Catholic Recruiter Associates

The Executive Director of Catholic Social Services (CSS), Diocese of Birmingham, AL, provides strategic and operational leadership for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama’s social ministry efforts across its 39-county territory. The Executive Director advances the mission of Catholic Social Services by directing programs that respond to the needs of the poor, vulnerable, and underserved while promoting the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.The Executive Director is expected to support and participate in the vision and goals of the Bishop and the Diocese while adhering to diocesan policies and procedures. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Executive Director ensures that all programs, partnerships, and public activities of Catholic Social Services remain consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the pastoral direction of the Bishop of Birmingham.

Essential Functions:

Mission Leadership

• Serve as the principal champion and representative of the mission of Catholic Social

Services throughout the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama.

• Promote Catholic Social Teaching through programs, partnerships, and public

engagement.

• Ensure that all CSS services reflect the pastoral priorities and mission framework

established by the Bishop and diocesan leadership.

Strategic Planning and Program Development

• Provide vision and long-range strategic planning for CSS programs and initiatives.

• Identify emerging social needs throughout the diocese and develop programs that

respond effectively to those needs.

• Lead program evaluation and innovation to ensure that services remain effective,

sustainable, and mission driven.

• Work with leadership and stakeholders to expand services into underserved and rural

communities when feasible.

Operational Leadership and Administration

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Catholic Social Services programs and offices.

• Establish and evaluate agency-wide operational policies, procedures, and performance

standards.

• Provide leadership and supervision to program directors and departmental leadership,

including Catholic Family Services, multicultural services, and Catholic Centers of

Concern.

• Ensure that CSS programs operate efficiently while maximizing services within available

resources.

• Establish clear expectations and standards for employees, volunteers, and contracted

personnel.

• Foster a culture of professionalism, compassion, and service to those seeking

assistance.

• Work with leadership staff to identify training needs and implement professional

development opportunities that strengthen service delivery.

Community, Parish, and Diocesan Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with civic leaders, nonprofit partners, government

agencies, and ecumenical organizations throughout the diocese.

• Represent CSS in community and regional initiatives addressing social needs.

• Serve as a visible advocate for the Church’s social ministry within the broader

community.

Development and Stewardship

• Serve as the primary development leader for CSS.

• Work with diocesan development leadership, donors, benefactors, and foundations to

secure funding for CSS programs and operations.

• Identify opportunities for grants, partnerships, and philanthropic support that advance

CSS initiatives.

• Maintain strong working relationships with diocesan leadership including the chancery

offices, pastors, and diocesan ministries.

• Collaborate with other diocesan ministries to strengthen the Church’s overall outreach

to the poor and vulnerable.

• Provide regular updates to the Bishop and diocesan leadership regarding CSS

initiatives, needs, and outcomes.

Financial Leadership and Compliance

• Ensure sound fiscal management of CSS programs and budgets by providing strategic

direction and serving as the primary point of contact in leading the budgeting process.

• Oversee government contracts, grants, and compliance obligations.

• Work closely with diocesan finance leadership to maintain a strong financial foundation

for CSS.

Disaster Response and External Partnerships

• Coordinate CSS involvement in disaster response efforts across the diocese.

• Maintain relationships with agencies such as FEMA, Red Cross, and emergency

management organizations to ensure effective collaboration during crises.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Business Administration, Public Administration,

Health/Human Services Administration, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in social

services, nonprofit administration, or a related field.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred to support effective

engagement with the diverse communities served by Catholic Social Services.

• Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, program development, and

staff supervision.

• Ability to integrate diverse programs and ministries into a unified mission strategy.

• Strong leadership and organizational development skills.

• Demonstrated public speaking and community engagement ability.

• Ability to build trust with staff, donors, clergy, and community partners.

• Strategic planning and program development expertise.

• Ability to work collaboratively within diocesan governance structures.

• Knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching and an understanding of the mission of Catholic

charitable ministry is preferred.

• Commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable in a manner consistent with the

values and teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church with a demonstrated commitment

to the mission and ministries of the Catholic Church is required.

• Experience working within the Catholic Church or a Catholic ministry environment

preferred.

• Experience working with nonprofit governance structures preferred.

• Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive

matters.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Knowledge of and experience in current office-related computer systems, including but

not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook.