Assistant Director of Catholic Student Life

University of Rochester Catholic Newman Community

Job Title: Assistant Director of Catholic Student Life
Organization: Catholic Newman Community at the University of Rochester
Diocese of Rochester Classification: Campus Minister I
Salary Range: $15.50–$28 per hour
Reports To: Director
Employment Status: Full-time hourly, Benefit-eligible (medical, pension, etc.)

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director of Catholic Student Life plays a key leadership role in the Catholic Newman Community at the University of Rochester. This position focuses on forming student leaders in the Catholic faith, strengthening Catholic life on campus, and fostering a vibrant community that serves more than 1,800 Catholic students. The Assistant Director will identify and mentor student leaders and support all student programming including retreats, service projects and social activities. Additionally, the ideal candidate will facilitate outreach, retention, and communications efforts across campus and to all constituents.

This role includes responsibility for supervising liturgical ministries including Sunday and daily mass, Holy Days of Obligation and maintaining Diocesan records. A successful candidate will bring creativity, professionalism, and spiritual energy to this ministry, and will help shape a faith-filled environment where students grow as disciples and leaders in the Church employing a student team-based approach to all activities. The Assistant Director will also prepare  reporting for grant funders, contribute to annual publications, and carry out additional responsibilities assigned by the Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

Liturgical & Sacramental Life (15%)

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and supporting all liturgies and sacramental opportunities, including Sunday Mass, Holy Days, and Penance Services.
• Identify, develop, schedule and supervise liturgical ministries, music ministry, sacristans, and volunteers.
• Maintain accurate sacramental and Diocesan records.

Student Leadership Development (25%)

• Identify, train, and mentor student leaders for all areas of Catholic campus life including retreats, service activities, weekly hospitality events, bible studies and faith enrichment groups.
• Oversee and develop strong communication platforms.
• Advise and support Student E-Boards and student-led initiatives promoting shared ownership and mission alignment.
• Conduct a vibrant Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program that recruits and oversee a student-led OCIA team, training peer leaders to support those in preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation.

Student Engagement & Retention (15%)

• Create and implement strategies to welcome and retain students, with particular emphasis on first year and graduate students.
• Coordinate outreach during orientation and key points in the academic year to build meaningful student relationships.
• Cultivate a culture of hospitality and belonging within the Newman Community.

Faith Formation (15%)

• Collaborate with students and staff to lead faith enrichment programming, including OCIA, bible studies, rosary group, adoration and the implement the annual Kairos retreat.
• Provide pastoral care, spiritual accompaniment and formation opportunities for students.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of the Judith Johnson Lecture for Women in the Church including identifying co-sponsorships, creating advertising and completing an impact report.

Impact Reporting & Communication (10%)

• Collect data and produce detailed impact reports for grant funders and internal communications.
• Contribute content to annual newsletters.
• Oversee student communication and manage digital outreach, including social media, email campaigns, and the community website. Supervise student workers.

Service & Justice Initiatives (10%)

• Oversee and create service-oriented programming such as YES PA mentoring and the Alternative Spring Break trip.
• Create new programming for service activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and diocesan policies while supporting student-led planning and execution.

Operations & Collaboration (5%)

• Manage student employees, coordinate Newman Community calendar and room reservations.
• Represent the Newman Community at interfaith events, campus ministry collaborations, and diocesan initiatives.

Other Duties As Assigned (5%)

Qualifications:

• Practicing Catholic with strong personal commitment to the Church and enthusiasm for working with young adults.
• Master’s degree in theology, pastoral ministry, or related field preferred; bachelor’s degree with 5–8 years professional or relevant experience considered.
• Proven ability to mentor young adults in leadership and faith formation.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience managing volunteers.
• Proficiently and knowledge of contemporary digital platforms (e.g., Canva, Instagram, database management software, Discord, livestream technology) or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

This is a unique opportunity to build a legacy of Catholic leadership at one of the nation’s top universities by forming young adults into disciples, leaders, and witnesses to Christ.

Email cover letter and resume