OVERVIEW

The Seton Collaborative is an innovative not-for-profit organization tasked with promoting growth, innovation and operational excellence in the parishes and schools of the Diocese of Bridgeport. By providing expertise, creativity, and capital, transformational change and renewal will be facilitated throughout the Diocese. The Collaborative has become a key mechanism to leverage Diocesan talent and resources throughout various regions at the local parish level. The Collaborative will assist in assuring consistency though the standardization of best practices and by attracting and retaining talent at all levels.  This person reports to the Seton Collaborative Board of Directors.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIY

The Executive Director of the Collaborative will be an entrepreneurial individual who is simultaneously visionary and strategic in their management approach.

The ability to appreciate and balance the unique qualities of each parish and school with the need for economies of scale and consistency in process is critical. The ability to serve as the collaborative’s spokesperson and primary fund raiser are overarching critical tasks.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with Seton Board of Directors to identify, create, and implement plans consistent with the organization’s mission
• Proactively work to create, implement, and manage innovative regional parish collaborative programs that are successful and replicable, under the guidance of the bishop
• Identify, recruit, train, develop and supervise a talented team of mission-focused employees to deliver the offered services
• Develop partnerships with key stakeholders, including Board members, donors, Pastors, Principals, Diocese of Bridgeport leaders and others
• Lead all aspects of Development, with an on-going focus on growth and sustainability
• Stay well-informed on shared services best practices and conduct root-cause analysis to develop best practices and resolve issues
• Work with Diocese of Bridgeport Participation Agreement partners, such as Human Resources, the Institute for Catholic Formation, Finance, Safe Environment, Legal, Development, and others, to understand and leverage internal processes and programs and obtain guidance and support, to receive associated services and ultimately achieve the goals of the Seton Collaborative
• Ensure positive organizational culture and promote collaboration and partnership throughout the organization
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong knowledge of the Catholic Church and serving as an active member of a parish/faith community in good standing with the Church
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field, master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of seven years of related hands-on leadership experience, with a focus on providing shared services with operational excellence and achieving cost savings; prior pastoral ministry in a Catholic parish or institution achieving results through visionary efforts desired
• Minimum of five years of experience of working directly with a Board of Directors or Trustees
• Prior experience in an educational environment to develop, review and vet program proposals, preferred
• Ability to attend weekend/evening events as required
• Prior experience in successfully forming, leading and developing a team through a collaborative management style
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, fundraising skills, conflict management and personnel management skills
• Microsoft Office/Suite proficient (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Client-facing project and budgeting experience
• Strong hands-on leader with vision and fortitude to get the job done