By Julia Mericle
News Editor
As Mt. Irenaeus celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, trustees and resident friars added the position of executive director (ED).
Michael New, a former trustee, is heading the search for a candidate to fill the position.
“We have grown in size and complexity, and with fewer friars who are primarily focused on the Mountain ministry we needed a person to manage our day-to-day operations,” New said.
The ED will work alongside the resident friar community, Animator, Guardian, Coordinator of Ministries, Board of Trustees, Mountain Companions, lay staff and student leaders, in keeping alive Mt. Irenaeus’ mission to join with Jesus Christ in “making all things new,” according to mountain leaders.
The director will hold overall operational responsibilities, including reaching fundraising and development goals, managing planning sessions, assisting in the development of the annual financial plan and coordinating with the university offices, such as finance, enrollment and University Ministries, mountain leaders said.
As the position description explains, Mt. Irenaeus uses a servant leadership management model based on “collaboration and mutual mentoring,” rather than a hierarchal model, according to mountain leaders.
New said it is yet to be determined if the director will live at Mt. Irenaeus and depends on the preferences of the chosen individual.
The cost of adding the position has not been determined yet, but will be paid for out of the Mt. Irenaeus budget, New said.
The director position requires a candidate with administrative or executive experience, good communication skills, commitment to the Gospel manner of life and ministry and a passion for the mission of Mt. Irenaeus. A Masters degree in theology or pastoral ministry is preferred.
“Ours is a wonderfully unique ‘gospel manner of life and ministry’ both by way of culture and operations, faith based, but open to all peoples,” Father. Dan Riley, O.F.M., animator/president said. “We will need someone who would share in that detail and open commitment, able to appropriately engage the University and our Province ministerially while helping us look at further growth, other horizons.”
Interested individuals should contact Father Riley at 716-307-0126 or New at 802- 343-9037.
According to New, a group of friars from Mt. Irenaeus, staff and some current and former trustees will conduct interviews for the ED position. However, the final decision will be made by the Mt. Irenaeus Board of Trustees.
mericlje13@bonaventure.edu
