Exciting Opportunity in the Diocese

As director of transitions, Canon Arlette Benoit Joseph has been part of your diocesan family – and a valued partner in its success – for more than five years. As interest in this diocese grew, she managed an increase in queries from prospective clergy wanting to know more and is keenly aware of what our church communities need. Through many conversations with Arlette, she has expressed an interest in focusing on connecting clergy with the resources they need at a national level. On July 10, Arlette will do just that when she joins the Church Pension Group in New York.  

Commenting on her time with the diocese, she stated: “I’ve worked with an incredible team called together by a phenomenal bishop. His love of Jesus permeates through every decision. As my teacher, he has modeled humility and service consistently. As my pastor, he counseled and journeyed with me through the death of my spouse, ensuring that I had everything that was needed. As visionary, he’s led, loved and liberated this diocese into growing into who God is calling it to be – Revolutionary.”

The Holy Spirit is opening the door for another talented and faithful person to dream and innovate with us. Someone who has a knack for recognizing and developing talent, can lend an ear to our clergy seeking help, guide those on the path to ordination, and be a leader in spreading the Gospel. Someone who is not afraid to fail in trying new things.

In a letter to staff, Bishop Gutierrez wrote: “We will miss Arlette. She has a deep love of Jesus Christ, is intelligent, a tireless worker, and has a wonderful sense of humor. She is also an extraordinary priest. I cannot adequately express how she has blessed our diocese and reformed our call and ordination process. This is bittersweet, but we send her off with our prayers and love. I reminded her that New York City is only an hour by train so we expect to see her often. May God guide her steps and always bless her journey.”

Canon Benoit Joseph will continue to be the contact for all transitions duties until her departure. The bishop has set the goal to have this position filled in 60 days. As he said, “This is a call – not a job – to serve you.”

Details of the position are listed below and on our web site.

Canon for Transition Ministry

The Canon for Transition Ministry is called to serve Jesus Christ through word and action supporting the congregations of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, and to assist and advise the bishop on issues of clergy recruitment, clergy deployment, the ordination process, placement for the newly ordained, clergy continuing education, interim ministry, and with the Canon to the Ordinary, to assist clergy in crises.  This position requires good judgement, a sense of integrity and compassion, a high degree of confidentiality, the ability to work independently, excellent people skills, and the willingness and ability to work with others in both leadership and supportive roles. Above all, the person called to this ministry will demonstrate a deep faith in Jesus, and a commitment to serving.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Direct Reports: Assistant for Transition Ministry
2. Oversee meeting with nominees to the priesthood and their guidance through the diocesan discernment process.
3. Meeting regularly with interims; organizing and leading the meeting, and developing program content.
4. Working with Congregations and Vestries in transition throughout the entire search process
5. Assisting clergy in their transition into the diocese and/or new position; overseeing programming that serves as formation and foundational orientation to the diocese
6. Meeting with clergy to provide guidance in their vocational searches, decisions, and continuing education.
7. Coordinating the work of search consultants.
8. Supporting the work of commissions and committees such as: Commission on Ministry, Wellness Commission, Aid to Theological Students Fund Committee, and Continuing Education Committee.
9. Participating in diocesan, provincial, and national networks.
10. Administrative responsibilities include: maintaining supply clergy data, recording continuing education days for all clergy, maintaining ordination process files, maintaining all correspondence relating to deployment, recruitment, search processes, Clergy Financial Assistance, and continuing education applications and disbursements.

REQUIREMENTS AND PROFICIENCIES

• Master of Divinity; or, Bachelor’s and Master of Arts (Theology/Religious Studies/Church Ministries focus)
• 5-7 years of related experience
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and planning skills
• Leadership experience in program-sized (or larger) parish; or, college-level or seminary administration; or, Human Resources experience
• Working knowledge of the Episcopal Church and its polity, and an ability to work within the hierarchy of the episcopacy
• Basic knowledge of business procedures
• Self-motivated and able to work with little or no supervision
• Organized and able to prioritize work for timely completion, able to take initiative
• Ability to multi-task and manage a busy desk
• Be a skilled listener and communicator (oral and written)
• Be a skilled listener and communicator (oral and written)
• Relates well with various professionals: clergy, laity, and peers
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint; demonstrated ability with compyter and information technology; knowledge of social media communication. Ability to learn new computer programs and platforms. 

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• A healthy prayer life and an eagerness to explore Christ’s call to mission and service
• Frequent travel and work outside normal business hours
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain composure under stress and minister to people in crisis
• Good judgment regarding sensitive matters, including the ability to accept responsibility and maintain confidentiality regarding pastoral communications
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude
• Ability to take initiative
• Flexibility

Benefits:  Participation in Church Pension Fund, medical/dental healthcare coverage, life insurance, short term and long-term disability, and paid vacation in accordance with our vacation policy.

Salary: Rate of $101,500.00 annually