Director of Finance and Strategic Initiatives - St. Clement Parish - Park West - Vic. II

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The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

The Director of Finance and Strategic Initiatives is a mission-driven leader responsible for the financial stewardship, strategic planning and long-term sustainability of the parish. This role leads financial reporting and analysis, directs accounting and finance functions and provides clear, actionable insights in support of strategic decision making about the parish’s resources and future growth. 

The Director of Finance and Strategic Initiatives partners with the Chief of Staff and Operations to lead the annual budgeting process and short-term and long-range financial planning for both the parish and school in accordance with Archdiocesan policies, procedures and guidelines. This role provides liaison to the Finance Council. 

In addition to the financial functions, this individual oversees advancement efforts, capital campaign planning, grant opportunities, and communications.  

Responsibilities 

FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP & STRATEGIC PLANNING  

• Lead the annual budget process for the parish (church and school): prepare, evaluate and communicate annual budgets, annual reports and monthly financial reports in partnership with Chief of Staff and Operations. 
• Direct long-range financial planning and forecasting to support strategic decision-making about parish resources and future growth. 
• Provide financial reports, dashboards and analysis for the pastor, staff and Finance Council. Identify trends, risks and opportunities to improve financial health. 
• Ensure proper internal controls and financial processes are in place and followed in accordance with GAAP and Archdiocesan policies, procedures and guidelines. 
• Provide oversight and direction to the Senior Manager of Finance and Parish Administration and Business Manager. 
• Attend required Archdiocesan and Vicariate meetings.  
• Assist with projects, vendor relations and vendor analyses.   

ADVANCEMENT and COMMUNICATIONS 

• Oversee parish advancement efforts, including stewardship, capital campaign pledges and other fundraising activities, in collaboration with the Manager of Stewardship and Database Manager. 
• Lead planning for capital campaigns for the parish and school. 
• Identify, evaluate and pursue grant opportunities in support of parish and school priorities. 
• Oversee the communications department and provide direction for parish communications strategy, branding and priorities. 
• Support and assist in coordinating major parish fundraising and donor-focused events.  
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements  

• Undergraduate Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or equivalent professional experience. 
• Minimum ten years in an accounting or finance role within a parish or business entity. 
• Demonstrate understanding, respect and support of the Catholic Church teaching, mission and values.  
• Practicing Catholic. 
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of financial management and accounting principles.  
• Strong proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.  
• Able to identify opportunities for improvement, evaluate issues and situations and propose and implement recommendations/solutions.  
• Strong drive to achieve results combined with attention to details. 
• Proficient in project management techniques.  
• Strong verbal and written communications, interpersonal, and organizational skills. 
• Ability to work in team environment and has a “Service Mindset” when working with others.  
• Culturally astute and able to build relationships with people of various social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.  
• Can be entrusted with highly confidential information.  
• Available for occasional after-hours work (evening and weekends). 

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here. 

This position has an annualized salary range of - $75,000 - $85,000.  An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.