Job Title: Director of the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia
Reports To: Board of Directors, National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia
About the Shrine:
Located in Philadelphia and governed by the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is the only designated national Augustinian shrine in the United States, and a sacred place where Roman Catholic worshippers and pilgrims from all over the world encounter God and St. Rita.
The mission and ministries of the Shrine are deeply rooted in and inspired by the life of St. Rita. Having experienced Christ’s healing presence in the face of violence and death that touched her family, St. Rita bore the Gospel message of reconciliation and peace to the wounded around her. In doing so, she became a friend to humanity, lifting people to new life in the love of God. For more than a century, the Shrine has carried her message forward.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Executive Director of the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is responsible for the overall leadership of the Shrine’s spiritual, pastoral, operational, and financial activities. This role oversees liturgical and pilgrim services, hospitality, facilities and staff management, volunteer engagement, and fundraising initiatives that support the Shrine’s mission and long-term sustainability. The Executive Director collaborates closely with the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Shrine benefactors, and other stakeholders to create a welcoming environment for pilgrims and visitors while preserving the Shrine’s sacred spaces and strengthening its ministry and outreach.
Key Responsibilities:
Spiritual and Pastoral Leadership:
- Liturgy and Sacraments: In collaboration with the Augustinian friars assigned to the Shrine, oversee all liturgies and sacramental offerings, ensuring exceptional experiences for all participants.
- Pastoral Care: Create a welcoming atmosphere and community outreach programs that enhance the spiritual lives of all people who encounter the Shrine.
Pilgrim Services and Hospitality:
- Pilgrim Coordination: Schedule and welcome large-scale pilgrimages, tour groups, and feast day celebrations.
- Hospitality: Oversee the visitor center, gift shop, and dining requirements for gatherings.
- Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and schedule volunteers to assist with the Shrine’s ministries.
Operations and Facilities Management:
- Sacred Spaces: Oversee the maintenance, cleaning, and historical preservation of the Shrine.
- The Cascia Center: Oversee the maintenance, cleaning, and use of administrative offices and gathering spaces.
- Staff Leadership: Provide direction and be a role model of servant leadership for the Shrine’s staff and volunteers.
- Safety and Security: Ensure proper safety and security protocols are maintained at all times.
Financial and Administrative Management:
- Budgeting: Develop, align with the Board, and maintain an annual financial budget.
- Advancement: Develop advancement campaigns ranging from digital marketing to large donor events to support the Shrine’s financial self-sustainability. Personally create and cultivate benefactor relationships.
- Partnership: Communicate and collaborate continuously and transparently with the Province, Diocese, and other stakeholders to build strong and supportive relationships.
A successful candidate will be:
- Devoutly Roman Catholic: The role is a vocation more than a job.
- Servant leader: A “roll up your sleeves” and lead-by-example mentality.
- Exceptional communicator and collaborator: Strong relationship skills; a builder of bridges able to represent the Shrine to pilgrims, worshippers, local community members, and stakeholders.
- Inspired by beauty: Energized by physical, musical, and liturgical beauty.
- Financially savvy: Comfortable managing a large and complex budget.
- Digitally savvy: Creative and comfortable with technology and digital outreach.
- Advancement savvy: Capable of building and nurturing a large donor base.
- Inspired by the mission: This is not a “9-5” job, it is a calling and requires physical presence, energy, and joy.
Experience:
- 10+ years professional experience.
- 5+ years Catholic Church management experience.
- Staff and budget management experience.
- Advancement and marketing experience.
- Four-year college degree.
To apply for this position:
Email a resume and cover letter to James Burke at james.burke@augustinian.org.
