Director, Community Engagement

About the Role

Within the 21-county service area of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, successfully promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas as guided by the Moral and Social Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Provide leadership and direction in the facilitation and development of new and existing parish and community partnerships (Catholic, non-Catholic, for-profit, and not-for-profit) through parish social ministry and community engagement (church, school, business, and volunteers).

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a passion for the mission of Catholic Charities, led by the Catholic identity guidelines, expectations, and agency values.
• Under the direction of the VP of Mission Education & Community Engagement, develop an overarching strategic plan and key performance indicators for community engagement, parish engagement, volunteer recruitment and formation, and poverty education within the 21-county service area.
• In partnership with the VP of Mission Education & Community Engagement, develop and implement a multi-level program of Catholic Social Teaching and Formation of the Heart curriculum serving agency staff, volunteers, interns, parishes, and schools in the Archdiocese.
• In collaboration with the VP of Mission Integration & Engagement, host events – including lunch & learns, open houses, Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE) simulations, bus tours – prepare and conduct community presentations, and provide assistance at events that may occur outside regular working hours.
• Serve as a confident and effective public speaker with strong presentation skills.
• Lead Outreach Manager in promoting the mission of Catholic Charities in parishes, schools, and the broader community; support expansion of food access (including SNAP, SFSP, CACFP, and CSFP) in the 21-county service area; support internship programming within the agency; and solicit material and gift-in-kind needs of Catholic Charities.
• Lead Volunteer Engagement Manager to expand volunteer opportunities and meet the volunteer needs of Catholic Charities.
• Assist VP in the development of the departmental budget and ensure projects are completed effectively and on time.
• Collaborate with agency staff in responding to requests to attend parish, school, and community events to strengthen the agency’s presence in the community.
• Seek out and develop relationships with community partners, civic organizations, businesses, and interfaith groups who share a commitment to social justice and agency values.
• Within the first year of employment, complete COPE facilitator training and VIRTUS facilitator training to enable leadership in these programs for staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Maintain familiarity with national and local social policy priorities established by KCC, CCUSA, USCCB, and community allies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Catholic Charities promotes a diverse workforce. Employees are not required to be Catholic; however, employees must understand that they are a visible representative of the Archdiocesan Church and will not publicly oppose the teachings of the Catholic Faith nor publicly advocate for any position in conflict with Catholic teaching or the specific positions of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This requirement includes any public speech, demonstration, or writing, including the use of social media or other digital technologies.
• A minimum of 5 years in ministry and/or social/human services leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in theology, education, or related field required.
• Current VIRTUS or Safe Environment certifications or ability to become credentialed within the first thirty days of employment.
• Ability to work effectively and create/teach curriculum in an environment that is culturally, geographically, and environmentally diverse.
• Flexibility with work schedule to attend after-hour events and/or weekend events.
• Deep understanding of Catholic Social Teachings and a passion for service.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven managerial skills and the ability to recruit, develop, and coach high-performing teams of service professionals and volunteers.
• Must complete background screening, drug testing, and any ongoing training as required.
• Must possess a valid Kansas or Missouri Driver’s license, dependable transportation, current vehicle insurance, and a verified safe driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, standing, bending, and moving.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.
• Must have the physical ability to complete assignments in a variety of environments: homes of those served, extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
• Must have the physical ability to make visits to a variety of environments that may include walking on rough terrain and climbing stairs.
• Must have the physical ability to effectively communicate with others.
• Must have the physical ability and appropriate licensure for driving.