Administrator

A ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace

About St. Mary-on-the-Lake

Overview

St. Mary-on-the-Lake (SMOL) is a serene and mission-driven retirement and community living center for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP). Situated on a picturesque 9-acre property in Bellevue, Washington, SMOL serves as a home for aging sisters, a regional hub for the CSJP community, and a center for spiritual retreats.

Mission and Values

SMOL embodies the core values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace:

  • Peace and Justice: A commitment to advocacy, social justice, and service to the poor.
  • Hospitality and Community: Fostering a home-like, welcoming atmosphere for sisters, guests, and employees.
  • Spirituality and Service: Supporting the sisters' spiritual lives while providing meaningful opportunities for continued engagement in service and ministry.

Community and Lifestyle

  • The sisters live in a family-style communal environment, supporting one another while maintaining autonomy in their daily lives.
  • Many sisters have professional backgrounds in education, administration, healthcare, and social work, and they remain engaged in service as their abilities allow.
  • A culture of collaboration exists between the sisters and staff, with mutual respect and a shared commitment to maintaining a vibrant, caring home.
  • The Peace & Spirituality Center, located on-site, serves as a hub for retreats and spiritual programs, welcoming outside groups while maintaining a sense of sacred space for the resident sisters.
  • The property’s natural beauty enhances the sense of freedom, independence, and interconnectedness among the sisters.

Position Overview

Administrator

The SMOL Administrator provides leadership, management, and oversight of St. Mary-on-the-Lake to ensure high-quality care for the resident sisters and a welcoming, mission-driven environment. The role includes overseeing care of the Sisters and facilities, managing the budget, and the coordination of hospitality and retreat programs.

  • Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    • Uphold and embody the mission, vision, and values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in leadership and decision-making.
    • Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and professional care standards.
    • Oversee all aspects of the SMOL campus, including facilities, staff, and resident care.
    • Prepare and monitor an annual budget in collaboration with the Congregation Director of Finance.
    • Maintain regular communication with the Congregation Leadership Team for strategic planning and accountability.
    • Collaborate with Pastoral/Community Life Coordinators to foster a strong sense of community among the sisters.
    • Manage SMOL as a center of hospitality, overseeing retreats and community gatherings.
    • Support and develop the Peace and Spirituality Center in partnership with its program manager.
    • Supervise key personnel, including the Facilities Manager, Kitchen Manager, Health & Wellness Nurse Manager, SMOL Administrative Assistant, and Peace and Spirituality Center Program Manager.

  • Minimum Requirements

    • Values: A strong commitment to peace, justice, and respect for the vowed life of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.
    • Education:
      • Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Nursing, Healthcare Management, or a related field.
      • Certification in Gerontology required.
      • A Master’s degree in Management, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or Social Work preferred.
    • Experience:
      • Professional administrative experience in long-term healthcare, elder care, or community management.
      • Experience with dementia and other mental health challenges of older adults is preferred.
      • Familiarity with managing a religious congregation’s retirement facility is an asset.
    • Skills & Competencies:
      • Strong leadership and managerial skills, including staff supervision.
      • Financial planning and budgeting experience.
      • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
      • Respect for diverse religious, cultural, and personal backgrounds.
      • Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.

  • Key Considerations

    • The Administrator is not a superior to the sisters but a steward of the property and services that support their well-being.
    • Decision-making should involve consultation with the sisters, ensuring they feel heard and respected.
    • Trust-building is essential; the administrator must be visible, approachable, and engaged in daily life without micromanaging.
    • Communication should be primarily in person, with electronic messages used sparingly.
    • The administrator must balance leadership with humility, ensuring the needs of the sisters and staff are met while upholding the mission of CSJP.

  • Workplace Culture

    • Staff members are considered partners and collaborators, playing an integral role in daily life at SMOL.
    • Employees are expected to respect and support the sisters, engaging with them as individuals while maintaining professional boundaries.
    • The administrator is a servant leader, ensuring that staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their work effectively.
    • Decision-making should be inclusive and communicative, with transparency in policies affecting the sisters’ home environment.

Meet The

Congregational Leadership Team

http://csjp.org/leadership

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, an international Catholic community of vowed women religious, elected new leadership during the 23rd Congregation Chapter meeting held April 23-25, 2021, in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, USA. Sister Andrea Nenzel, CSJP will serve as the Congregation Leader. Sister Susan Francois, CSJP will serve as the Assistant Congregation Leader. Other members of the newly elected Leadership Team are Sisters Sheena George, Margie Fort and Kathleen Pruitt. This Leadership Team will serve the Congregation from July 1, 2021, until January 6, 2027.