Director, Advocacy and Community Engagement, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County

POSITION SUMMARY:
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to fill the Director position for the Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) department. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Community Advocacy and Family Supports, this role is pivotal in advancing the agency’s commitment to serving communities in need, amplifying community voices, and fostering engagement to promote economic equity and economic mobility. ACE serves as the primary driver of outreach to parishes and the community within the organization. The Director will lead various programs focused on outreach and community engagement, parish partnerships, grassroots community organizing and volunteerism across the agency. A key focus will be implementing the agency’s engagement in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, with a specific emphasis on convening parish outreach networks, social justice initiatives, connecting and organizing with parish communities across the diocese, and addressing the root causes of socio-economic disparities.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic leadership skills and possess a deep passion for community service and engagement. Collaboration will be fundamental, requiring the ability to cultivate strong relationships and work closely with various stakeholders including parishes and other entities within the Diocese of San Jose to drive positive community change.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership and Vision Development

  • Ensure alignment between the agency’s long-range plan and the progress towards its goals. Provide strategic leadership for parish partnerships, community engagement, volunteer services, and advocacy in line with the mission and priorities outlined in the long-range plan.
  • Cultivate a culture of collaboration, effective communication, shared learning, continuous improvement, and accountability among team members, leveraging their talents for organizational success.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic vision for the Advocacy & Community Engagement Department in alignment with the agency’s long-range plan to disrupt poverty.

Staff Supervision & Development

  • Recruit, train, supervise, develop leadership and support staff in accordance with CCSCC human resource policies and procedures.
  • Foster an environment that motivates and inspires staff to work collaboratively toward goals; establish annual program, department and staff goals and objectives; track results against these goals as well as accountability protocols; provide guidance to proactively troubleshoot program performance.
  • Establish performance metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of advocacy and community engagement activities.
  • Implement and support professional development opportunities and training to enhance staff skills and knowledge in advocacy, community engagement, social justice, Catholic social teaching, and trauma-informed care.

Advocacy and Community Engagement

  • Supervise the Parish Engagement programs, including Handicapables, fostering partnerships with Diocese of San Jose parishes to expand agency services and address social justice issues effectively.
  • Drive the expansion of trauma-informed peer accompaniment teams, ensuring a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals and families on their paths out of poverty.
  • Provide supervision to the Community Engagement program team, offering strategic guidance for collaborations within the diocese.
  • Supervise the Outreach and Community Organizing (OCO) team, fostering teams of promotoras dedicated to outreach and amplifying community voices in strategically targeted neighborhoods, in alignment with the agency’s long-term plan.
  • Offer strategic leadership for the department’s support of family-centric, neighborhood-based wraparound services at parish and community sites, fostering sustainable community development.
  • Spearhead the agency’s volunteer strategy and oversee the volunteer program’s implementation, including recruitment, training, coordination, and retention. Cultivate strategic partnerships with corporate, community, and parish stakeholders to advance the agency’s mission.

Collaboration and Networking

  • Convene Catholic social services organizations and ministries throughout the diocese, developing the capacity of parish outreach efforts, fostering training, networking opportunities, and enhancing collaboration for greater collective impact.
  • Foster close collaboration with community social justice partners to advocate for and amplify community voices, with a special emphasis on working closely with the diocesan Office of Life, Justice, and Peace to organize and deliver training sessions to parishes on pertinent social justice matters, promoting alignment with the agency’s mission.
  • Facilitate the formation of a diocesan task force on preventing housing displacement, promoting collaborative efforts to tackle complex societal challenges.
  • Collaborate with the diocese and other internal departments to support and organize diocesan Mental Health Ministries, advocating for mental health awareness and support within the community.

Data Analysis

  • Drive data-driven initiatives to evaluate program impact, identify areas for improvement, and shape program design for enduring positive results.
  • Oversee the collection and analysis of data to assess program effectiveness in uplifting families out of poverty, guiding strategic planning for future initiatives.
  • Provide comprehensive reports on program impact based on data analysis.

Financial Management & Fund Development

  • Develop and oversee program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources to maximize program impact; consult closely with the Fiscal Department on monthly revenues and expenses to ensure budget is maintained and breaks even.
  • Seek and secure funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to sustain and expand program services.
  • Oversee grants and contracts to ensure timely completion of promised deliverables and communication with funders; design and adapt service delivery methods to meet regulatory, contractual obligations and client needs.
  • Support the development team and annual parish appeal for major support of ACE.
  • In collaboration with the compliance and quality assurance departments, manage programs and staff to create a constructive culture that assures that CCSCC staff can meet contract requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., social work, public administration, communications, theology). Master’s degree highly preferred.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in a nonprofit or community-based organization, with a focus on advocacy, community engagement, and program management.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Proven ability to inspire and lead a diverse team, effectively manage programs, and drive strategic initiatives.
  • Experience in organizing and training volunteer networks for outreach or social action.
  • Background in social services, volunteer management, and/or community development.
  • Demonstrate a passion for social justice and community empowerment.
  • Experience in cultivating and managing partnerships, particularly with Catholic institutions such as dioceses and parishes’ to cultivate relationships with parishes and across diocesan structures including with pastors, lay ministers and diocesan task forces.
  • Demonstrate a deep knowledge of, and a commitment to, Catholic social teaching.
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches and peer support programs.
  • Proven track record of collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including religious organizations, social service agencies, and community leaders.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate the organization’s mission, engage diverse audiences, and convey complex social justice issues.
  • Experience in providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship to program staff, creating a positive and supportive work environment.
  • Proficiency in financial management, including budget development, monitoring, and securing funding for programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use a computer workstation.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Ability to travel to agency sites within Santa Clara County.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Criminal background check via livescan fingerprint.
  • Must have TB test performed and submit results.
  • Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster status.
  • Automobile, valid driver’s license and auto insurance per agency policy; or have access to reliable transportation

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work may be performed at multiple sites, generally in an office environment.
  • Home facility is located at Zanker headquarters.
  • Some work will be spent driving a vehicle on community roads.

HOURS AND OTHER CONDITIONS:

  • Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position. Hours will vary on the basis of client availability and agency operation including some evenings and weekends.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.

Catholic Charities is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization and employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability. Persons receiving services in our programs are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities.

 

Travel Required

Yes. Some travel between agency sites and parishes within Santa Clara County.Salary: $115,000 USD per year

How to Apply: Email to Danielle Fae Patubo, dcancino@catholiccharitiesscc.org

Individual Giving Manager, Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School

Job Title: Individual Giving Manager, Advancement

Are you an experienced annual giving professional with a passion for student scholarships? Are you systems-oriented and data-driven with an ability to plan and execute a variety of annual giving and individual giving strategies? Are you motivated by the ability to provide key funding for talented, underserved students so they can receive an excellent education and gain valuable corporate work experience? Consider applying to be the Individual Giving Manager at Cristo Rey San José and joining our dynamic team.

It is truly an exciting time to be part of the school’s Advancement team since this past fiscal year (2023-2024) marked the beginning of the first year of the quiet phase of an ambitious comprehensive campaign focused on educational access and opportunity. Nearly half of the campaign goal is allocated for annual student scholarships.

School Overview and Mission:

Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School (CRSJ) opened our doors in the fall of 2014 as a part of the 39-school (soon to be 40) Cristo Rey Network. Our school empowers students from underserved communities in San José to be men and women for others who are prepared spiritually, academically, and professionally to complete college and who will become accomplished leaders committed to a lifelong pursuit of learning, faith, and justice. All CRSJ students participate in the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), through which they work one day a week at a Partner corporation, government agency, or non-profit, thereby gaining professional skills and contributing to the sustainability of the organization.

Located next to the Five Wounds Parish on E. Santa Clara St. and Highway 101 serving students from East San José and nearby communities, CRSJ offers a rigorous, college prep Jesuit, Catholic education, creating path-changing opportunities while meeting the academic and social-emotional needs for all students.

Overview of Position:

The Individual Giving Manager plans and executes all aspects of annual giving fundraising for Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School and oversees the coordination of the individual giving fundraising pipeline. Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Individual Giving Manager collaborates with a team of 5-6 fundraising and marketing staff.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

A. IndividualGivingProgramLeadership

  • In partnership with the Vice President of Advancement and the Advancement team, ensure the annual fundraising campaign (the year-end appeal) delivers annual scholarships and operating support to meet annual school targets and campaign goals.
  • Develop and implement annual giving strategies that will grow individual giving revenue and donor count, including working closely with the team on messaging, design, and timing of direct mail campaigns (Impact Report and Christmas mailer).
  • Assess and improve annual giving discovery, cultivation, solicitation, gift processing, and stewardship systems. Examples will include donor-giving patterns and donor research, including capacity screening.
  • Grow and manage the Giving Day campaign leading up to the year-end Christmas/annual appeal, including collaborating with the Marketing Manager on digital appeals and social media posts.
  • Design and implement a recurring giving program, including all facets such as web page, and communications to support and grow this revenue channel.
  • Work closely with the Advancement Services Manager to run target lists, help clean up database information, devise reporting processes, etc.
  • Assist and collaborate with the Events Manager as needed to facilitate collective scholarship fundraising through a signature annual event, Rey of Hope.
  • Assist and participate in organizational events, including student and family-facing academic events, to broadly engage the external community and advance the mission of Cristo Rey San José.

B. Annual Giving Activities: Direct Appeal & Stewardship

  • Drive donor retention and growth through effective and annual giving appeals (mail, email, and other digital engagement).
  • Work collectively with the Advancement team to optimize annual giving strategies, reimagine or retire low-impact activities, and pilot new initiatives.
  • Frame the Cristo Rey student experience through compelling messages and profiles; design, write, and edit a variety of donor communications.
  • Design and manage a multi-tiered strategy for individual donor stewardship.
  • Optimize data analytics and advancement services best practices.
  • Cross-train on grants management, gift processing, and data reporting to provide backup to team members.
  • Other duties as assigned.

C. Frontline Fundraising

  • Warmly welcome donors and friends to school events, co-host school tours, and engage in robust conversations about Cristo Rey with prospective and current donors.
  • Maintain a small personal portfolio of current and prospective leadership annual giving donors (typically $100 to $1,000) and secure donations and multi-year commitments of $1,000-$10,000.
  • Maintain accurate and complete records of donor meetings and communications.
  • Continually gain and apply knowledge of the greater San José and San Francisco Bay
  • Area business and community leaders, and their philanthropy.

The successful candidate will be able to:

  • Exhibit a professional presence and strong interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to initiate and enjoy direct communication with donors and potential donors.
  • Demonstrate experience creating targeted and segmented annual giving appeals, initiatives, and campaigns.
  • Proactive self-starter with a strong work ethic and results-driven orientation.
  • Experience with budgeting, planning, and project administration.
  • Prioritize projects effectively, take initiative, demonstrate resourcefulness, and respond flexibly to changing work demands.
  • Support the culturally, racially, linguistically, and economically diverse population we serve.
  • Ability to work well independently as well as with all levels of internal management and staff.
  • Show exceptional judgment and integrity, including maintaining confidentiality as appropriate.
  • Ability to handle diverse, simultaneous tasks, meet deadlines, and attend to follow-through.
  • Demonstrate an appreciation for the mission of Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • 4+ years of professional experience, preferably with 2+ years in an annual giving or similar fundraising role.
  • Development, marketing, and/or sales experience.
  • Ability to motivate, influence, and train others.
  • Ability to use discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information.
  • Expert use of Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel, and
  • PowerPoint), with familiarity/ease with databases and comfort with data analytics.
  • Availability to work evenings and weekends when required.

DESIRED:

  • Experience working with and supporting students and families of color.
  • Professional experience in educational or non-profit fundraising.
  • Demonstrated success securing gifts of $500-2,500+ from individuals.

SALARY AND COMPENSATION

● Range between $80,000 and $100,000 based on education and years of experience. Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Employees’ premiums are covered for medical, dental and vision at 100% and dependents at 50% if elected. This position is eligible for enrollment in the group voluntary retirement plan – 403b.

TO APPLY

Send resumé, cover letter, and application questions to Christina Dickson, Director of Human Resources at hr@cristoreysj.org. Accepting applications until position is filled.

Recruitment, Retention, and Marketing Director II, St. Lawrence Elementary and Middle School, 2024 – 2025 School Year

Saint Lawrence Elementary and Middle School challenges students from diverse backgrounds to grow academically and emotionally within a supportive Catholic community. Our school fosters individuality and active learning, helping children thrive now and in the future.

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the general supervision of the School Principal, the Recruitment, Retention, and Marketing Director is responsible for planning, leading, organizing, and controlling the school’s recruitment, retention, and marketing programs in support of the school’s mission and goals. S/He is also responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications plan that effectively communicates the school’s mission, brand, and product to potential students and their families for enrollment purposes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (and other duties as assigned):

Recruitment: Develop and implement a recruiting program that focuses on identifying and contacting potential families for enrollment into the school, including but not limited to:

  • Creating a strategic and tactical program for student recruitment throughout all grade levels.
  • Planning and preparing an Admissions Calendar for community and school website.
  • Welcoming prospective students and their families to the campus through a variety of strategies including open house events, student tours and campus visits, informational meetings, and faculty and staff meetand-greet events.
  • Managing and overseeing the admissions process for new students from first inquiry through completed enrollment.
  • Representing the school in the parish and local community.
  • Represent the school at appropriate diocesan meetings.
  • Maintaining admission statistics and evaluating effectiveness of the recruitment process.
  • Building a network of relationships with outside institutions and groups (schools, churches, civic associations) that can be helpful in attracting quality students.
  • Creating positive prospective and current parent experiences through tours, events, and similar activities.

Retention: Develop and implement a plan for retaining current families including, but not limited to:

  • Hosting internal marketing, Pre-K and Kindergarten readiness events, and celebratory and community events.
  • Collaborating with teachers to incorporate grade-level promotion materials into classroom activities.

Marketing: Oversee internal and external and direct and indirect marketing efforts of the school including, but not limited to:

  • Creating, implementing, and maintaining all social media communication platforms.
  • Maintaining and updating the school website as an effective external communication and marketing tool.
  • Producing informational pieces for local media, targeted neighborhoods, and targeted audiences.
  • Communicating regularly with prospective families with a grade appropriate method and message.
  • Adhering to the school’s brand standards or, when necessary, assisting in revising these standards to present a clear, effective, and positive image.
  • Seeking out new, creative, and effective means of communicating the school’s message for marketing and enrollment purposes

General: Contribute to a positive school environment by:

  • Working with classroom teachers and school administrators to highlight school programs.
  • Communicate effectively with students, parents, and other professionals.
  • Collaborate with peers to enhance the work environment and support program effectiveness.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Act as a role model of professionalism in a Catholic environment.
  • Support the philosophy, policies, and goals of the school, as well as the decisions made by the Principal and Administrators.
  • Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all students.
  • Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the parent/student handbook and employee handbook.
  • Work as part of a team
  • Attend faculty, administrative, and all other meetings as needed.

Vision, Strategy and Leadership:

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.

Collaboration and Communication:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Understanding of marketing principles as they relate to student admissions.
  • Understanding of and experience with a variety of social media platforms and how each can support the school’s mission and marketing efforts.
  • Ability to gather and analyze data to set direction.
  • Ability to project manage, organize, delegate, and prioritize with high-energy as a self-starter in an atmosphere in which time sensitive deadlines are the norm, as are interruptions.
  • Ability to create long range plans and manage the daily details of implementation.
  • Capacity to initiate and nurture relationships with potential school families.
  • Ability to work non-standard hours with flexible availability.
  • Ability to work independently and with a sense of immediacy.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills with a strong customer service focus (internal and external).
  • Ethical and discreet team player.

THIS POSITION SUPERVISES (OTHERS): Event volunteers including, but not limited to, parents, staff, and vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM THE JOB SUCCESSFULLY:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Education and/or Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business or marketing.
  • Two to five years of admissions and marketing experience.
  • Experience in Catholic education, preferred.

Leadership Skills:

  • Coaching/Mentoring

Language Skills:

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with an ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders of the school.
  • English, required
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) required

Technical Skills:

  • Proficient at word processing, presentation, and electronic mail applications.
  • Proficient in web-based and application-based marketing tools.
  • Proficient with admission software, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google applications.

Physical Demands:

  • Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, repetitive motion, bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, stretching, twisting
  • Can operate standard office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, personal computer, telephone and alarm system
  • Can lift 25 lbs. in compliance with safety standards
  • Level of vision, hearing, speaking required

Other Requirements:

  • Able to work evenings and weekends if required
  • Must have an understanding and acceptance for the mission of the Catholic Church.
  • Must support the teachings and values of the Catholic Church and its mission and act as a Minister of the Faith

Salary Range: $82,288.71 – $95,259.12 per year based on education and experience.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume at christine.frea@dsj.org and adriana.hilario@dsj.org

School Facilities Manager, St. Christopher School, 2024 – 2025 School Year

St. Christopher School is seeking a school facilities manager for the 2024-2025 school year. St. Christopher School is located in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San José serving 520 students in grades TK-8.

Established in 1955, St. Christopher School is a Catholic educational community within St. Christopher Parish. St. Christopher School is dedicated to educating children to become faith-filled leaders who serve God, consider their actions, and step up. Centered on the message of Jesus Christ, the school promotes the growth of students’ faith life, community responsibilities, and individual talents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (and other duties as assigned):

Develop and implement the school maintenance and facilities, security, safety, cleanliness policies, systems, and procedures.

  • Oversee the physical plant as directed by the Principal.
  • Schedule, supervise and manage all property inspections.
  • Oversee the scheduling, and monitor repair service calls, including oversight of the work done by outside service providers.
  • Oversee the scheduling of regular preventative maintenance of all mechanical equipment.
  • Respond to maintenance requests from staff.
  • Work with the school custodian and/or maintenance vendors to help facilitate or complete facility repairs.
  • Manage property aging/replacement long range plan.
  • Support the management of all capital improvement projects.
  • Actively participate on the school’s Emergency Safety Leadership Team.
  • Assist in readying the facility for special events.
  • Coordinate facilities rentals.
  • Provide setup and cleaning services for evening or weekend activities, as required.
  • Ensure the school’s compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations.
  • Oversee the school’s campus trash, recycling, and composting responsibilities.
  • Assist with Emergency Operations plans and execution.
  • Maintain emergency equipment and supplies.
  • Regularly inspect all work areas to ensure that no safety hazards exist.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Exhibit flexibility in day-to-day school environments.
  • Exhibit judgment and tact in performing duties with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent organizational and human relations skills.
  • Self-motivated and reliable.
  • Able to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with principal, parents, staff, and the general public.
  • Able to manage moderate levels of stress.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills with a strong customer service focus (internal and external).
  • Ethical and discreet team player.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Act as a role model of professionalism in a Catholic environment.
  • Support the philosophy, policies, and goals of the school, as well as the decisions made by the Principal and Administrators.
  • Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all students.
  • Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined in the parent/student handbook and employee handbook.
  • Work as part of a team.
  • Attend faculty, administrative, and all other meetings as needed.

THIS POSITION SUPERVISES: Maintenance Worker (if applicable) THIS POSITION SUPERVISES (OTHERS): N/A

QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM THE JOB SUCCESSFULLY:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Education and/or Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience in relevant area.
  • At least three years’ experience working as a Facilities Manager, preferably in a school setting.
  • Sufficient training to perform tasks assigned by the Principal.

Language Skills:

  • Proactive communicator.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with an ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders of the school.
  • English, required.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese) preferred.

Technical Skills:

  • Detail-oriented, organized, and willing to take initiative.
  • Understanding of basic construction language, materials, timelines, and equipment.
  • Use of project management systems.
  • Working knowledge of Workday, or willingness to learn.
  • Proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google applications.

Physical Demands:

  • Must be physically present on campus grounds.
  • Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, repetitive motion, bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, stretching, twisting.
  • Can lift 25 lbs. in compliance with safety standards.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Handles exposure to climate change and temperature.
  • Level of vision, hearing, speaking required.

Other Requirements:

  • Able to work evenings and weekends if required.
  • Must have an understanding and acceptance for the mission of the Catholic Church.
  • Must support the teachings and values of the Catholic Church and its mission

 

Salary Range: $74,807.65 – $86,599.21 per year based on education and experience.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to school Principal, Andrew Armann, at andrew.armann@dsj.org

 

 

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County Chief Executive Officer

Silicon Valley’s largest faith-based human services nonprofit seeks an accomplished and inspiring CEO to lead a new family-centered community change initiative that enables families to rise out of poverty for good, and, in the process, to guide an organizational cultural shift to client-centric wrap-around engagements.

BACKGROUND

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County helps people of all cultures and beliefs rise up out of poverty and overcome barriers to economic mobility and wellness. Rooted in a legacy of faith-based social services for nearly a century, the agency takes a holistic approach to helping people change their lives for good, focusing on the whole person, their family, and the community through a three-fold strategy of direct services, advocacy and convening.

Santa Clara County is the 5th richest county in the country, yet poverty runs deep and available services are fragmented and not always easy to access. As a leader in providing broad and impactful safety net services for over 40 years, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County (CCSCC) is uniquely positioned to change this and the organization is at a pivotal point: guided by its strategic plan, Footsteps: Pathways to Self-Sufficiency, CCSCC is implementing a systematic, scalable, and measurable family-centered community change initiative that enables families to get out of poverty and stay there. Serving clients in their own neighborhoods, CCSCC addresses issues of access to food, housing, healthcare, education and economic security, and community organizing. Within CCSCC, this approach will integrate siloed services, create more cohesive, less fragmented family services and foster greater teamwork among staff and a deeper connection to the agency. The findings and data from Footsteps will be used to elevate and institutionalize the agency’s advocacy and policy capabilities to break the cycle of generational poverty.

As the social service and social justice arm of the Catholic Diocese of San Jose, Catholic Charities strengthens communities through parish, community, and neighborhood development, and annually serves ~80,000 people at over 90 locations. The organization has an operating budget of $56M of which approximately 58% comes from government funding, 20% from contributed revenue, 16% from in-kind donations, and 6% from fees. At the end of FY23 CCSCC had net assets of $36M (up 69% over the last 5 years).

The CEO is essential to stewarding the agency’s bold vision and is responsible for maximizing the agency’s impact in reducing, preventing, and alleviating poverty in Santa Clara County. The top priorities for the CEO are to:

  • Deliver on the “Footsteps” vision which will involve keeping the organization operationally focused, managing the portfolio of human services contracts (~30 programs), guiding the staff through a cultural transition with compassion, and making data-driven course corrections in pursuit of the goal.
  • Be the “face of the agency” to funders, donors, partners, and the community. Proactively cultivate donors, generate awareness of the organization’s impact, drive policy support, and participate in strategic alliances.

The CEO is a member of the CCSCC Board of Directors and works closely with the Board Chair who is the Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose and with the elected Board President. The Board of Directors oversees the evaluation and compensation of the CEO. The CEO’s work is supported by a talented and diverse Senior Executive Team, including the Chief Programs and Strategy Officer, Chief Development Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Human Resources Officer. Overall, CCSCC has ~560 staff members of which more than 75% identify as female and more than 60% are Latinx and BIPOC.

The CEO of CCSCC is ex officio President of Charities Housing, the agency’s affiliated housing development corporation and a separate 501(c)(3). In that role the President hires and oversees the Executive Director of Charities Housing, serves on the Charities Housing Board and is a member of the Executive Committee. There is a separate elected Board Chair who facilitates the Board meetings. Charities Housing provides permanent housing with service coordination support from CCSCC. It has over 1,300 units under management, with another 2000 in the pipeline.

BASIC FUNCTION

The CEO will inspire the commitment of staff, volunteers, and the community to the vision, values, mission, and strategic direction of the organization.

Ongoing Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

  • Become thoroughly familiar with the agency’s history and culture, programs, and services rooted in Catholic social teaching; establish collaborative working relationships with the Board of Directors, executive and program teams, and other constituencies.
  • Foster and sustain a culture of inclusivity, cooperation, trust, communication, mutual support, teamwork, and integrity that attracts, retains, motivates, empowers, and develops a multicultural, diverse, high-quality staff and Board.
  • Inspire and motivate the Senior Leadership Team so they continue moving in a positive direction; set clear goals for accountability and the oversight and management of their teams and programs; promote transparent communication and build trust with leadership and staff.
  • Guide the agency through a cultural transition with compassion and conviction. General Management,

Finance and Administration

  • Ensure the day-to-day operations and programs are professionally and efficiently organized and administered. Set priorities, support the institution of operational processes and make thoughtful, data-driven decisions that incorporate input from relevant sources and dissenting views.
  • Prioritize the importance of developing and empowering the team; hold people to account; value and embrace the subject matter expertise of others.
  • With the Chief Financial Officer, maintain CCSCC’s fiscal health and, in particular, ensure that services provided are sustainably funded, that debt is avoided, and that long-term financial planning is robust; remain current on the ever-shifting public funding environment.
  • Ensure the organization adheres to a sustainable financial plan based on an annual budget reviewed and approved by the Board and that financial performance positively tracks to budget and operating plans; foster an atmosphere of transparency and accountability in matters relating to the organization’s financial condition.
  • With the Chief Human Resources Officer, inspire ongoing efficacy and team cohesion at all staff levels by maintaining productive advancement toward organizational priorities and big-picture strategy; manage, supervise, and evaluate staff to ensure they are well-suited to addressing CCSCC challenges and opportunities while being attentive to staff concerns; ensure that there is an active succession-planning process and development of key employees.
  • Ensure technology tools and infrastructure keep pace and are adequate and scalable for staff and clients alike.

Programs

  • With the Chief Programs and Strategy Officer, champion sustainable, high-quality programming while working to manage risks and liabilities that emerge; manage the portfolio of programs to maximize the agency’s impact.
  • Keep the organization operationally focused and make data-driven course corrections as necessary.
  • Identify unmet needs and gaps in service including at Charities Housing and with the Diocese and parishes; continually upgrade programs by deliberately embracing experimentation and innovation in ways that also consider financial impact.
  • Continue to foster a strong service orientation that is innovative, compassionate, and professional; remain current with innovations in the field of service, ensuring that staff is trained in new approaches; share CCSCC’s ongoing thought leadership in the field.

Fundraising

  • As the CCSCC’s Chief Philanthropy Officer, work closely with the Chief Development Officer to maximize the agency’s ability to attract and sustain donations, grants, and contract awards; understand the actual and prospective funding communities for CCSCC.
  • Develop relationships with major donors so the organization is able to respond to current and future funding needs.
  • Personally drive fundraising solicitations, especially with major private, government, and business donors; develop fundraising alliances; create special and donor cultivation events for CCSCC.
  • Continually explore new and creative strategies to expand CCSCC’s revenue base; develop corporate sponsorships and governmental & nonprofit partnerships.
  • Identify national foundations that would fund the replicable Long Range Plan in other communities.

External Relations, Communications and Advocacy

  • Forge meaningful partnerships with leading funding, political, social services, and public policy constituencies; empower staff to be active ambassadors for CCSCC and its clients.
  • Drive visibility for CCSCC by serving as a credible, articulate, and effective spokesperson, in person and in writing; ensure that CCSCC is recognized for its leadership and outcomes.
  • Proactively advocate for CCSCC clients with policymakers regionally and in California; help influence policy regarding funding for CCSCC and systemic changes to advance forward-thinking strategies to break the cycle of poverty.

Board Relations & Governance

  • Engage Board members in advancing CCSCC in various ways by contributing time, expertise, or treasure; provide ongoing communication and timely updates to the Board on the state of the organization.
  • With the Board President, coordinate the efforts of various Board committees and task forces; encourage Board members’ involvement in CCSCC’s full range of activities, including fundraising.
  • Help identify and recruit new Board members whose talents, commitment, and fundraising abilities are congruent with CCSCC’s needs and mission.
  • As President of Charities Housing’s Board, hire and support its Executive Director. As a member of the Charities Housing Board of Directors, work closely with its elected Board Chair and members of the interlocking Board to ensure oversight of the organization’s development strategies, policies, and financial health.

The CEO of Catholic Charities serves as a Board member of Catholic Charities of California and is a member of the Diocesan Directors of Catholic Charities USA.

QUALIFICATIONS and CHARACTERISTICS

The CEO will be a servant leader in accordance with Catholic social teachings, committed to Catholic Charities’ vision, mission, and values, and understand the Church’s dynamics.

The CEO will have a deep understanding of poverty, safety net work and race equity, and a track record of implementing inclusive, culturally sensitive and responsive organizational policies and practices.

Additionally, the CEO will have a combination of the following experiences and attributes:

  • At least 10 years of executive-level leadership, managerial, and operational experience in complex environments with many moving parts; both a strategic- and a systems-thinker with demonstrated change management experience; a clear understanding of finances, budgeting revenue and costs; and demonstrated success in leading large organizations (250+ employees).
  • The ability to internalize and communicate a strategy, break it down, and convert it into a data-driven, results-oriented, integrated approach that galvanizes others and guides decision-making.
  • Demonstrated ability to increase earned and contributed revenue in ways that align with an organization’s mission; a track record attracting financial support from individuals, government sources, foundations, and businesses.
  • Experience sustainably growing organizations and services through mergers, partnerships, organic growth, new service development, etc., and ensuring the resources are in place to be effective.
  • A team builder—confident and competent—with strong management, teaming, and leadership skills; one who understands the subtleties of motivating and directing a culturally diverse team with different work styles; effective at leading teams through change and providing appropriate support; collaborative consulting and facilitation skills for group and individual problem-solving and decision-making; someone who can give and receive feedback, and use it to learn and develop mutually-beneficial relationships.
  • A track record of developing productive relationships with government agencies, politicians, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders and advocates from a variety of communities.
  • Experience operating in the non-profit/social service world.
  • A good listener and strategist; comfortable receiving input from many sources, and able to analyze and formulate disparate information into sound, well-organized plans.
  • Decisive and resourceful, with the organizational sensitivity to gain the support and confidence of the Board and staff at all levels; a leader who empowers the leadership team and holds them accountable.
  • An individual with outstanding human qualities who is straightforward, shares information easily, listens as well as offers advice, and respects the abilities of others; someone who imparts trust and integrity and guides others in a similar vein.
  • Direct yet tactful; respectful of others’ concerns; flexible and creative to find alternative ways to reach objectives when barriers arise; a skilled negotiator who seeks and nurtures win-win situations.
  • A hard worker with a high energy level; a “doer” willing to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities.
  • Outstanding oral, written and communication skills; an adept storyteller; a good listener who can pivot quickly depending on the audience.

The compensation range for this position is $315,000 – $365,000. Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County offers a generous benefits package, including retirement, health insurance, holidays, personal time, tuition reimbursement for job-related continuing education, and a very flexible hybrid work arrangement.

Catholic Charities is a non- profit service organization and employer. It does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Persons seeking employment are entitled to freedom from harassment and retaliation and to reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities.

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Grossman

(650) 323-3565 or lisag@moppenheim.com

Kevin Redick

(415) 762-2646 or kevinr@moppenheim.com

Oscar Quiros

(415) 762-2643 or oscarq@moppenheim.com