Bringing together the founding traditions of the Brigidine and Presentation Congregations, the Mission Leader for Kildare Ministries will enliven the Vision, Mission and Values of Kildare Ministries through the development of its formation programme as well as its evolving narrative.  The Mission Leader works with and supports the endeavours of the Trustees as the primary governing body and in partnership with the governance and leadership, staff and students, of our ten schools and three community works located across Victoria and in NSW, QLD and SA.  This is a fulltime, ongoing position located at the Brigidine Ministry Centre, Albert Park, Victoria.

Role Description

The Mission Leader will bring a strong theological understanding and a relevant and creative interpretation of the Gospels to enliven the Vision, Mission and Values of Kildare Ministries. Through developing mission focused formation for adults and students, the work of the Mission Leader will address the changing and emerging needs and animate appropriate responses to social justice issues. The Mission Leader has a key role in helping the community discern the Kildare Ministries position on key social justice issues by helping Kildare Ministries shape its position and voice in today’s church.

Key Working Relationships

The Mission Leader is a member of the Mission and Ministry Team and works closely with the Executive Director (who is also the Direct Report), as well as with the Trustees. There is a working relationship with the seven Boards, Stewardship Councils, Principals, senior staff and students of the Colleges and Managers and staff of the Community Works within Kildare Ministries.

As a member of the Mission and Ministry Team

Enlivening the Kildare Ministries emerging narrative as expressed in its Vision, Mission and Values, Missional Governance Statement and through the Living Justice Living Peace Charter takes research, discernment and reflection, dialogue and collaboration in an environment that allows for growth and flexibility.  The Mission and Ministry team is charged with developing programmes, structures and processes that will ensure the longevity and sustainability of the traditional founding stories of the Brigidine and Presentation sisters, while creating a new narrative that will sustain Kildare Ministries in this new era of Church.  While the tasks listed below are largely the responsibility of the Mission Leader, it is expected that teamwork and collaboration will underpin every activity.

Responsibilities of the Mission Leader 

Theological Leadership

• further developing the theological underpinnings that enlivens the Kildare Ministries narrative
• implementing and further developing the Living Justice Living Peace Charter
• continuing to develop the evolving narrative of Kildare Ministries through an annual exploration of the year’s theme as well as other resources such as prayers and reflections and stimulus responses to appropriate current events
• promoting awareness of the importance of nationally consistent mission development opportunities for members of the ministries
• developing processes for the integration of the mission and values of Kildare Ministries across the ministries
• leading mission focussed activities, including sourcing guest speakers and presenters for formation programmes which might also include lending advice to the ministries.

Building Community

• facilitating opportunities for the Colleges and Community Works to share ideas, in order to build the Kildare Ministries narrative
• developing strong professional relationships with all members of Kildare Ministries
• strengthening current networks with the community
• maintaining relevant resources on the webpage and other social media platforms
• developing strong student networks through the social justice programme, such as First Nations Network and NetZero. Other networks might be developed in response to the strategic vision of the Trustees
• maintaining appropriate and effective relationships with the Brigidine and Presentation Sisters, consultants and presenters with expertise in mission formation, theology and spirituality, Directors of Mission/Formation for other PJP/religious institute education ministries

Stewarding the Mission

• encouraging and assisting Colleges and Community Works to develop and implement their plans to enliven the Vision, Mission and Values of Kildare Ministries for all staff and where appropriate with students.
• developing comprehensive, consistent and effective printed, electronic and other resources that support our formation programs
• participating in the review of the RE programmes in our schools and other faith and mission programs
• assisting the ministries in their practice of mission leadership
• providing encouragement and assistance to Colleges and Community Works to develop and implement plans that enable staff growth in the Vision, Mission and Values of Kildare Ministries
• preparing the Kildare Ministries Annual Report to the Vatican, in collaboration with the Executive Director

Organisation and planning

• oversight of the calendar of formation programs as well as agendas, enrolment and participation in the programs
• preparation and planning of the biennial pilgrimage to Ireland, preparation of Leaders’ retreats and other major events as planned
• preparation of the annual resource and monthly prayers and reflections
• preparation and monitoring of the annual budget for mission development programs in light of identified priorities and needs
• submission of formation programs for accreditation from the VCEA

Characteristics, Skills and Qualifications

• deep commitment to the Catholic tradition and a commitment to enlivening the Kildare Ministries voice in the Church today
• successful leadership experience in Catholic ministry and preferably in education at secondary school level and/or tertiary level
• postgraduate qualifications (or in progress) in theology and/or qualifications in religious education (Master’s degree minimum)
• skilled in articulating a theological position that inspires and enriches the community
• understanding of charism and willingness to grow in understanding its development in Kildare Ministries
• ability to build and grow the Kildare Ministries community through strong relationships and networks
• willingness and a tolerance to explore multi-faith dimensions within the expression of Kildare Ministries Vision, Mission and Values
• commitment to and validated experience of the principles of adult faith formation/adult learning in the production of resources and the delivery of programs
• demonstrated ability to teach or instruct effectively and to relate well to secondary school students
• ability to think and plan strategically; to be highly organised and demonstrated skills in the use of Information and Communicating Technology
• demonstrated capacity to be self-motivated in addition to working collaboratively
• high level interpersonal and written and oral communication skills
• capacity to build a network of locally based staff with a shared leadership role in the formation of Trustees, Board members, school Principals and senior staff, students and as appropriate with other members of the Kildare Ministries community

To Apply

Please visit our website Employment Opportunities – Kildare Ministries to obtain the position description, application form and referee form.  Applicants are asked to provide the following via email to Nicole Mangelsdorf, Acting Executive Director of Kildare Ministries, at     [email protected] 

• Your covering letter of application including your reasons for applying for the position
• Your response to the selection criteria – no more than 4 pages in length
• A completed Application Form
• Scanned copies of:
  • Evidence of identity
  • Academic Qualifications
  • VIT registration (if relevant) and/or Working with Children Check
  • Accreditation to Teach RE / Lead in a Catholic School (if relevant)

For further information please contact the Acting Executive Director of Kildare Ministries, Ms Nicole Mangelsdorf, e: [email protected] p: (03) 9682 2973