Franciscan Mission Service

Position:   Program Manager Supervisor:   Executive Director About Franciscan Mission Service:   Inspired by the examples of St. Francis and St. Clare, Franciscan Mission Service shares and receives God’s unconditional love across borders through a way of life that centers marginalized voices and focuses on living out the Gospel values of intercultural encounter, radical inclusion, authentic humility, and transformative justice. Position Description:   The Program Manager will manage the Overseas Lay Mission (OLM) Program, one to two-week domestic and international short-term mission and global awareness trips, alumni relations, and some aspects of the one-year DC Service Corps (DCSC) program. The Program Manager will consistently communicate and promote the philosophy, policies, and practices of Franciscan Mission Service. Scope of Responsibilities: Supervision Oversee at least one direct report in Washington, DC (Programs Associate). Oversee all international lay missioners. Lay Missioner Discernment and Recruitment Create and lead recruitment strategy, activities, and attend events. Maintain timely communication with and accompany applicants/candidates. Oversee application process/candidate vetting. Coordinate all aspects of Discernment Days (“come and see” events and interviews for missioner candidates). Lay Missioner Formation and Re-entry Retreat Design and execute the week-long Joint Orientation for Overseas Lay Mission and DC Service Corps Programs. Coordinate the 3-month Formation and 2-week Re-Entry Retreat, including curriculum planning, logistics, scheduling committed presenters for workshops, facilitating several of the required workshops and discussions, and coordinating/leading daily prayer, reflections and all related liturgies, Commissioning Mass, etc. Organize weekly ministry opportunities in the DC area for Formation candidates. Arrange spiritual direction for candidates during formation program. Design and facilitate Mid-Formation and End-of-Formation retreats. Coordinate a week-long Collaborative Formation Gathering (CFG) with other international mission organizations based out of other cities. Arrange regular one-on-one check-ins with each candidate offering pastoral support. Schedule all Tuesday Formation sessions for DC Service Corps participants from August-November and support Associate Director with additional ones, if needed. Organize and lead Country Invitation Process with candidates and set up regular discernment meetings with Executive Director to determine country placements. Deepen partnerships with Franciscan religious sisters and brothers who send candidates to participate in the FMS 3-month Formation program and accompany participants. Support and Accompaniment of International Lay Missioners Coordinate and conduct communications with missioners abroad: regular correspondence, email, video calls, navigating emergencies. Manage missioner quarterly reporting and self-reflection documentation to staff. Guide missioners in issues of personal growth, spirituality, community challenges, and well-being via regular video call check-ins (at least quarterly, but often monthly). Oversee all missioner paperwork, health insurance, background checks, medical clearances, language school, visas, plane tickets, monthly stipends, etc. Train, support, and review all missioner-led support-raising efforts. Conduct annual site visits with at least 1-2 international mission sites per year. Correspond regularly with international partners in order to sustain partnerships. Maintain contact with returned missioners to encourage “lifelong mission” and ongoing mission opportunities. Support programmatic alumni engagement. Short-term Mission and Global Awareness Trips Promote, coordinate and lead international trips including logistics, programming, reflections, communication with participants, etc. Support the Associate Director with promoting, coordinating, and leading the DC trip. General/Other Design and facilitate week-long formation curriculum and week-long re-entry programming for the OFM Brothers Walking Together Program. Contribute to on-going strategic planning and on-going work in Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Antiracism efforts at the organizational level. Participate in regular staff meetings, program reporting and program planning. Assist and participate in all major FMS events, including the annual benefit event. Serve as an ambassador for FMS for annual mission appeals at churches, recruitment events, conferences and other important gatherings. Maintain a working relationship with other lay mission programs: Maryknoll Lay Missioners, Society of African Missions, Columbans, Comboni, etc. and serve as liaison with other mission and international justice organizations. Serve as liaison with Franciscan Service Network (FSN): attend bi-monthly conference calls, support joint recruitment efforts and plan events for FSN program participants. Assist Executive Director/staff with other responsibilities as needed. Qualities and Experience Desired: Bachelor’s degree in related field, such as degree in non-profit management, theology, missiology, international studies, education, or social work. A demonstrated familiarity with and appreciation of the Franciscan Charism, Catholic Social Teaching, and the Catholic faith. Demonstrated personal spiritual life. Comfortable leading a faith-based team in communal prayer. At least one year of mission or work experience in a cross-cultural international setting. Exceptional oral and written communication skills. Outstanding time management skills and ability to juggle multiple projects at once Ability to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area for in-person work with one day per week of remote work available. Ability and willingness to work from a non-traditional work environment for 3 months of the year (at the FMS missioner house vs. the FMS office). Ability and willingness to travel internationally and domestically (2-6 trips per year). Spanish language proficiency preferred, but not required. Experience in program development and implementation a plus. Prior supervisory experience a plus. Experience in group facilitation and workshop design a plus. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. FMS encourages applications, even if one’s experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are seeking someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. This is an opportunity for a talented leader to grow in leadership and to deepen FMS’ mission. The Program Manager will become part of a collaborative and supportive team focused on faith-based justice and will work in a culture that supports one’s holistic well-being. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Executive Director Liz Hughes at   jobs@franciscanmissionservice.org . Interviews will begin in May and will continue until position is filled.