[Hiring] Director of Ministry Development @Ascension

Role Description

The Director of Ministry Development is responsible for developing and sustaining mission-driven ministries aligned with the charism of the Alexian Brothers. This role focuses on identifying unmet needs in the communities of Milwaukee and Chicago, building innovative and sustainable ministries rooted in Catholic/Christian values, and fostering a visible “Brother’s Presence” among those most in need.

This leader will ensure that all ministry initiatives reflect the Alexian charism and our values of compassion, simplicity, and service to the marginalized, while also cultivating pathways that connect ministry engagement to a vibrant and growing vocation pipeline.

Core Responsibilities

• Ministry Discernment & Development
  • Identify and evaluate emerging social, pastoral, and human service needs in Milwaukee and possibly Chicago.
  • Develop new ministries that respond to gaps not currently being addressed by other organizations.
  • Ensure all ministries are aligned with the Alexian Brothers’ values and Gospel mandate (cf. Matthew 25:40).
  • Design scalable and sustainable ministry models with measurable impact and outcomes.
• Charism & Mission Integrity
  • Safeguard and integrate the Alexian charism and values into all ministry initiatives.
  • Ensure ministries reflect:
    • Compassionate presence and care;
    • Service to the marginalized;
    • Relational accompaniment (“Brother’s Presence”).
  • Maintain fidelity to Catholic and Christian principles in all operations and partnerships.
• Strategic Growth & Sustainability
  • Conduct ongoing evaluation of ministry effectiveness, sustainability and mission alignment with the Alexian Brothers charism and values.
  • Develop strategic plans for long-term viability of ministries.
  • Explore partnerships, funding opportunities, and collaborative efforts to strengthen impact.
  • Align ministry development with broader Unit strategic planning efforts.
• Vocations Integration
  • Intentionally design ministries that serve as entry points for discernment and vocational awareness.
  • Collaborate closely with the Vocation Director and vocation team.
  • Ensure ministries create opportunities for:
    • Relationship building;
    • Exposure to the life and mission of the Alexian Brothers.
  • Embrace the model: Ministry feeds vocations → Vocations feed ministry.
• Volunteer Program Development
  • Build and oversee a structured volunteer program across ministries.
  • Develop a “volunteer-to-vocation” pathway, fostering deeper engagement and discernment.
  • Recruit, form, and retain volunteers aligned with the charism, mission and values of the Alexian Brothers.
  • Provide formation opportunities rooted in charism, service, and faith by working with the Director of Vocations.
• Community Presence & Awareness
  • Establish a strong and visible Alexian Brothers presence in Milwaukee and possibly Chicago.
  • Increase awareness of the Alexian Brothers Congregation, its mission, and ministries.
  • Represent the Alexian Brothers in civic, ecclesial, and nonprofit settings.
  • Promote storytelling and engagement that highlights impact, values and charism.
• Innovation in Ministry
  • Identify and develop overlooked ministries that are:
    • Underserved or overlooked;
    • Aligned with the Brothers’ historical mission (care for the sick, poor, marginalized);
    • Responsive to contemporary needs (e.g., trauma care, transitional housing, accompaniment ministries).
  • Encourage creative, “hands on” approaches rooted in relational ministry.

Qualifications

• High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience and 1 year of cumulative leadership experience required OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience and 1 year of cumulative leadership experience required.

Key Competencies

• Understanding of Catholic/Christian social teaching and religious life.
• Ability to integrate mission, strategy, and operations.
• Proven leadership in nonprofit, ministry, or mission-driven environments.
• Skilled in relationship-building, collaboration, and community engagement.
• Visionary thinker with the ability to implement practical, sustainable solutions.

Success Measures

• Development of new ministries aligned with charism and community needs.
• Growth in volunteer engagement and structured pathways to vocations.
• Increased visibility and awareness of the Alexian Brothers.
• Demonstrated integration of ministry and vocation efforts.
• Sustainable ministry models with measurable community impact.

Guiding Principle

At the heart of this role is a living cycle: Ministry → Relationship → Encounter → Discernment → Vocation → Ministry. This position ensures that the Alexian Brothers remain a visible, compassionate presence in the world—where service to those in need becomes the doorway to deeper transformation, both for those served and those called.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options.
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance.
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning.
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources.
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits.
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more.