FRANCISCAN MISSION SERVICE OF NORTH AMERICA

Job Description

POSITION TITLE:PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Position Description

The Program Coordinator will administer many administrative and programmatic aspects of the two-year international lay mission program, one to two-week domestic and international short-term mission and global awareness trips, and the one-year domestic volunteer program. S/he will consistently communicate the philosophy, policies and practices of FMS to the domestic volunteers, missioners, returned missioners, and all other constituents. S/he will work in close relationship with the Associate Director and other staff in the planning and delivery of all aspects of the position.

Qualities and Experience Desired:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field, such as degree in Non-profit management, theology, missiology, education, or social work
  • At least 2 years full-time experience in program development and implementation
  • Background/experience in spiritual direction, counseling, or related field
  • A demonstrated familiarity with and appreciation of the Franciscan Charism and Catholic Social Teaching
  • Group facilitation experience
  • A caring, mentoring approach
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • A committed faith and prayer life
  • Experience in a full-time volunteer/mission program
  • At least one year of missioner or work experience in a cross-cultural international setting
  • Self-directed and motivated
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Able and willing to travel internationally and domestically
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Spanish language proficiency preferred, but not required.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration

  • Create short-term trip manual
  • Maintain necessary documentation and paperwork for all aspects of programs
  • Update/Revise all handbooks and manuals as needed

Lay Missioner Discernment and Recruitment

  • Support recruitment activities/attend recruitment events
  • Coordinate all aspects of Discernment Weekends (or days)
  • Maintain timely communication with applicants/candidates

Lay Missioner Formation and Re-entry Programs

  • Coordinate the formation program, including but not limited to scheduling and logistics
  • Engage competent and committed resource persons for workshops
  • Organize volunteer opportunities in the DC area for the candidates
  • Arrange language study during formation and in-country
  • Present and/or co-facilitate some of the required workshops
  • Coordinate annual review of missioners
  • Coordinate/lead all related liturgies, commissioning, etc.
  • Oversee all missioner paperwork, visas, etc.

Short-term Mission and Global Awareness Trips

  • Coordinate Washington, DC global awareness trip
  • Support coordination for international trips including logistics, reflections, communication with participants, etc.

Support of Lay Missioners and Domestic Volunteers

  • Assist with regular communications with missioners overseas: regular correspondence, email, faxes, phone calls, emergencies.
  • Maintain contact with returned missionersto encourage “lifelong mission” and ongoing mission opportunities
  • Assist with the planning and execution of returned missioner events/offerings
  • Coordinate once every other month gatherings for domestic volunteer formation
  • Coordinate yearly domestic volunteer retreat with the Associate Director

General

  • Participate in regular staff meetings and program planning
  • Assist and participate in all major FMS events

Assist Associate Director as needed with other responsibilities as needed.