Catholic Director of Religious Education

Job Description

Job DescriptionAbout the Role

The Catholic Director of Religious Education (CDRE) leads and coordinates faith-based education programs for children, youth, and adults, ensuring alignment with Catholic teaching while addressing the unique needs of military families and single service members.

The CDRE is responsible for developing and managing a year-round curriculum, training and mentoring volunteer educators, and coordinating parish-wide religious events and workshops. Acting as a liaison between the Catholic Chaplain, military families, and the broader chapel community, this role ensures programs are inclusive, mission-aligned, and meet the pastoral goals of the Command Religious Program. Ultimately, the CDRE enhances faith formation, strengthens community bonds, and supports the free exercise of religion for the Catholic population on base.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher OR at least four (4) years of experience as a Catholic Director of Religious Education or Religious Educator.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience working with children and young adults.
• Experience working with or attending a military chapel.
• Ability to work with diverse religious beliefs and operate effectively in a military environment.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and mentor volunteers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education, Theology, or a related field.
• Formal catechetical certification from a recognized Catholic diocese.
• Prior experience leading large-scale parish or chapel religious education programs.
• Familiarity with military culture and unique challenges faced by service members and families.
• Strong communication and program management skills.

Responsibilities

• Program Development & Oversight – Design, coordinate, and manage a comprehensive Catholic religious education curriculum, including classes, workshops, sacramental preparation, and seasonal events.
• Curriculum & Scheduling – Prepare and maintain a yearly calendar of classes, workshops, teacher meetings, and parent conferences.
• Volunteer Leadership – Recruit, train, and mentor volunteer catechists and support staff to ensure high-quality instruction and program continuity.
• Community Engagement – Publicize religious education programs and events through chapel bulletins, memoranda, and other communication channels.
• Student Instruction Oversight – Supervise educational programs for approximately 500 students from preschool through high school, ensuring doctrinal integrity and effective delivery.
• Resource & Budget Management – Track receipt, distribution, and use of all program materials and supplies; provide an annual operating budget and manage expenditures.
• Reporting & Coordination – Submit weekly status reports to the Catholic Chaplain, report attendance data, and contribute to annual Proposed Objectives and Milestones (PO&M).
• Meetings & Representation – Attend weekly staff meetings and represent the program at chapel and community events.

Skills

• Program Leadership: Applies expertise in Catholic faith formation to lead and oversee a robust curriculum for all age groups.
• Volunteer Management: Daily use of coaching, mentoring, and team-building skills ensures a committed and capable cadre of catechists.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for program publicity, volunteer coordination, and liaison with the Catholic Chaplain.
• Organizational Skills: Effective scheduling, resource allocation, and budget oversight keep programs on track and aligned with annual milestones.
• Cultural Sensitivity & Adaptability: Ability to respect diverse beliefs and serve a military population with unique pastoral needs.