Job Summary: 

The Associate Director of Hispanic Ministry is to collaborate with the Hispanic Ministry Office initiatives in the integration and administration of the ministerial needs of Hispanic people in the Diocese of Austin, ensuring that their talents, resources, culture, and faith are incorporated into the diocesan Church. The position reports to the Director of Hispanic Ministry and works with wide latitude for discretion and independent judgment.

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:

• 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.

• Assist the Director of Hispanic Ministry in meeting the different ministerial needs in the diocese by:

o Promote and implement the Diocesan Pastoral and National Plan for Hispanic Ministry.

o Assist the Diocesan Office for Hispanic Ministry in enabling the clergy, parish administrators, religious, parish teams, and lay leaders to minister and evangelize to Hispanics and newly arrived immigrants through visitation, workshops, and training sessions in parishes, in deaneries, and on a diocesan level.

o Help with the organization and logistics of Hispanic Ministry Diocesan events such as Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession, Seminario de Líderes, Congreso de la Familia, etc. 

o Support the Office for Hispanic Ministry in implementing Intercultural Competence-training and awareness.

o Serve as office assistant and event coordinator for the diocesan-wide gathering of Hispanic leaders.

o Coordinate formation opportunities and training teams in parishes, ecclesial movements, Catholic schools, young adult groups, and other ministries, through the MACC grant.

o Maintains updated information of the Hispanic Ministry activities on the Diocesan website and communications networks, creating flyers and event promotion.

o Assist in all administrative tasks.

• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to parishes, diocesan staff, and other customers.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

• Knowledge of Church and Hispanic Ministry documents (e.g. Vatican Council II, National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry, Hispanic National Encuentro documents, Catholic social teaching, directives from the Holy See and the USCCB, etc.).

• Knowledge of Hispanic culture, heritage, history, theology, ministry, and faith experience.

• Knowledge of the Catholic approach to evangelization, stewardship, and catechesis.

• Skill in speaking and leading in public presentations and events.

• Skill in helping people bridge the gap between parish structures and the lived reality of Hispanic people with charity and mutual respect.

• Skill in planning, organizing, implementing, budgeting, evaluating, scheduling, time management, and compliance with diocesan policies and guidelines.

• Skill in dissemination of information through conventional mail, e-mail, and other means.

• Skills in using collaboration, conflict management, and maintaining confidentiality.

• Ability to foster an atmosphere of welcome and respect for diverse cultures and traditions, always seeking unity in the Body of Christ.

• Ability to coordinate and schedule with an ecclesial vision.

• Ability to organize and lead programs, workshops, retreats, and planning teams.

• 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 proficiently communicate in English and Spanish (conversing, writing, and reading).

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Master’s degree in theology or closely related field from an accredited American Catholic university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of full-time work experience in Hispanic ministry at the parish or diocesan level.

• Years beyond the requirement may be substituted for the educational requirement at a ratio of two (2) years of full-time work or volunteer experience equals one year of education, with a maximum substitution of eight

(8) years equals a bachelor's degree.

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.