Chief Operating Officer

JOB TITLE: Chief Operating Officer (COO) -Diocese of Joliet

 AGENCY: All non-ministry operational and administrative functions of the Diocese of Joliet, including Finance/Accounting, Catholic Schools, Legal, Development and Fundraising, Information Technology (IT), Human Resources (HR), Communications, Cemeteries, Risk Management, and Buildings and Properties

REPORTS TO:   Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet                      EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/15/2024

DIRECT REPORTS

Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Superintendent of Schools, General Counsel, Human Resources Director, Chief Development Officer, and Communications and Marketing Director who will also report to the Bishop.

OPPORTUNITY

The Diocese of Joliet is a thriving and growing community serving over 520,000 Catholics in 117 parishes across a geographic area of 4,218 miles in Northern Illinois. The Diocese is divided into eight deaneries serving Catholics in DuPage, Kankakee, Will, Grundy, Ford, Iroquois, and Kendall counties. Bishop Ronald A Hicks, who has led the Diocese since 2020, seeks a trusted Chief Operating Officer (COO) and strategic visionary who is mission driven, goal-oriented, and a dynamic Catholic operations leader to assist in directing the Diocese. The COO, in partnership with the Vicar General and Director of Ministries, will help to foster the mission of the Catholic Church through the Bishop’s vision of Catechesis, Evangelization, and Faith into Action.

JOB SUMMARY

The COO, in coordination with the Bishop, will oversee all non-ministry and non-church operational and administrative functions of the Diocese.  The COO will ensure that the strategic, pastoral direction of the Bishop is enacted through the successful operation and effectiveness of Catholic schools which support the Diocesan Mission of Faith in Action, Catechesis, and Evangelization.  Further, the COO will develop and manage (with the CFO) the annual diocesan budget and financial plan to fund Diocesan staff, programs, and initiatives, including the ongoing fundraising and advancement strategies to ensure the long-term financial future of the Diocese. Finally, the COO will manage and oversee the shared service functions (HR, Legal, IT, Buildings and Properties, Communications) to ensure the effective performance and success of the Diocesan staff. The COO will have responsibility to oversee the annual performance management review process in coordination with the HR Director.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the Bishop in setting and implementing strategic priorities for the Diocese.
• Builds and develops a leadership team to successfully deliver on the mission of the Diocese and annual objectives for the Diocesan center.
• Partners with the Vicar General on all issues involving church and canonical matters.
• Guides Diocesan financial and operating activities and strategy in consultation with the Bishop to reflect evolving needs and priorities.
• Supports Diocesan-wide communication efforts as directed by the Bishop.
• Overseas Diocesan Technology strategy and vision to ensure effective and efficient deployment of technology in managing infrastructure, equipment, electronic records management, cyber security, and digital communications.
• Oversees planning and prioritization processes, determines the supporting resource requirements, and oversees implementation and execution.
• Creates and implements the consultative processes that will support the development and implementation of Diocesan strategic priorities.
• Serves on Diocesan boards, commissions, and councils as necessary to effectively communicate and provide insight into Diocesan-wide activities and priorities.
• Maintains active networks with parish and school personnel and volunteers to gain feedback on the performance and impact of the Diocesan center.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful COO will be a self-starting, proactive, and collaborative professional who possesses the ability to function in a positive, strategic, and cooperative manner. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills that convey information clearly, and the ability to engage in constructive dialogue are essential. Must be flexible and able to pivot in response to the changing needs of the Diocese. Must be able to manage multiple priorities and adhere to prescribed timelines. The COO must be able to facilitate open communication lines within the Diocesan offices, while maintaining oversight of assigned areas and ensuring a cooperative working environment. In addition to having the appropriate operational leadership experience needed to excel in the role, the COO must have the experience to cultivate and develop a faith-filled, collaborative, high-performing administrative and operational leadership team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree and preferably an MBA, with a concentration in Finance/ Management/Operations/Strategy.
• 15+ years of work experience in a business setting. Proven track record in leadership and general management and developing and executing budget and operating plans.
• Experience in managing teams of 100+ people in a multifunctional organization, with annual budgets greater than $50 million.
• Experience leading organizational changes and working in partnership with others.
• Strategic thinker – sees beyond day-to-day activity and plans for change.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including proven ability to attract, recruit, and develop talent.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral.
• Since this is a ministerial position, must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing, and must know, profess and act consistently in accordance with the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Catholic Church, and with the mission, philosophy, objectives and policies of the Diocese of Joliet.
• A faith-filled practicing Catholic who loves the Catholic Church. Service and/or experience on a parish or Diocesan council or board will aid transition to this role. Sensitivity to Church organizational culture will be critical to success.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is a full-time exempt position, with benefits. This position requires travel throughout the Diocese of Joliet, which entails some evening and weekend activity. Flexibility of schedule and reliable transportation is required.

If you are interested in the outstanding opportunity, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].  No phone calls, please. Please reference Chief Operating Officer in the subject line of your email.

This document is not intended to be a comprehensive list of work-related functions.  All duties and work conditions listed are subject to change at the discretion of the Diocese of Joliet Management.  The Diocese of Joliet will, in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), accommodate essential job functions whenever feasible.