Director of Special Projects and Strategy

Position Title: Director of Special Projects and Strategy

Reports To: President

Position Type: Full-Time

Description: The St. John Paul II Foundation is a national Catholic apostolate proclaiming the Good News about life and family through education and formation. We accomplish our mission through three hallmark initiatives – Together in Holiness, Converging Roads, Clergy Initiatives. The Director of Special Projects and Strategy will serve as a strategic collaborator with the President overseeing the successful planning and execution of high-priority organizational initiatives. This role requires in depth knowledge of Church teachings and the ability to communicate with Church officials to expand the reach of the mission. It also requires strong project management expertise, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to manage complex relationships with external stakeholders. The Director of Special Projects and Strategy agrees to teach, advocate, encourage, counsel, and witness in keeping with the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith and teachings.

Major Duties:

Strategic Collaboration and Church Relations

1. Establish and manage strategic collaborations with bishops, pastors, and other Church leaders to secure partnerships and/or support for the Foundation's initiatives. This requires the ability to articulate the Foundation's mission and programs in theological and pastoral terms that resonate with Church officials.
2. Oversee this collaboration process, including defining project objectives, setting key performance indicators (KPIs), monitoring progress, and ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission.
3. Act as an extension of the Office of the President, representing the Foundation at external events and professional meetings.

Strategic Communications

1. Set the direction for key stakeholder communication initiatives in collaboration with the President and Chief of Staff.
2. Draft high-level correspondence, prioritize emails and phone calls, and respond on behalf of the President to key partners, including Church officials and donors.
3. Prepare necessary documents for meetings, presentations, and organize reports for internal and external stakeholders.
4. Oversee and support the Communications & Events Coordinator, with special emphasis on creating, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive strategic plan for Foundation communications, marketing, and social media.

Philanthropy and Donor Portfolio Management

1. Manage and oversee all aspects of a portfolio of major donors who believe in our mission. Use the opportunities of connecting with donors to teach, advocate, encourage, counsel, and witness the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic faith, and by extension, the teachings of St. John Paul II as experienced through the initiatives offered by the St. John Paul II Foundation.
2. Work closely with the President to ensure prospects and current donors move effectively through the donor management cycle.
3. Create comprehensive reports detailing philanthropic activity, project KPIs, and organizational progress.
4. Maintain and update the portfolio of donor records within the database and giving charts throughout the year.
5. Maintain a communication schedule and ongoing stewardship notes for current donors.

Event and Project Execution

1. Oversee, lead, and execute the annual Splendor of Truth Gala, including coordinating all details, securing the event committee, and organizing volunteers and staff.
2. Plan, coordinate, and execute special events for the Office of the President, including post-event follow-up.
3. Oversee the implementation of an internal initiative for team professional development, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's Catholic culture.

General Duties

1. Contribute to the professional environment and Catholic culture of the Foundation.
2. Maintain strict confidentiality with all matters.
3. Participate in staff meetings and other projects connected with the Foundation and perform other duties as assigned by the President.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Project Management, Business Administration, Theology, Catholic Studies, or related field.
• Experience working with high level church officials.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-level projects from initiation to close, including setting metrics and reporting outcomes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, as well as excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong Candidates will:

• Manifest a passion for the Church's teaching on the Gospel of the Family and the Gospel of Life.
• Have in depth knowledge of Church teachings and the ability to communicate with Church officials to expand the reach of the mission.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage several high-level projects simultaneously and with great attention to detail.
• Exhibit an ability to independently move projects forward, prioritize tasks, and meet various deadlines across multiple projects.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in working with Church officials, staff, partners, and benefactors.

This position is located in the Greater Houston area and requires the candidate to work in-person. The ideal candidate will be in the area or willing to relocate. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience.