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Parish Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal

Tiburon, CA · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

... management * Align school policies and systems with mission-centered priorities Community Engagement & Communication * Build strong, transparent relationships with parents and parish partners

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Parish Manager information

What is a parish manager?

Parish Managers are administrative professionals who oversee the daily operations of a parish, ensuring the smooth functioning of church activities and facilities. They handle tasks such as budgeting, managing staff and volunteers, coordinating events, and maintaining records. Parish Managers often serve as a liaison between the pastor, parishioners, and the broader community. Their role is essential for supporting the mission and ministries of the parish, allowing clergy to focus on spiritual leadership.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a parish manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parish Manager, you need organizational skills, financial management experience, and knowledge of church operations, often supported by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with parish management software, bookkeeping systems, and office productivity tools is typically required. Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help in fostering positive relationships within the parish community and managing staff or volunteers. These skills and qualities ensure efficient administration, financial stewardship, and a welcoming environment that supports the parish's mission.

What are the main challenges a parish manager may face in balancing administrative duties with supporting parish ministries?

A Parish Manager often faces the challenge of balancing day-to-day administrative responsibilities—such as budgeting, facility management, and human resources—with providing support to the various parish ministries and volunteers. This requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Successful Parish Managers foster clear communication between the clergy, staff, and ministry leaders to ensure smooth operations and collaborative problem-solving. Staying proactive and flexible is key to addressing unexpected issues while still supporting the parish’s mission and community needs.

What is the difference between Parish Manager vs Church Administrator?

AspectParish ManagerChurch Administrator
CredentialsTypically requires experience in management, possibly a background in religious studies or administrationOften requires administrative or clerical experience, sometimes with religious or nonprofit certifications
Work EnvironmentManages day-to-day operations of a parish, including staff, facilities, and programsHandles administrative tasks, communication, and support services within a church or religious organization
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, churches, faith-based nonprofitsChurches, religious nonprofits, faith-based community services

While both roles support church operations, a Parish Manager focuses on overall management and operational efficiency, whereas a Church Administrator handles administrative support and communication tasks. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Parish Manager jobs in California?

For Parish Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Parish Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Parish Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Parish Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Parish Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Parish Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Director of Catechetical Ministry

Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego

San Marcos, CA • On-site

$71K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description


Parish Name: St. Mark's Catholic Church
Location: 1147 Discovery St, San Marcos, CA 92078
Employment Type:  Full-Time
Reports to: Pastor
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Pay Rate:  $71,304 - $76,000


Summary

Under the direction of the Pastor, the Director of Catechetical Ministry is responsible for the development, administration, and coordination of the contemporary/non-traditional faith formation processes of a very large parish (6,000 + families) for all adults, youth and children, as well as youth and young adult ministry.
 

Responsibilities


Administrative Duties

  • Organize, schedule & oversee Faith Formation Program for pre-school thru 12th grade and OCIA
  • Prepare, schedule sacramental programs and worship services for students and parents
  • Order textbooks, teaching materials and resources for the program
  • Prepare an annual budget for the Business Manager and provide monthly financial updates. The DCM is responsible for submitting/overseeing the annual Faith Formation budget
  • Review and evaluate teaching materials and resources for the program every year and order textbooks. 
  • Prepare a yearly calendar; present to pastor for approval
  • Report monthly to pastor and/or other appropriate persons
  • Support and endorse diocesan and parish board policies
  • Attend diocesan-sponsored events for professional development and participate in deanery meetings for DCM's for ongoing support and networking

Supervisory Duties

  • Provide support and supervision for the Faith Formation Coordinators.
  • Assist in recruiting volunteers for the program and provide appropriate in-service training and formation for them
  • Ensure all catechists are certified through the Diocese and maintain their certification status is current. Identify and support the training for catechists at each grade level
  • Encourage catechist participation for ongoing formation through Diocesan office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry
  • Supervise paid staff and numerous volunteers. Counsel, advise, and visit with students, parents and catechists when classroom problems arise
  • Support synodal activities and Parish Pastoral Council synod activity recommendations   
  • Additional duties as required

Spirituality and Prayer Leadership

  • Prepare and preside at paraliturgical celebrations for students.
  • Coordinate and plan with pastor sacramental rites for Faith Formation students
  • Assist with planning Advent and Lenten activities

Staff Responsibilities

  • Works with other directors to integrate the total parish Faith Formation program
  • Meet regularly with parish staff for planning and coordination of parish programs
  • Work with Youth Minister to coordinate Faith Formation/Youth Ministry activities

Requirements

  • Must have a working knowledge of and a strong commitment to the mission of the Diocese of San Diego and the Catholic Church; be in full communion with the Catholic Church
  • Excellent communications skills, verbal and written; excellent human relations and interpersonal skills
  • Be a self-starter; well organized; perform multiple tasks simultaneously and work with a sense of urgency
  • Ability to exercise courtesy to all employees, parishioners and the general public
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to receive direction and be open to suggestions
  • Ability to supervise subordinates
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment; punctuality is a must at all times; ability to travel locally as required
  • Possess basic computer skills such as word-processing, email communication, Flocknote and newer technology as appropriate
  • Professional bearing; clean and neat personal appearance
  • Successfully pass a background check as required by the Diocese of San Diego
  • Bilingual English / Spanish 

Education, Training, and/or Experience 

  • A Master of Religious Education; or a Master of Religious Studies or Theology with an understanding of contemporary catechetics; or an Advanced Degree with a Certificate in Catechetical Ministry issued by the San Diego Diocesan Institute of the Diocese of San Diego
  • Master Catechist certification granted by the Office for Catechetical Ministry of the Diocese of San Diego; or the equivalent level of certification granted by another diocese in the United States
  • 5 years' experience in a Catholic religious education environment as a practicing catechist
  • Prior successful management experience in a Church or social service setting

Physical Demands


While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to remain in an office at a computer workstation and access information from a computer and use a telephone. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the office, as well as maneuver throughout the parish/school facility to attend meetings, briefings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend meetings or events. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


St. Mark's Catholic Church, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.