Specialist I, Church Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which is a well-established organization dedicated to alleviating suffering and providing assistance to people in need around the world. Founded in 1943, CRS operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of serving the poor and vulnerable. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, education, and social justice, working closely with local partners to implement effective programs that address the root causes of poverty and injustice. CRS is known for its strong ethical values and commitment to the principles of the Catholic Church, ensuring that its work aligns with the teachings and social doctrine of the Church.

Job Overview:
The Specialist I, Church Engagement position is designed to support the development of training and engagement resources that further the mission of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) through various fundraising initiatives, community giving programs, and strategic advocacy efforts with U.S. church partners and volunteers. This role is crucial in mobilizing parish-based volunteers to engage in fundraising, awareness-raising, and advocacy activities. The Specialist will also work on creating educational resources for high school and university students, integrating CRS resources into their activities, and maintaining engagement with volunteers from parishes and schools. The position requires a proactive approach to implementing tracking tools for volunteer engagement and preparing analyses to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives. Additionally, the Specialist will be responsible for amplifying CRS content through church communication channels, ensuring that the organization's mission and activities are effectively communicated to a broader audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Specialist I, Church Engagement include:

• Creating educational and training resources aimed at mobilizing parish-based volunteers for fundraising, awareness-raising, and advocacy efforts.
• Supporting the development and implementation of engagement resources and activities tailored for high school and university students, ensuring that CRS resources are integrated into their school and campus activities.
• Maintaining ongoing engagement with parish and school-based volunteers, providing support as needed to enhance their involvement.
• Implementing and maintaining tracking tools to monitor volunteer engagement and preparing routine analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of these tools.
• Supporting the amplification of CRS content on church communication channels by conducting research, mapping resources, and sharing relevant information.
• Utilizing existing data management systems to capture and report on activities related to volunteer engagement and fundraising initiatives.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders within the Catholic Church to foster partnerships and enhance the impact of CRS programs.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Specialist I, Church Engagement position include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in social justice, social work/advocacy, non-profit management, business, pastoral ministry, social sciences, community organizing, or related fields.
• A minimum of five years of relevant work experience, particularly in roles that involve engagement with church structures and cultures.
• Professional experience working within Catholic Church structures and with diverse church audiences.
• Experience in fundraising or related initiatives is essential.
• Flexibility with work hours to accommodate the needs of the role and the organization.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Specialist I, Church Engagement position must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as social justice, social work/advocacy, non-profit management, business, pastoral ministry, social sciences, or community organizing. This educational background is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage with church partners and volunteers, as well as to develop training and engagement resources that align with CRS’ mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience. This experience should ideally include professional roles within the Catholic Church, where the candidate has engaged with various church audiences and contributed to fundraising or advocacy initiatives. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of the church's structures and culture, as well as experience in mobilizing volunteers and managing community engagement efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates who possess Spanish-language fluency will be considered favorably, as this skill can enhance communication and engagement with diverse church audiences and communities.

Additional Notes:
The Specialist I, Church Engagement position is a full-time role that may require travel up to 10%. The position does not include supervisory responsibilities. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, which includes medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages will be based on the country of employment and the in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. The work culture at CRS is collaborative and mission-driven, emphasizing a commitment to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable populations globally.