Position Summary:

The Vice President of Program Development holds a pivotal position in sculpting and directing both the strategic and functional facets of Life Teen’s Parish Outreach, Events, Catechesis and the Production Services Team. Their influence is instrumental in ensuring cohesive, impactful, and efficient program development across these key sectors.

Essential Ministry Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Development & Vision: With the input of team leaders, craft and implement a comprehensive action plans for all three teams. Align the strategies of each team to Life Teen’s broader mission and vision. Anticipate future trends in youth ministry and adapt strategies accordingly.
2. Team Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and support the team leaders of Parish Outreach, Events, and Catechesis. Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Ensure effective communication channels between the three teams and with other departments.
3. Parish Outreach & Support: Strengthen relationships with parishes and facilitate effective support mechanisms. Develop training modules and resources to empower parishes in their youth outreach. Monitor feedback from parishes to continually improve support and services. Help the Parish Outreach team to grow the number of parishes with Life Teen and EDGE
4. Life Teen Events: Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of all Life Teen events. Ensure that events are spiritually enriching, relevant, and engaging for the youth. Collaborate with marketing and other relevant teams to drive event success.
5. Production Services: Oversee the production services team to ensure top-quality Life Teen Events and Video presentations.
6. Catechesis Development: Spearhead the continued creation and revision of catechetical resources. Ensure doctrinal integrity and relevance in all materials. Collaborate with theological experts, clergy, and educators to enhance catechetical offerings.
7. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with parish leaders, youth ministers, and other relevant stakeholders to gather feedback and insights. Represent Life Teen at conferences, meetings, and other public forums. In conjunction with the Director of Partnerships, foster partnerships with other Catholic organizations and entities to further the mission.
8. Budgeting & Financial Oversight: Help develop and manage budgets for the 4 teams ensuring financial sustainability. Allocate resources efficiently, ensuring maximum impact for investments. Regularly review financial reports and adjust strategies accordingly.
9. Performance Metrics & Evaluation: Establish clear performance metrics for each team. Conduct regular evaluations to measure the effectiveness of programs and initiatives. Implement necessary adjustments based on performance data.
10. Continuous Improvement: Stay updated with best practices in youth ministry, event management, and catechesis. Foster a culture of innovation and encourage teams to explore new methodologies and tools. Initiate and lead professional development opportunities for all teams.
11. Risk Management: Identify potential risks in any of the areas overseen and develop mitigation strategies. Ensure all activities and materials are compliant with Church teachings and any relevant regulations.
12. Collaboration with Other Departments: Work closely with the communications, marketing, and fundraising departments to synchronize efforts.
13. Spiritual Leadership: Foster a strong spiritual foundation for all initiatives and projects. Encourage team members to grow in their personal faith journeys. Lead by example in integrating faith into daily operations and decision-making.

The ideal candidate for the Life Teen Vice President of Program Development role will possess a deep passion for youth ministry, a solid understanding of the Catholic faith, and significant leadership experience in program development and management.


Success Factors for the Vice President of Program Development at Life Teen:

1. Strategic Mastery: Demonstrates proficiency in crafting, implementing, and adapting comprehensive action plans that seamlessly integrate with Life Teen’s overarching mission and vision.
2. Effective Leadership: Exemplifies strong leadership skills, nurturing team leaders across various departments and promoting an environment of collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth.
3. Parish Relations Expertise: Exhibits a keen ability to forge, nurture, and strengthen relationships with parishes, understanding their unique needs and challenges.
4. Event Excellence: Proven track record in planning and executing spiritually enriching and engaging events tailored to resonate with youth.
5. Production Quality Oversight: Ensures the consistent delivery of top-tier Life Teen Events and Video presentations, upholding the highest production standards.
6. Catechetical Insight: Demonstrates a profound grasp of catechetical teachings, ensuring both doctrinal integrity and contemporary relevance in all materials.
7. Stakeholder Collaboration: Establishes and maintains strong relationships with various stakeholders, from parish leaders to youth ministers, and effectively represents Life Teen in diverse platforms.
8. Financial Acumen: Showcases expertise in budget development, allocation, and management, ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the teams
9. Metrics-Driven Approach: Sets clear performance metrics and leverages data-driven insights to continually refine strategies and initiatives.
10. Commitment to Innovation: Stays abreast of the latest trends and best practices in youth ministry and encourages teams to adopt innovative approaches and tools.
11. Risk Management Skills: Capably identifies potential challenges or risks and devises effective mitigation strategies, ensuring alignment with Church teachings and other regulations.
12. Inter-departmental Synergy: Collaborates seamlessly with various departments such as communications, marketing, and fundraising, ensuring cohesive strategies and outcomes.
13. Spiritual Anchor: Leads with spiritual integrity, infusing all initiatives with a strong faith foundation and inspiring team members in their personal faith journeys.
14. Deep Passion for Youth: Maintains a genuine enthusiasm and love for youth ministry, striving to make a tangible difference in the lives of young individuals.
15. Solid Catholic Foundation: Possesses an in-depth understanding of the Catholic faith, ensuring all efforts are rooted in its teachings.
16. Seasoned Experience: Brings to the table significant leadership experience, especially in program development and management, underscoring credibility and capability.

The Vice President of Program Development at Life Teen should seamlessly blend strategic foresight with compassionate leadership, always aiming to uplift and empower the youth through faith-driven initiatives.

Direct Reports to this Position: Director of Catechesis, Director of Parish Outreach, Director of Events, Director of Production Services