Associate Director of Social Concerns

Job Summary: 

The Associate Director connects the diocese and its parishes with USCCB offices and other national programs concerned with social justice issues. The position reports to the Secretariat of Life, Charity, and Justice Director.

Essential Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in your professional and personal life.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Serve as a resource for the Bishop and other diocesan staff regarding Social Concerns issues. 
• Provide language for the Bishop and his delegates in communication, statements, and responses to inquiries related to Social Justice. 
• Prepare pastoral resources regarding Social Justice issues for clergy and lay parish leadership.
• Provide ongoing formation to clergy and lay ministers on Catholic Social Teaching throughout the diocese.  
• Coordinate the advocacy work of the diocese with the Texas Catholic Conference.
• Connect the work of USCCB offices and campaigns to the diocese and with clergy and parishes (Faithful Citizenship, Religious      Freedom, etc.).
• Act as diocesan director for CCHD and co-director of CRS, including supervising CCHD interns if the case arises. 
• Collaborate with Catholic Charities of Central Texas to advance of the mission.
• Support the work of diocesan social justice-related committees and commissions.
• Prepare and manage the Social Concern Office budget.
• Participate in the Charity and Justice department of the TCC as directed by the Bishop.
• Study legislation, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications that would affect the interests of the Catholic Church and its doctrine in any way.
• Suggest means of interpreting the Church's Social Doctrine for individuals, public and private organizations, businesses, organizations, and institutions.
• Develop National / Regional / Local Partnerships and Relationships with entities germane to the Church’s social justice ministry.
• Remain attentive to the reality of a culturally diverse diocesan population, especially Hispanics, incorporating cultural sensitivity into all facets of the ministry.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes reasonable availability to parishes, diocesan staff, and other customers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of Catholic theology, especially Catholic social doctrine, and social ethics.
• Knowledge of and skill in interpreting and applying relevant Papal and Episcopal social doctrine documents to parishes and Catholic parishioners.
•  Knowledge and understanding of basic advocacy skills and techniques.
• Knowledge of the USCCB offices of Justice, Peace and Human Development, Migration and Refugee Services, CCHD, and CRS.
• Skill in writing, public speaking, and teaching adults.
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, religious, and laity.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to use effective supervision strategies and techniques with assigned staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in theology, philosophy, or other liberal arts curriculum from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of full-time work experience, including adult education/formation in social ministry, working in a collaborative ministry setting.

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must comply with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout employment.