be - to make and to form - missionary disciples in collaboration with the sacred pastors, parochial communities, and diocesan ministries.
• Provides leadership training and support for the development of compelling pastoral and catechetical formation for the Hispanic community in collaboration with all diocesan secretariats.
• Provides leadership and oversight to the Hispanic leadership committees, ensuring they play a constructive role and effectively represent the Hispanic/Latino apostolate.
• To provide expertise and support to diocesan offices, as well as to pastors, to involve the Hispanic community in all aspects of mission-focused pastoral ministry and planning.
• Oversees administration, budget, and management of the Hispanic Ministry.
• Serves as diocesan liaison for various lay ecclesial movements as needed.
• Serves as an active member of regional and national Hispanic Catholic organizations.
• Use effective and appropriate supervision and management techniques to maximize employee morale and effectiveness.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes reasonable availability to parishes, diocesan staff, and other customers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Knowledge and understanding of diverse Hispanic cultures and traditions.
• Knowledge and understanding of the spirituality and role of deacons in the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge and understanding of basic advocacy skills and techniques.
• Skill in writing, public speaking, and teaching adults.
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, religious, and laity.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to use effective supervision strategies and techniques with assigned staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:

• Master's degree in theology, pastoral studies, or other closely related curricula from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of full-time work experience in diocesan ministry, working in a collaborative ministry setting.
• Four (4) years of experience working with the Hispanic/Latino apostolate.

Language Requirement:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish); complete fluency in Spanish with proficiency in conversing, reading, and writing.

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.