Director of Social Outreach

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Episcopal Vicar, the Director of Social Outreach (DSO) builds relationships with a variety of social outreach entities in the Southern Vicariate (SV), such as St. Vincent de Paul Societies, Catholic Charities’ agencies, Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army, Food Pantries, and others to increase the capacity of social outreach to the poor and vulnerable. The DSO works with individual parishes to assist them in ministering the corporal and spiritual works of mercy to the communities in which we serve. The DSO must be thoroughly knowledgeable of Catholic Social Teaching and able to present it publicly in a clear and compelling way to parishioners and the public at large for the betterment of the common good. The DSO is part of the SV Core Team and collaborates with the DSOs in the Western and Northern Vicariates as well.

Job Responsibilities

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Promotes Catholic social teaching clearly and persuasively.

• Coordinates outreach efforts on key social issues in the SV, including homelessness, mental health, addictions, workforce development, domestic violence, and gun violence.

• Supports and guides Social Outreach across pastorate ministries, focusing on current and emerging community needs in alignment with Catholic Social Teaching. Raises awareness of social needs in the southern regions among parishes in the northern tier of the SV.

• Builds and maintains relationships with parish contacts (both volunteers and paid staff) in social ministries. Develops a vicariate-wide database of parish contacts serving the poor and vulnerable.

• Provides resources such as webinars, articles, books, workshops, and small faith groups for parish volunteers and employees working in social ministries.

• Collaborates effectively with ministry staff within the SV, other Vicariates, Archdiocesan agencies, and parishes.

• Works closely with the Catholic Charities Navigator and familiarizes with other Catholic Charities’ entities in the Vicariate.

• Attends and contributes to Archdiocesan committees, including the Peace and Justice Commission, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and Prison Ministry Committee.

• Cultivates relationships with volunteers and leaders involved in Prison Ministry, providing support to the REC retreat program (recruiting volunteers and securing funds).

• Demonstrates strong commitment to evangelization through social outreach initiatives.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Required: Practicing and registered parishioner.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience (social work or Catholic Church experience a plus).

• Preferred: Candidate resides in the SV.

• Minimum of three years of experience in a parish, nonprofit religious organization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills & Attitudes Required for Success:

• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, multitasking, and interpersonal skills; ability to present Catholic Social Teaching clearly and persuasively.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to network with ecumenical and civic organizations advocating for human dignity and care for the poor and vulnerable, including the unborn.

• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as needed.

• Ability to identify social issues and propose effective solutions.