Executive Director, Kansas Catholic Conference

Description

The Kansas Catholic Conference is seeking to hire an Executive Director. This position serves as the voice of the Catholic Bishops of Kansas in the area of public policy. The position provides strategic oversight and leadership and works closely with lawmakers, providing a Catholic perspective on proposed legislation primarily focused on promoting the common good by upholding the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, protection of religious freedom, and advancing the well-being of families and communities. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor key legislative issues that reflect the moral teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Provide written or verbal testimony for or against legislation to support human dignity, the family, religious freedom, and social obligations in economic systems.
• Oversee the reporting of Kansas legislative news and analysis from a Catholic perspective on the KCC website.
• Provide confidential assessments of candidates running for statewide and congressional offices and provide clarification on where they stand on key issues.
• Provide leadership and strategic oversight of KCC’s collaborative advocacy efforts, fostering key partnerships and advancing awareness, engagement, and policy initiatives in support of pro-life priorities, the dignity of the family, immigrants, and Catholic Schools.
• Assist with and draft legislation that aligns with Catholic social teachings.
• Promote justice and advocate on behalf of policies aligned with Catholic social teachings and serves as a resource for the formation of clergy and laity in the four dioceses of Kansas.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Use strong verbal and/or written communication skills to exchange information clearly and concisely and deliver concepts, opinions and ideas in a professional manner.
• Exhibit poise and presence; demonstrate patience and composure; adapt quickly and resourcefully to all situations; demonstrate self-assurance and maintain credibility at all levels.
• Earn others’ trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions. 
• Take responsibility for timely responses to needs and requests and turn requests into actionable plans and goals. Manage projects from concept to implementation.
• View service to internal or external constituents as a priority to continuously strive to meet and exceed needs, requests and expectations.
• Promote a sense of collaboration and teamwork; share information and learning; keep others informed to help promote the strategy and goals of the Kansas Catholic Conference.
• Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual respect.
• Understand strategies and turn those into actionable plans and goals.
• Capable of teaching adults.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Theology, Religious Studies, or Journalism required.
• Master’s in Public Administration, Public Policy, or Juris Doctorate, preferred. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in public policy advocacy.
• Intermediate skill proficiency in MS Office.
• Previous experience within the state legislative process preferred.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing is required.

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct, Abuse Prevention Policy, and Statement of Foundational Principles as they Relate to Employment policies and complete Safe Environment training before hiring. 

The Kansas Catholic Conference offers a comprehensive health and welfare benefits plan including medical, dental and vision, a 401k plan that includes matching contributions, as well as generous paid time off policies such as vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.