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Program director, Saint Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, Pittsburgh
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January 8, 2025The Passionists established spiritual places as spaces for people to come apart from their daily lives and practice spiritual exercises, contemplation, and personal reflection. More specifically, the spiritual places are to manifest the mission of the Passionists and their Charism.
St. Paul of the Cross Spiritual Center was opened in Pittsburgh in 1920 by the Passionist Congregation, a 300-year-old Roman Catholic international community of Priests and Brothers. The Passionists sponsor a network of Spiritual Places in the United States and globally which create spaces for people to receive hospitality and renewal through programs offered. St. Paul of the Cross is part of the Passionists’ St. Paul of the Cross Province with missions in Canada, the eastern United States, and the Caribbean.
Charism is the particular focus of a religious community. The Passionists express their Charism through three basic principles:- To assist all people to connect to the Divine presence through contemplative practices
- To stand in solidarity with the Crucified of Today (victims of injustice, poverty, abuse, etc.)
- To hear the cry of our suffering earth and respond with collective action.
Overview of Position:
The Program Director is appointed by and reports to the Provincial and Council. The Program Directors responsibility is to effectively perform the tasks that are involved in developing, hosting, and leading spiritual retreats, hosted programs, and direction. This position will meet weekly with the Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality to discuss the physical, operational, and hospitality needs of the facility. This includes all administrative, development, financial, and legal duties necessary to remain operational, financially healthy, and able to promote its mission.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
The Program Director manages the programming according to the Charism of St. Paul of the Cross and is charged with all administrative, operational, and financial responsibilities. These responsibilities include:- Ensure the Retreat and Hosted programs meet or exceed the expectations of the participants.
- Develop and nurture a good relationship with the local Dioceses and Parishes along with other key constituencies that the facility serves.
- Develop a thorough knowledge of the organization’s mission as well as understand and enhance technical, operational, and ethical issues.
- Be a positive and pro-active ambassador of the intrinsic sacredness and Passionist values to all constituencies. Cultivate effective relationships with Retreatants, Operations Team to include but not limited to Food & Beverage, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Sales & Marketing, Office Support-etcetera, Ministry Team, and Benefactors.
The following duties will be done in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality:- Initiate, implement, and manage clearly stated annual goals, objectives, and action steps including, but not limited to 1) Retreat and Hosted Programs promotion, 2) Leadership Development, and 3) Resource Development.
- Submit all requested reports and documentation and comply with the norms and regulations established by the Province.
- Report on maintenance of the facilities and grounds to ensure the enhancement and value of the property.
- Review the operational priorities and direction.
- Provide onsite leadership to staff.
- Maintain fiscal viability by effective management of the Retreat and Hosted Programs.
The Program Director has responsibility for the following areas.- Model effective behaviors and skills and build morale among employees and volunteers.
- Make fiscal decisions with consultation of the Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality.
- Select and schedule programs, including outside hosted programs and ensure that appropriate systems are in place to facilitate the programs.
The following duties will be done in conjunction with the Province Director for Mission Advancement
- Participate in province wide communication network of leaders and ministries.
- Actively engage in personal and team formation and mission development.
- Be responsible to Province Director of Mission and Advancement for on-going evaluation of programming and mission alignment.
Qualification Requirements:
Excellent organizational and communications skills with the ability to manage the duties of the Program Director in a successful manner. Basic knowledge of financial procedures. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including ability to produce clear, concise reports and recommendations and make presentations to varied groups. High level of accuracy and attention to detail, decision-making, use of discretion, teamwork, hospitality service orientation, independent judgment/action, problem-solving, organizational, and supervisory skills. Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality. Ability to handle multiple priorities and work flexible hours is required. Excellent public relations skills to deal with guests and other constituents.
Education and/or Experience:
Candidates must have background in theology or scripture or equivalent disciplines. Bachelor’s degree with 2-4 years’ experience in hospitality or retreat management preferred, or any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the above-described duties. Knowledge and understanding of spiritual organizations and operations preferred. Proficiency with personal computer and all basic office equipment, including Microsoft Office and/or other software. Performs basic math and programming.
Applicants respond to Jeff Kohl, COO, [email protected].