Director of Spirituality Ministry – Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (SOSJ) is a Catholic religious congregation, founded in South Australia in 1866, by Saint Mary MacKillop and Reverend Julian Tenison Woods. There are around 580 Sisters living and ministering throughout Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Peru, Brazil and Timor-Leste, continuing God’s mission.

The spirituality of the SOSJ is grounded in the compassionate love of God. We are defined by our way of being, not by any particular action. Our mission is an expression of our spirituality.

The SOSJ live the charism entrusted to them by engaging in the messiness of everyday life, confronting the more challenging and neglected aspects of people’s lives with creativity and courage. In the spirit of Saint Joseph and of the Sacred Heart, the Sisters listen attentively to the unmet needs of our time, roll up their sleeves and work in simple, ordinary ways to relieve suffering and bring hope.

Like Mary and Julian, they trust in God’s providence as they step out into unknown situations or face the “cross” of adversity as they respond to the needs of the poor, the marginalised, by helping them to find their voice.

The spirituality of the SOSJ flows from a deep desire to be immersed in the love of God and to share that love generously with all whom we encounter.

Further Information

Additional information can also be accessed by visiting the SOSJ website located at https://www.sosj.org.au/ 

We acknowledge the First Nations peoples of Australia, the traditional custodians of the land, seas, skies and waterways on which we reside, work, travel and meet. We pay our respect to First Nations elders past, present, and emerging, and support the Uluru Statement From The Heart.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, video or audio recordings.

Position Overview

Position Title: Director of Spirituality Ministry

Reports to: Congregational Leadership Team (in the short term)

Position Context

There are many locations, activities and programs comprising the SOSJ spirituality ministry. These include: the heritage and spirituality centres located at Kincumber and Norwest (NSW); East Melbourne and Williamstown (Vic); Kensington (SA);  Hobart (Tas); and Safety Bay (WA); and other spirituality or formation programs and activities conducted or managed digitally across the Congregation.

The spirituality of the SOSJ flows through their work as an expression of the gifts and presence of the Sisters themselves. However, in these changing times, the Sisters recognise their numbers are relatively low compared to the scope of their work.

The focus of this newly created role is to bring a new approach to supporting faith formation and spirituality programs provided by the SOSJ, to provide spiritual nourishment and support to those facing life’s challenges and to integrate the spiritual dimension through engagement with the critical issues of our time, e.g., First Nations Voice, ecological crises.

In a period of change, the SOSJ seek a person who will thrive in navigating and adapting in a complex and evolving setting, supporting them to develop an integrated approach to Josephite spirituality.

Position Purpose

The Director of Spirituality Ministries will provide leadership and oversight to the spiritual formation and development activities and programs offered by the SOSJ.

The position purpose is to build and implement a comprehensive and integrated approach to Josephite spirituality and faith formation. This includes designing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating faith formation and spirituality programs, pilgrimages, retreats and other initiatives that nurture spiritual growth, within and across all aspects of SOSJ spirituality ministries.

This will require research, discernment and reflection, dialogue and collaboration in an environment that allows for exploration, growth and flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Collaborate with the Congregational Leadership Team (CLT) and the Board of the Spirituality Ministry of the Sisters of St Joseph Ltd to develop a strategic plan to design, coordinate and implement a comprehensive and integrated approach to Josephite spiritual and faith formation ministries.
• Identify and address the spiritual needs of the community, offering innovative solutions and programs.

Program Development & Oversight:

• Design and implement faith formation programs, pilgrimages, retreats, workshops and other initiatives including digital engagements that cater to diverse audiences.
• Integration of the spiritual dimension with critical issues such as First Nations Voice and Laudato Si’.
• Oversee and support small group ministries, ensuring they have the resources and training needed.

Mentorship and Training:

• support the ongoing professional development of spiritual mentors, group leaders, and volunteers in the delivery of services.
• Cultivate a culture of mentorship within the spirituality ministries teams.

Community Engagement:

• Foster relationships with external (Australian and international) spiritual communities and organizations.
• Represent the SOSJ at conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Resource Management:

• Allocate resources efficiently, ensuring programs are well-funded and staffed.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of spiritual programs and initiatives, adjusting these as needed.

Staff Management & Development:

• Longer term,
  • to lead and mentor a team of spirituality ministry staff and volunteers.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and ensure professional development opportunities are available.

Reason for Vacancy

This is a newly created role.

Commencement

The commencement date is negotiable, but ideally by January 2024.

Location

To be determined, although it could be either Mount St., North Sydney or Alexandra Ave. Croydon.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• Salary packaging is available.
• The nature of this executive appointment means flexibility in working hours is required.
• An annual appraisal process occurs.
• The initial contract term is three years, with a standard 6-month probationary period.
• A current Drivers Licence.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will be required to possess a current approved Working With Children Check and to complete a successful National Criminal History Check.

Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• A personal commitment to the Catholic Faith.
• The capacity and desire to immerse yourself, learn and promote the Josephite charism and contribute to the Sisters voice to the Church today.
• Leadership in Catholic ministry with experience in adult faith formation/adult learning.
• The capacity to implement adult learning processes across various groups.
• High level interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build strong relationships and networks.
• Ability to think and plan strategically; capacity to be self-motivated; to be highly organised; and work collaboratively.
• Postgraduate qualifications (or in progress) in theology and/or religious education.

Catholic Church and Catholic school leaders, people with experience in higher education, adult faith formation or spiritual development activities are encouraged to express an interest in this role.

Are You Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please use the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this webpage; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1527. All we require at the outset is a resume, email address and mobile telephone number. No other documentation is required from you to express your interest. All emails and resumes are acknowledged within 48 hours. Please contact us again if this does not occur.

Questions can be directed to John Chesher (0417 068 220) or by email to jobs@traksearch.com

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our weekly email alerts.

The Selection Process

The timeline for this project is as follows:

We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.

• We are available for your confidential enquiries. We will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how the role aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the SOSJ schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference and a faith-based reference with a Catholic priest/Sister/Brother; both prior to shortlisting. We anticipate speaking with another work-related referee between shortlisting and interviews; with final references completed in the final stages of the process. No referee will be contacted without your express consent.
• The selection committee will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes employment history verification; National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Congregational Leadership Team unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• For more information on our process click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.
• Please note: people are contacted and discussions commence soon after applications are received. We do not wait until the close date. There are advantages in applying immediately.

Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents.

 Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.