Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

Vice President of Mission / Director of Catholic Identity – Catholic Schools & Ministries

Future Opportunities Across the Nation | Part of OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network

✝️ A Calling Rooted in Evangelization

At the heart of every Catholic school or ministry is a commitment to form minds and hearts in Christ. The Vice President of Mission or Director of Catholic Identity ensures that this sacred mission is lived out authentically, joyfully, and visibly across all aspects of school and organizational life.

Through OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network, we are identifying discerning leaders called to serve in mission-centered roles across Catholic education, diocesan ministries, and religious communities. This is not a current job opening, but a proactive effort to build a ready network of faith-filled leaders committed to the renewal and vibrancy of Catholic identity.

🛤️ Why Join OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network?

OnTrack offers Catholic mission leaders a confidential space for formation, discernment, and connection. Participants receive:

• Individualized coaching and spiritual accompaniment
• Priority access to interim and permanent mission leadership roles, including confidential and unadvertised searches
• Invitations to Catholic identity and evangelization webinars, workshops, and retreats
• Access to a growing national community of ministry-aligned professionals
• Ongoing professional and spiritual formation opportunities

When you join ACELA OnTrack, you join a movement of leaders committed to advancing the mission of the Church through vibrant witness and intentional leadership.

🧭 Mission Leadership Role Overview

The Vice President of Mission or Director of Catholic Identity ensures that Catholic values, beliefs, and traditions are fully integrated into the culture, programs, and operations of the institution. This role shapes formation programming, liturgical life, staff development, and community engagement to ensure fidelity to the Church’s teachings and the mission of the organization. Whether in a school, diocesan, or nonprofit setting, this leader nurtures the spiritual life of the community and acts as a pastoral presence for students, families, staff, and stakeholders.

🌟 Leadership Focus Areas

• Articulate and animate the Catholic identity and mission of the institution
• Plan and oversee prayer, sacramental life, service opportunities, and retreats
• Guide mission formation for faculty, staff, students, and leadership teams
• Ensure Catholic teachings are integrated into academic and organizational life
• Collaborate with diocesan, parish, or religious community leaders as appropriate
• Support recruitment, enrollment, and advancement efforts through mission storytelling
• Promote a culture of virtue, service, inclusion, and Gospel-centered community
• Serve as a visible and approachable faith witness within the organization

🧠 Ideal Candidate Profile

Mission leaders may come from education, theology, campus ministry, parish life, or religious formation. The strongest candidates are:

• Practicing Catholics who embody a personal and public witness to the faith
• Skilled communicators with the ability to evangelize through word and presence
• Comfortable leading spiritual formation, prayer, and Catholic teaching across diverse audiences
• Passionate about building inclusive, mission-driven communities
• Collaborative partners with leaders across departments and ministries

🎓 Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in theology, pastoral ministry, education, or a related field
• 5–10 years of experience in Catholic leadership, education, ministry, or formation
• Demonstrated knowledge of Catholic theology, social teaching, and evangelization practices
• Familiarity with the structures and teachings of the Catholic Church
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and pastoral skills
• Deep commitment to building a community rooted in Christ’s mission



📩 Start the Conversation

If you feel called to help shape Catholic identity in a leadership role—whether in a school, ministry, or diocesan setting—OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network is a place to begin.

Let’s discern together how your gifts in formation, faith, and leadership might best serve the Church’s mission in the years ahead.

The journey begins with a conversation.