St. Thomas More Center Retreat Coordinator

Job Type

Part-time

Description

Summary

The Retreat Coordinator proclaims the Gospel by coordinating, facilitating, developing and implementing retreats that reflect a theological understanding of effective ministry to foster lifelong formation. As a leader within an affiliated nonprofit corporation, the Retreat Coordinator is responsible for operational leadership of the retreat season programs of the Center, and is responsive to the spiritual needs of youth and young adults, primarily within the Diocese of Des Moines. This position will maintain a faith-filled, nurturing, safe and fun community that promotes Gospel values and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Essential Functions

Assures that the philosophy and mission of the St. Thomas More Center is apparent in the performance of duties. Communicates and promotes a strong commitment to the Center's philosophy, mission, strategic plan, and Catholic identity.

Communicates with and guides retreat group contacts through the rental process including initial inquiry, calendar and database management, facility tour, amenity selection, booking contract with deposit and related documents, programming and liturgical considerations, a welcoming arrival and departure, hospitality and on-call support during the retreat, invoice with final payment, post-retreat feedback survey, and re-booking inquiry.

Communicates with the executive director, caterer, facilities manager and others regarding retreat group needs including building/room usage, meal plans, room/activity set-up, audio/visual needs, cleaning, supply/equipment needs and budget. Works with members of the team to prepare for and clean after retreats as needed.

Consults with the retreat season spiritual director and communicates with assigned clergy for the liturgical and spiritual needs of retreatants, including vocational awareness, through practices consistent with Canon Law and diocesan policies. Ensures the St. Thomas More Center sacristy and all liturgical items are properly maintained and accessible for use during the retreat season.

Recruits, trains, mentors and supervises volunteers and staff needed for retreats to ensure evangelical understanding, skill development, and compliance with Diocesan policies and secular laws, as well as youth ministry and risk management best practices, including the Safe Environment Program.

Writes program descriptions and schedules for retreat promotional and programming material. Facilitates and/or trains others to facilitate on-site retreat programming as assigned including age-appropriate prayer and communal worship experiences, talks, small group discussions, music, and outdoor activities like confidence course, high ropes course, archery, and indoor/outdoor games.

Frequently promotes the amenities and benefits of retreats at the St. Thomas More Center to parishes, schools, and other youth and young adult groups through networking, outreach and other marketing efforts, and promptly follows up with contacts who express an interest in a retreat at the St. Thomas More Center.

Serves as the St. Thomas More Center representative for Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) and collaborates with other organizations and groups to develop and provide high quality retreat experiences.

Collaborates with diocesan Evangelization and Mission staff to provide opportunities to listen to the needs and concerns of parishes and schools and serves as a consultant/resource person to parishes, conferences and other groups within St. Thomas More Center's constituency for retreat/outdoor ministry programming as requested.

Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Practicing Catholic, in good standing. Knowledge and understanding of, and respect for, the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith. Ability to communicate Catholic beliefs, to role model the Catholic faith, and to articulate the values, beliefs and teaching of the Church. Ability to model and encourage the acting out of Catholic values, to convey Church culture to others and to exercise a role model posture.

Demonstrated abilities, skills, training and/or knowledge base equivalent to an entry level youth/young adult ministry professional. Education, including a four year degree beyond high school, or equivalent experience. Work experience is desirable but not required if education is directly related.

Ability to interact and communicate with a broad range of people, both in individual and group settings. Willingness and ability to collaborate and cooperate to accomplish assigned tasks.

Completion of first aid, CPR and AED training within three months of hire.

Ropes course training provided by Experiential Systems, Inc. within one year of hire is preferred and belay training is strongly preferred.

Licensed to operate a motor vehicle and to meet agency auto insurance coverage requirements.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires frequent weekend and evening work at the St. Thomas More Center and some travel throughout the diocese as needed.

The Retreat Coordinator is required to be on site or on call during retreats as assigned.

Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions through all seasons.

The noise levels in the work environment are consistent with activities involving 50-200 youth.

Overnight accommodations and meals are provided at the St. Thomas More Center when staying for a retreat.

Requires regular physical efforts such as lifting and carrying, as well as some manual labor such as cleaning, making beds, and arranging tables/chairs. Periods of constant movement are necessary.

Continuing education is encouraged, including all-expense paid seminars and conferences deemed necessary by the Executive Director.

Mileage from work-site to work-site will be reimbursed.

Participate in annual evaluation.

There is potential for this position to evolve into a full-time position.

Competencies

Quality/Quantity: uses technology to increase productivity; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; completes work in a timely manner; strives to increase productivity.

Job Knowledge: competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments and uses resources effectively; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how the job relates to others.

Workplace Ethics: treats people with respect; inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; maintains confidential information and adheres to strict confidentiality requirements; supports teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.

Planning/Organization: prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for resources; sets goals and objectives; works in an organized manner; meets deadlines.

Leadership: exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires respect and trust; reacts well under pressure; shows self-motivation and courage to take action; motivates others to perform well.

Communication: expresses ideas and thoughts verbally and in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods; listens and gets clarification; speaks effectively and presents information to groups.

Teamwork and Cooperation: establishes and maintains effective relations; displays positive outlook and pleasant manner; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works actively to resolve conflicts and gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit.

Dependability: responds to requests for service and assistance; follows instructions, responds to management's direction; takes responsibility for own actions; commits to doing the best job possible; keeps commitments; meets attendance and punctuality guidelines.

Delegation: delegates work and volunteer assignments; matches the responsibility to the person; gives authority to work independently if appropriate; sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; provides recognition for results.

Managing People: provides direction and gains compliance; includes volunteers and staff in planning; takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; makes self available to volunteers and staff; provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth.

Language Skills: ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents; ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints; ability to write retreat schedules and content using original or innovative techniques or style.

Mathematical Skills: ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and percentages.

Reasoning Ability: ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; good analytical and record keeping skills.

Computer Skills: proficient computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office software applications including Word and Excel in addition to a working knowledge of the technological skills and software tools available for effective retreat administration.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.