Description
A full-time executive leadership position within the parish charged with articulating and safeguarding the vision and mission of St. Thomas More in close collaboration with the Pastor. This individual serves as the primary architect of parish culture, ensuring that all communal life, apostolic work, and liturgical expressions aim at making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ. The Director of Mission is responsible for the strategic alignment of the parish staff and the effective implementation of the parish "playbook," ensuring that every ministry functions as a bridge to an encounter with the Gospel.
Qualifications The Director of Mission must be a missionary disciple with a proven track record of leadership and organizational management. He or she must possess a sophisticated understanding of the New Evangelization and the ability to translate theological vision into operational reality. Minimum of five years of leadership experience in a ministry or professional setting is required. The candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing, characterized by a deep prayer life, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead courageous conversations that foster staff unity and professional excellence.
Responsibilities Strategic Vision & Culture (10 hours/week)
- Vision Alignment: Collaborate weekly with the Pastor to refine and communicate the parish’s overarching mission and strategic goals.
- Culture Casting: Actively shape a parish environment characterized by hospitality, excellence, and spiritual depth.
- Ministry Auditing: Evaluate existing and new initiatives to ensure they fall in line with the core mission; sunsetting programs that no longer serve the vision.
Staff Leadership & Development (12 hours/week)
- Personnel Management: Direct and lead all pastoral staff members, serving as the primary point of contact for mission-based reporting.
- Recruitment & Hiring: Oversee the lifecycle of employment, including identifying talent, interviewing, and onboarding new staff.
- Training & Formation: Plan and implement ongoing professional and spiritual development for staff, including monthly retreat days and weekly strategy meetings.
- Performance Management: Conduct regular evaluations and hold staff accountable for mission-critical KPIs and personal growth goals.
Evangelization & Ministry Oversight (10 hours/week)
- Mission Effectiveness: Ensure key parish ministries (Discipleship, Liturgy, Outreach, Youth/Family) are running effectively and remain mission-centric.
- Pipeline Development: Create clear pathways for parishioners to move from "pew-sitter" to "active disciple" through intentional small groups and service.
- Leadership Coaching: Provide direct mentorship to ministry heads, helping them troubleshoot obstacles and scale their impact.
Administration & Operations (4 hours/week)
- Budgeting: Assist in preparing and maintaining a mission-based budget that prioritizes growth and evangelization.
- Communication: Ensure parish communications (bulletin, web, social) are professional, cohesive, and narratively aligned with the mission.
- Meeting Facilitation: Lead weekly staff meetings and quarterly leadership summits.
Personal & Professional Growth (4 hours/week)
- Spiritual Discipline: Maintain consistent spiritual direction, daily prayer, and a yearly retreat.
- Diocesan Engagement: Remain an active participant in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, staying informed on diocesan initiatives and best practices.
- Continuing Education: Participate in professional development opportunities related to organizational leadership and theology.
St. Thomas More Catholic Church offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403b plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous vacation and sick leaves, plus paid holidays.
Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person trainings prior to hire.
