Coach and Rural Support Specialist

Archdiocese of Omaha Chancery - Omaha

Part-Time
POSITION TITLE: Coach and Rural Support Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Parish Support Team (PST)
REPORTS TO: Director, Parish Support Team
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024
CLASSIFICATION: Regular, Part-Time, Ministerial Exempt
HOURS PER WEEK: 20-25

POSITION SUMMARY
Works under the supervision of the Director of the Parish Support Team in advancing the Pastoral Vision of “One Church: encountering Jesus, equipping disciples, and living mercy.” Primary role is to coach pastors and parish leaders to develop missional communities characterized by Collaborative Leadership, a Clear Path of Discipleship, and a Culture of Generosity. Emphasis on development of a Clear Path of Discipleship and support to ministry leaders in rural parishes.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coaching: Serve as a coach and consultant to pastors and parish leaders as they form missional communities (60%)

● Initiate regular one-on-one coaching sessions with pastors, associates, and key parish leaders (leadership team members, staff, and volunteers), to provide ongoing mentorship in the three key characteristics.
● Facilitate group coaching of parish leadership teams, staff, evangelization teams, etc. on the development of a clear path and particular ministry development (e.g., marriage prep, youth ministry).
● Coordinate and facilitate parish-specific services and training events (offsites, retreats, leveling sessions, workshops on evangelization skills, other ad hoc events) for parish leadership teams, staff, evangelization teams, Pastoral Councils, etc. as needed.
● Initiate individual meetings and engage in intentional mentorship relationships with parish leaders to envision and implement evangelization and catechetical initiatives in their specific contexts (e.g., religious education, youth ministry, marriage preparation, Christian Initiation, etc.). Assist parish leaders to identify and raise up other adults capable of engaging in these efforts.
● Coordinate parish leaders into mentorship roles of other parishes as needed.
● Meet weekly with the coaching team to be formed in best practices and to discuss the needs of parishes.
● Connect parish leaders to the services and expertise of other curia offices.
● Serve as a liaison to specified pastors and parish leaders to promote PST training events and workshops designed to support parishes in becoming missional communities.

Rural Support and All PST Staff: Additional Duties (40%)
● Communicate the Pastoral Vision & Priorities and promote the goal to become missional communities to parishes and pastors, especially rural parishes and pastors to facilitate understanding of the vision and the priority of evangelization.
● Work with other PST staff and curia offices to help rural pastors and parish leaders envision and implement unified approaches to adult, adolescent, and elementary evangelization and discipleship, including sacramental preparation.
● Coordinate archdiocesan programs and events that foster and support rural parish evangelization and discipleship initiatives as is necessary or beneficial for serving the needs of parishes and individuals.
● Seek and build relational networks that will unify and support parish renewal initiatives in parishes, apostolates, and other archdiocesan curia departments, especially within Hispanic Ministry.
● Maintain the highest level of expertise and knowledge in coaching for parish renewal, as well as Catholic moral and social teaching.
● Consult, advise, and train other office staff & curia members regarding various aspects of coaching for parish renewal, adult evangelization, & discipleship as necessary.
● Assist team members with PST training events:
o Identifying structure and scope of the education and training provided.
o Planning and execution of logistical details, event set-up & facilitation, etc.
● Fulfill various administrative duties including planning, budgeting, and preparation of reports.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
● Knowledge of the primary Church documents on evangelization, catechesis, and the “New Evangelization” (2020 Directory for Catechesis, Joy of the Gospel, and the 2005 National Directory for Catechesis) or the ability to gain knowledge within a reasonable amount of time of hire.
● Ability to articulate the process of making disciples and implement pastoral methods described in the above documents. Includes the ability to apply knowledge in accompaniment of parishes and individuals.
● Has a passion and enthusiasm for evangelization, catechesis, and family life and helping others to know, love, and serve God and follow Jesus Christ as missionary disciples.
● Ability to address key contemporary moral and social issues with a pastoral approach, centered in Church teaching.
● General knowledge of theology and best pastoral methods in the areas of religious education, youth ministry, marriage preparation, OCIA, and sacramental preparation.
● Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to mentor and form adult leaders in the ministry skills of mentorship (discipleship), small group facilitation, kerygmatic catechesis, initial proclamation, and effective change management.
● Ability to design and implement training for adults ministering to youth, adults, engaged couples, and families.
● Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate and clarify the Vision & Priorities of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
● Knowledge of and experience in fostering missional communities and best practices for parish renewal.
● Maintain a deep working knowledge of the habits of coaching, change management, basic organizational health, and educational and training best practices.
● Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with pastors and parish leaders.
● Demonstrated aptitude to coach and lead with the ability to coach others towards their goals.
● Ability to adapt and apply knowledge and skills to a variety of parish situations that may occur.
● Demonstrated organizational skills, capable of overseeing multiple programs simultaneously, and prioritizing activity.
● Effective use of Microsoft Office suite.
● Sets an example of integrity, accountability, productivity, and teamwork.
● Availability evenings, weekends, and occasional extended periods as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Active, practicing Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church, with a demonstrated commitment to the mission and teachings of the Church.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. Degree in theology, ministry, or leadership preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a paid or volunteer leadership position of a parish, diocesan office, or approved Catholic apostolate. A catechetical, managerial, pastoral, or mentoring role is preferred. Experience and/or certification in leadership coaching or willingness to be trained as a coach.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Routine office environment; ADA-accessible building.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
• Approximately 15-25%; Throughout the archdiocese to meet with pastors, parish staff, and other parish ministers and volunteers as necessary.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Employees of the of the Archdiocese of Omaha will have knowledge of the Catholic faith, a willingness to work for a Catholic, faith-based organization and adhere to the policies of the Archdiocese of Omaha. Employees will not publicly oppose the teachings of the Catholic faith nor publicly advocate for any position in conflict with Catholic teaching, or the specific positions of the Archdiocese of Omaha or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This requirement includes any public speech, demonstration or writing including the use of social media or other digital technologies.