Implementation Specialist

About Us:

The Archdiocese of Dubuque serves a vibrant Catholic community across northeast Iowa. We are dedicated to sharing the Gospel and supporting parishes, schools, and ministries that enrich lives through faith, service, and community. Join a collaborative team that values creativity, communication, and a mission-driven approach to work. This is an on-site position and candidate must be willing to relocate at their own expense.

The Archdiocese of Dubuque is currently seeking a full-time Implementation Specialist to join our team in Dubuque, Iowa. Reporting to the IT Director, this role will provide organization and alignment for the successful implementation of new Archdiocesan parish data management, HRIS, and accounting systems.

Serving as the primary Archdiocesan lead for these implementations, the Implementation Specialist will work closely with software providers, pastorates, schools, Pastoral Center teams and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and successful transition from current systems to new platforms.

This position will be responsible for developing and managing implementation plans, coordinating data preparation and migration, facilitating communication between vendors and users, identifying and resolving implementation issues, supporting training and change management, and helping Archdiocesan entities successfully adopt new systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership and Coordination

• Serve as the primary Archdiocesan project lead for the implementation of new parish data management, HRIS, and accounting systems.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive implementation plans, including timelines, milestones, responsibilities, and deliverables.
• Coordinate and monitor implementation activities across multiple systems, vendors, Archdiocesan teams, and Archdiocesan entities to meet timelines and organizational priorities.
• Provide clear updates regarding progress, upcoming milestones, decisions, risks, and outstanding issues.
• Anticipate implementation challenges and work proactively with appropriate stakeholders to develop solutions.

Vendor Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Archdiocese and system vendors during implementation.
• Coordinate vendor meetings, demonstrations, configuration sessions, testing, training, and implementation activities.
• Communicate Pastoral Center and Archdiocesan entity needs to vendors and ensure questions and concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
• Track vendor deliverables and outstanding issues through resolution.
• Operationalize technical information and system requirements into practical processes for Archdiocesan users.
• Manage education and monitoring of AI integrations and MCP connections between third-party AI platforms and Archdiocesan systems to ensure appropriate use and data protection.

Archdiocesan Entity Implementation and Support

• Serve as the primary implementation resource for Archdiocesan entities as they transition to new systems.
• Develop a clear process for preparing each for implementation and go-live.
• Assess Archdiocesan entity readiness and identify needs related to data, processes, staffing resources, training, and technology.
• Provide hands-on guidance and problem-solving throughout implementation.
• Coordinate with Pastoral Center teams to ensure Archdiocesan entities receive consistent information and support.
• Develop tools, checklists, timelines, FAQs, and other resources to make implementation manageable for local users.

Data Migration and System Readiness

• Coordinate the collection, review, cleanup, mapping, and migration of data from existing systems into new platforms.
• Work with vendors, Pastoral Center staff, and Archdiocesan entities to establish data standards and requirements.
• Coordinate testing and validation to ensure migrated information is accurate and complete.
• Identify inconsistencies or gaps in existing data and coordinate appropriate resolution.
• Assist with system configuration and testing to ensure systems meet Pastoral Center and Archdiocesan entity needs prior to launch.

Training and Change Management

• Partner with vendors and Pastoral Center teams to develop and coordinate a comprehensive training and adoption strategy for new systems.
• Work with vendors and Archdiocesan subject-matter experts to provide appropriate training for different user groups.
• Ensure users understand not only how to use new systems but also new or standardized processes associated with them.
• Develop communication and implementation resources that clearly explain what is changing, when it is changing, and what users need to do.
• Identify areas of resistance, confusion, or concern and work with leadership to address them constructively.
• Support Archdiocesan entities during the transition period and immediately following system launches.
• Document new processes and procedures for ongoing use following implementation.
• Gather feedback from users and identify opportunities for additional training, system configuration, or process improvement.
• Facilitate the transition from implementation support to ongoing system ownership and support.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Information Systems, Human Resources, Finance, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Three to five years of experience in project implementation, project management, systems implementation, operations, or a related field preferred.
• Experience implementing enterprise software or organization-wide technology systems required; experience with Paylocity, NetSuite, and/or ACST preferred.
• Experience working with accounting, HRIS, CRM/database, parish management, or similar systems.
• Experience coordinating projects involving multiple locations and diverse stakeholder groups is preferred.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple interconnected projects simultaneously.
• Ability to move complex projects from planning through implementation and completion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with vendors and staff having various levels of technical expertise.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and facilitate timely decisions.
• Comfort working with data, spreadsheets, databases, and technology platforms.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts in clear, practical language.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and appropriately escalate issues requiring leadership decisions.
• Commitment to confidentiality and appropriate handling of financial, personnel, payroll, and parishioner information.
• Proficient in office technology including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.

General Working Conditions:

This position encounters a wide range of complex and varied work situations within the Pastoral Center and throughout multiple Archdiocesan entities. This position will travel frequently to work onsite with Archdiocesan entities. The Implementation Specialist operates under general direction from the IT Director and is expected to exercise sound judgment, establish priorities, and determine appropriate practices and procedures with minimal supervision.

This role requires coordination across multiple locations, balancing competing priorities, and leading through systems implementation and change. The position plays a key role in implementing consistent operational practices and supporting organizational change within the archdiocese.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person