Job Summary:
The Programs and Relations Associate (PRA) in the Office of Vocations is responsible for overseeing the programs aimed at (1) inviting and nurturing those discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life and (2) fostering a culture of vocations in the Diocese of Austin. The PRA coordinates with clergy, parish staff, Catholic Schools staff, and volunteers to provide inspiration, training, and support to increase the priestly and religious vocations from those parishes. The position reports to the Director of Vocations and operates with some latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.
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 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:
Professional and Ministerial Engagement
- 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.
- Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to parishes, diocesan staff, and discerners.
Event Planning and Execution
- Collaborate with Vocation Director and manage all Vocation Office programs, including originating, planning, coordinating, marketing, budgeting, execution, measurable evaluation and improvement of programs, retreats and events.
- Collaborate with Vocation Director in strategic planning for building a vocations culture in parishes and schools.
Relationship Management and Outreach
- Collaborate with the Office of Youth, Young Adults and Campus Ministry; Office of Hispanic Ministry; Office of Evangelization and Catechesis; and Office of Life, Charity and Justice.
- Implement strategic plan to build a vocations culture in the following ways:
o Develop strong relationships with staff (clergy, DRE, youth minister, secretary) of strategically chosen parishes through in-person visits, phone calls, and email.
o Develop strong relationships with staff (principals, religion coordinators, campus ministers, and teachers) of strategically chosen Catholic Schools through in-person visits, phone calls, and email.
o Provide training, support, and vocation materials to parishes, schools, and groups who support vocations.
o Deliver presentations to collaborators and colleagues when and serve as a resource for those seeking presentations from seminarians and religious.
CRM and Administrative Support
- Utilize HubSpot CRM to manage contacts, document interactions, track engagement, and generate reports.
- Assist with targeted communications and outreach efforts based on CRM data.
- Assist with securing funds through applications for grants
- Maintain accurate records related to seminarians, events, discerners and collaborators
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- 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 proficiently communicate in English and Spanish (conversing, writing, and reading).
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Trainings:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or equivalent years of experience.
Experience:
- Administrative support experience
- Digital and print communication experience
Language Requirement:
Bilingual English-Spanish (proficient 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.
Working Conditions:
- All employees of the Diocese of Austin are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
- The Diocese of Austin is an at-will employer.
- All buildings and vehicles owned by the Diocese of Austin are tobacco-free.
- Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
- Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
- Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
- Will be required to adhere to established dress codes, and conduct standards.
- May be required to use personal or diocesan vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.
- Traveling within and outside the diocese to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.
