Director of Mission

Location: Portsmouth, VA

About the role

The Director of Mission assists the Chief Mission Officer of Virginia by providing leadership and direction to ensure the integration and continuation of the Mission and Values of Bon Secours Mercy Health. The Director helps coordinate efforts so that the principles and traditions of the Catholic health ministry, the legacy of the founding sponsor, and all sponsors of Bon Secours Mercy Health are continued. The mission leader engages the site(s) in a variety of ways and at many levels, integrating the mission and values into programs and practices. The Director works jointly with the Mission and Values Team to implement programs and standards for mission formation and outcome measurements, and is responsible for coordination of mission and values education, workplace spirituality, ethical decision making, and advocacy. The Mission and Values Team collaborates in planning and coordinating heritage celebrations throughout Bon Secours Mercy Health.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a mission connection with site(s) and respond to organizational needs from a mission perspective.
• Initiate and recommend department budget; formulate, review, and approve all budget expenditures with the VP of Mission.
• Participate in regular market or site meetings, Operational Team meetings, and committees related to Mission and Values.
• Report monthly projects, concerns, and issues to the Vice President of Mission.
• Maintain a visible presence at the site, making rounds to support patient satisfaction and Mission and Values.
• Promote use of rituals to help employees understand the spiritual meaning and Catholic heritage of key celebrations.
• Orient new hires to Mission and values, organizational culture, and the historical legacy of the Sisters and Catholic identity.
• Orient new managers to their role in clinical and organizational ethics, emphasizing each employee’s responsibility to live the mission.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to recognize and celebrate employees who demonstrate commitment to Mission through values‑based behaviors, such as the Spirit of the Mission Committee and Employee of the Month presentations.
• Provide leadership to Mission Committees and the organization for annual heritage celebrations to help staff internalize the legacy of the sponsors.

Requirements

• Graduate degree (Master’s) in Theology, Religious Studies, or a related field, or a commitment to obtain a master’s degree from an accredited institution within two years of start date (or an alternative timeframe approved by the organization).
• Practicing member of the Roman Catholic Church (preferred).
• 2–3 years of demonstrated leadership experience in a health‑care or not‑for‑profit organization.
• Leadership experience with faith‑based organizations.
• Strong working knowledge of Catholic theology, as outlined in CHA Competencies for Mission Leaders.
• Strong working knowledge of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.

Skills

• Commitment to embracing and sharing the values of Bon Secours Mercy Health System; strong sense of service orientation.
• Skilled at relationship building.
• Effective communicator who can work collaboratively with diverse internal and external constituencies.
• Outstanding public speaking and presentation skills.
• Effective negotiator who can advocate effectively and build consensus.
• Effective research, analytical, judgment, and problem‑solving skills.

Compensation

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses.
• 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources, and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short‑ and long‑term disability, backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.