Assistant Director of University Ministry     
University of St. Francis                         
Joliet, IL

The University of St. Francis, a Catholic, Franciscan institution in Joliet, Illinois, is searching for an Assistant Director in the University Ministry department.

USF offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs serving traditional-aged and adult students through a variety of learning formats.  The university is located in a residential neighborhood about 35 miles southwest of Chicago, and offers excellent recreational opportunities with access to the rich resources of the Chicago area.

This is a full-time exempt position, minimum 40 hours plus per week; non-traditional and flexible scheduling, including days, some evenings and some weekends.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Director is responsible for collaborating with the Director in providing pastoral leadership to students through fostering participation in the faith community on campus through retreats, liturgical celebrations, and personal development.  There is special attention to students’ experiential knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching achieved through the promotion of Franciscan spirituality and volunteer service in the community. The Assistant Director will help in leading the Peer Ministry team and shall assist in the implementation of the strategic plan for University Ministry and the Office of Mission Integration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Work under the aegis of the approved Mission Statement and charism of the university.
• Establish an atmosphere for Catholic Ministry, while honoring our students at USF from other faith traditions, to help all discover their own faith walk with God, and prepare them for Christian leadership roles in their church, community, and professions.
• Assist in the necessary direction to the University Peer Ministers as it pertains to their specific role on the team and/or through Residence Hall programming. This includes supervising students and providing leadership training and skill development
• Coordinate student leaders for university retreats including preparatory team work and follow up
• Assist the Director and Chaplain in coordinating university-wide liturgies including music, rituals and worship aid
• Help director in maintaining all aspects of St. Joseph Chapel, from scheduling to environment
• Collaborate with director to lead/participate in university mission trips (which may include alternative fall and/or spring break trip and Bolivia summer mission) including preparatory work and follow up reflection on experience
• Assist in maintaining a Peace, Social Justice and Integrity of Creation component with a special focus on service and peace-making
• Collaborate with director in the service learning component of freshman CORE I course
• Participate in the Catholic Campus Minister Directors of the Archdiocese (CCMD) and dedicate energy toward on-going education and professional development in campus ministry
• Assist the VP for Mission Integration and Ministry in presenting Catholic identity issues and Franciscan values to student, faculty, staff, and administration
• Collaborate and assist  with the Office of Diversity and Division of Student Affairs as requested
• Accept additional projects given by the Director and/or Vice President of Mission Integration and Ministry, e.g. serve on additional university-wide committee(s), task force
• Serve as primary link to USF Department of Theology, including but not limited to, teaching Introduction to Theology (dependent on credentialing), presentation at the Theology Lecture Series, arrange service opportunities for Theology courses
• Participate in and promote a culture of continuing quality improvement
• Provide the necessary direction and organization to implement the department’s ‘Cornerstone programs’ for each academic year
  • Religious Programming
  • Community Service
  • Values Education
  • Community Building

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. or B.S.
• Three years’ experience in young adult ministry on a college campus; will consider recent graduates who have held a leadership role in their college’s campus ministry
• Familiarity with needs, schedules, issues and the holistic growth of college students:  traditional and non-traditional, residential and commuters
• Willingness to support the Catholic and Franciscan values of the university
• Practicing Catholic with a strong commitment to Roman Catholic Tradition
• Knowledgeable in planning liturgies and organizing service learning
• Ability to lead students, direct retreats, and build small faith communities
• Outstanding organizational and communication skills while being a team-player
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position
• WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This is sedentary work which requires the following physical activities: sitting, walking, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S. or M.A. in Theology, Religious Studies, or Pastoral Studies; certification in Youth Ministry Studies or Pastoral Leadership helpful
• Previous experience in leading student ministers in Higher Education Campus Ministry
• Experience in service/mission opportunities and promoting Franciscan values

To Apply:

Must submit resume, USF online application form, cover letter outlining your experience, unofficial transcripts and a Hiring For Mission statement to working@stfrancis.edu subject AUM, or to confidential fax:   (815) 768-8374.

We accept electronic submissions only.    Submissions without all of the required materials may not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome all persons.    Minority persons and women are especially invited to apply.    Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.    Salary and other considerations will be competitive and consistent with the university’s commitment to recruiting the best-qualified individual.  For further information on the university and our department, please visit our homepage