Sr Dir Government Relations & Advocacy

 Job Description

Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland

 

Catholic Charities, seeks a dynamic and mission-driven leader to serve as the Senior Director of Government Relations and Advocacy. This executive-level role is responsible for shaping and advancing Catholic Charities’ public policy agenda and strategic advocacy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels.

The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship-builder, policy expert, and passionate advocate for social justice, committed to leveraging public partnerships, legislative engagement, and Catholic social teaching to advance the organization’s mission of providing help and creating hope. In addition to the Catholic community at large, through our Diocesan Social Action Office. This position will work with the CSEAO and Executive Team on relationship mapping, engagement and aid in opportunities for revenue generation and partnerships.

 

This position will work with the executive team, board and diocese leadership in order to best advance the mission throughout elected and appointed affiliates and organizations. The role will be engaged at the highest level of leadership with the executive team, board, President & CEO and the Diocese of Cleveland.

 

·       Strategic Leadership:

o   Develop and lead the agency’s annual advocacy agenda in partnership with the Executive Team, Board of Directors, President & CEO, and the Diocese of Cleveland.

o   Ensure activities of this position and relevant services are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland.

o   Is a subject matter expert within the organization related to legislation that will impact the mission and work of the organization.

·       Policy & Relationship Management:

o   Represent Catholic Charities with public officials, policymakers, coalition, and stakeholders to advocate for policies that positively impact the individuals and communities we serve. Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments affecting the organization.

o   Work in partnership with the CSEAO, Executive Team, and Board of Directors to advance the message through a strong communication plan and strategy that moves the advocacy plan forward.

·       Team Development:

o   Lead, coach, and support high-performing government relations and social action team to align their work with the organization’s priorities and Catholic values.

·       Revenue & partnership Growth:

o   Support the development of public funding strategies, identify government partnership opportunities, and collaborate with Advancement to generate sustainable revenue through advocacy. 

 

Responsibilities:

• Standard office setting with regular travel throughout the service area.
• Occasional travel required for conferences and advocacy meetings out of town.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. unassisted.
• Must be comfortable working in varied physical environments, such as community centers, legislative buildings, or faith-based settings.
• Tasks require visual perception and discernment with computers and reports on a frequent basis;
• Frequent use of computer and telephone/cell phone;

 

Required:

•      Combination of education and experience normally represented by a Bachelor’s Degree and 7+ years of experience within a related field.
•       Previous leadership or executive team experience in a nonprofit, faith-based, or mission-driven organization strongly preferred.
•       Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, able to convey complex ideas with clarity, passion, and purpose.
•       Politically astute, with a nonpartisan approach to engagement and influence.
•        Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, make strategic decisions, and work in a fast-paced environment.
•        Strategic thinker, with the ability to distill information and build plans off of multi-faceted stakeholders and channels.
•        Must be an open and inclusive and inspirational leader.
•        Must have excellent organizational skills, strong detail orientation and the ability to maintain confidentiality. 
•        Must have valid Ohio Driver’s license and reliable transportation for local travel. 
•        Final applicant will be fingerprinted to complete background check.   

Payrate starting at $120,000

Benefits:

• Health Insurance starting your first day
•  Tuition Reimbursement
•  401k plan including employer match
•  Competitive Time Off Benefits
•  Career Planning and Development
•  And more!