Missioner for Latino Communities

About the Diocese

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts was organized in 1784, just following the American Revolution. Today, nearly 250 years later, our common life thrives in over 170 congregations and 40,000 Episcopalians living in the eastern third of Massachusetts, along with a variety of Episcopal schools, hospital chaplaincies, monastic communities, and other affiliated organizations. We are committed to building up sustainable, vibrant, diverse, faithful, and justice-seeking worshipping communities that form faithful Christians and serve their neighbors, all centered around our five core values: Welcome, Courage, Justice, Joy and Love.

Our Diocesan offices are located in downtown Boston, across the street from Boston Common and easily accessible by several public transportation lines. The staff of approximately 25 full- and part-time employees of the Diocese of Massachusetts provide services and resources to congregations, manage the Diocese’s tangible assets (real estate and investments) and governance life, and offer ministries and programming. The Diocese of Massachusetts is led by a Bishop who serves as the “CEO” of the organization. She is supported by a team of managers (called canons) and staff who run the day-to-day operations of the Diocese. This position will be based out of the Boston office, and will involve significant travel around the Diocese.

About the Position

The Missioner for Latino Communities is an ordained Episcopal priest working under the supervision of the Canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministry to provide strategic support for growth in our Diocese’s ministries among Spanish-speaking and bilingual communities. Currently our Diocese has eight worshipping congregations where Spanish is a primary worship language, and other congregations interested in partnerships and building relationships of mutual support. We have a handful of primarily Spanish-speaking clergy and lay leaders, and we have congregations experimenting with building multi-lingual services and regional collaborations. The Missioner supports these congregations and the clergy who serve them, and helps build a culture of growing, visible, and sustainable Latino ministry in our Diocese. The Missioner also serves as a key resource to the Canon for Communications, Public Witness and Engagement, helping to lead and coordinate the Diocese’s public witness related to issues that touch Latino communities, including immigration policy and environmental racism.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position that is scheduled to work 40 hours per week, including Sundays. In-office work is expected on Wednesdays and most Tuesdays & Thursdays.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Ministry Development

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of a diocesan Latino ministry strategy, collaborating closely with other diocesan staff, the Hispanic Ministry Committee, parish leaders, and community partners – grounding this work in resources provided by The Episcopal Church and other church-wide partners.
• Research, pursue, and implement grant opportunities and foundation support to bolster our commitment to Latino ministries within the Diocese.

Congregational & Community Support

• Regularly visit Latino congregations and communities to celebrate Sunday Eucharist, preach, offer pastoral presence, and serve as a clergy support.
• Provide particular support to wardens and vestries during times of clergy transition, in collaboration with the Regional Canons.
• Support congregations in discerning partnerships with Latino congregations and communities in culturally appropriate ways of building relationships and support.
• Provide staff liaison and support to the Hispanic Ministry Committee of the Diocese.

Public Witness and Advocacy

• Working with Canon for Communications, Public Witness and Engagement, serve as a primary coordinator of Diocesan public witness efforts related to immigration and other justice issues affecting Latino communities.
• Represent the diocese in legislative and community forums, furthering the Bishop’s vision for our public engagement.

Training and Formation for Clergy and Laity

• Develop and deliver culturally responsive training for clergy and lay leaders in areas such as Episcopal polity, evangelism, Safe Church compliance, pastoral care, and program development, using resources from The Episcopal Church and others.
• Facilitate translation of appropriate diocesan materials, announcements, and communications into Spanish to ensure accessibility for all members.

Leadership Development

• Support Latino leadership development at parish and diocesan levels, identifying emerging leaders and providing pathways for formation and empowerment.
• Build community among Latino leaders in our Diocese.
• Ensure that Latino voices, concerns, and gifts are included in diocesan planning, resource allocation, and decision-making.

Clergy Recruitment and Vocational Pathways

• Develop partnerships locally, regionally, and nationally to identify Latino and bilingual clergy candidates for potential ministry roles within the Diocese of Massachusetts and support them through discernment/formation.
• Collaborate with Regional Canons to support recruitment, discernment, & onboarding.
• Work in partnership with the Canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministry to support Latino clergy in visa and immigration processes.

Diocesan Staff Expectations

• Regular engagement with both supervisor and direct reports to ensure communication and clarity around workflow prioritization.
• Arrange work schedule with supervisor to include three workdays onsite (including Wednesday) at the Diocesan offices, along with remote work.
• Participate in trainings, meetings, proceedings, and activities of the diocesan staff as directed by supervisor.
• Look for opportunities to collaborate with other ministry areas to the benefit of Discipleship and Leadership Development, of our congregations, and of the life of the church overall.
• Adherence to all Diocesan policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrate an infectious love and faith in Jesus Christ.
• Fluency in Spanish and English with strong cross-cultural communication skills.
• Arrange work schedule with supervisor, to include at least one day (Wednesday) in the Diocesan offices per week.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with Episcopal worship.
• Excellent interpersonal and pastoral skills, including maintaining confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with ability to meet deadlines & to prioritize tasks.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Education and Experience

• Ordination in The Episcopal Church, or a church in full communion with the Episcopal Church.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluent in written and spoken Spanish and English.

Physical Requirements

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; the ability to travel to congregations throughout the Diocese; and moderate lifting as needed for church programming environments.

Reasonable accommodation will be made for persons with disabilities.

The Diocese provides a wide array of benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, FSAs, and generous time off.

Fluency in Spanish and English with strong cross-cultural communication skills.