Mission and Advocacy Manager

Position Summary

The Mission and Advocacy Manager enhances the understanding and commitment of agency staff to Catholic Social Teachings, serves as lead conduit between the Catholic Charities West Michigan, parishes, and the wider community.  This position assists in ongoing efforts to educate, deepen and enhance partnerships in the community and justice initiatives within the Diocese of Grand Rapids.  The Mission and Advocacy Director manages post abortion healing ministry and works to create the capacity within every Catholic parish to assist pregnant and parenting mothers and their families by accompanying them on their parenting journey. Participates as a member of Agency leadership team.

Wage Range: $64,000.00 - $76,800.00 annual salary

Are you passionate about discovering new ways to help empower people and make a difference in their lives?

If you’ve got what it takes to support us in our mission to provide help and create hope through innovative, collaborative, and diverse programs within the community, then we’ve got the right opportunity for you.

About Catholic Charities West Michigan

Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) is a community-based agency providing programs in Western Michigan and offering a variety of services in family preservation, behavioral health, child welfare, and community outreach.

• CCWM is committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all staff are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
• CCWM encourages persons of diverse backgrounds and faiths to apply for employment.

Essentials Duties and Responsibilities

Mission:

• Enhances understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and strengthens Catholic identity within CCWM, through education and formation while helping to animate CCWM's mission, vision, and values.
• Presents educational training to new CCWM staff and board members on Catholic Social Teaching.
• Reviews CCWM policies and procedures through a Catholic lens to ensure adherence to Catholic teachings.
• Provides educational and formation opportunities in Catholic Social Teaching for parishes, pastoral leaders, Catholic schools, and diocesan departments.
• Build relationships with parishes and communicates the services of CCWM that support the efforts of the parish. 
• Educates parishes on how they can support the mission of CCWM thorough financial and volunteer support to CCWM programs; and helps parishioners learn more about the types of assistance available to them through these agencies and programs.
• Serves as a resource to help in such areas as spirituality enrichment and pastoral care of Agency staff, leadership formation, and the development of good mission-based practices as they support mission integration.

Social Justice:

• Builds collaborative relationships with other Christian Churches, faith based organizations, and community organizations that carry out works of charity and justice, and responds to local issues and needs (e.g. hunger, housing, ex-offenders).
• Provides information and consultation that will assist parishes and their members to exercise their call to faithful citizenship and faith-based legislative advocacy on issues affecting the unborn, elderly, poor, and most vulnerable in our communities.
• Serves as diocesan director for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services.

Project Rachel:

Project Rachel is the Catholic Church’s diocesan-based ministry to those suffering in the aftermath of abortion. The nationwide ministry helps mothers, fathers, family members, friends, and people of faith or no faith who seek compassionate, non-judgmental help. Priests, religious, counselors, and laypeople provide a team response of care that can help to heal those wounded by abortion.

• Oversees all aspects of the post-abortive ministry; Project Rachel.

Walking with Moms in Need:

Walking with Moms in Need (WWMIN) is an initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and creates the capacity within every Catholic parish to assist pregnant and parenting mothers and their families by accompanying them on their parenting journey.

• Manages all facets of the Walking with Moms in Need ministry program.
• Develops relationships and collaborates with Catholic parishes, organizations, offices, and other state and national pro-life organizations.
• Collaborates with Diocese of Grand Rapids’ Pastoral Director to maintain communication and synergy among parishes by meeting with parish leaders and presenting content to parishes interested in bringing and maintaining the WWMIN initiative to their parish.

General:

• Drives for Agency business.
• Performs other special assignments at supervisor’s request.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of or experience in the pro-life work of the Catholic Church.
• Candidates must be a practicing Roman Catholic with knowledge of the structure, institutions, teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.
• Conversant in or willing to enhance knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching.
• Possesses efficient public speaking skills.
• Ability to develop and organize training.
• Ability to collaborate and establish partnerships.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Possess strong written and verbal skills.
• Possesses strong relationship-building skills.
• Proficient with standard office operating software such as Microsoft Office Suite.

Recommended Employment Qualifications

Education:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Theology, Pastoral Studies or related field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years working at the parish or diocesan level is strongly recommended.
• A minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience is preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years public speaking experience is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

none required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does have supervisory responsibilities.

Our Mission

Inspired by the Church's social teachings, Catholic Charities West Michigan fosters individuals and families to flourish by providing help and creating hope.

Our Vision

Catholic Charities West Michigan is called to create a just and compassionate community where all people can achieve their divine purpose.

Our Values

• Sanctity of All Life
• Compassion
• Integrity
• Respect
• Equity

CCWM is an equal opportunity employer, subject to all federal and state laws as applicable to a religious Agency.

Salary : $64,000 - $76,800