What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Projects position at Catholic Charities Community Services?
Summary:
Catholic Charities Community Services (CCCS) is seeking a motivated, curious, and analytical individual to serve as the Director of Special Projects. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will support executive priorities through research, writing, cross-functional coordination, and project execution. The Director of Special Projects will work closely with teams across the agency to advance initiatives tied to governance, funding, communications, and internal process improvement.
Catholic Charities Community Services (CCCS) is seeking a motivated, curious, and analytical individual to serve as the Director of Special Projects. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will support executive priorities through research, writing, cross-functional coordination, and project execution. The Director of Special Projects will work closely with teams across the agency to advance initiatives tied to governance, funding, communications, and internal process improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Conduct independent research on a wide range of organizational, policy, and operational topics and synthesize findings into clear, concise briefing materials.
• Draft internal and external communications including memos, talking points, newsletters, and presentation materials to support executive messaging, outreach, and advocacy.
• Track and coordinate special projects from start to finish, including timeline management, stakeholder engagement, and progress reporting.
• Coordinate key functions including special initiatives, procurement tasks, and board engagement.
• Liaise with leadership and departmental teams to align deliverables with agency-wide goals and ensure timely execution of strategic initiatives.
• Participate in and/or support high-level meetings documenting key decisions ensuring accountability.
• Assist with materials related to board governance, meeting preparation, and follow-ups.
• Maintain discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential and time-sensitive matters.
• Other duties may be assigned.
• Draft internal and external communications including memos, talking points, newsletters, and presentation materials to support executive messaging, outreach, and advocacy.
• Track and coordinate special projects from start to finish, including timeline management, stakeholder engagement, and progress reporting.
• Coordinate key functions including special initiatives, procurement tasks, and board engagement.
• Liaise with leadership and departmental teams to align deliverables with agency-wide goals and ensure timely execution of strategic initiatives.
• Participate in and/or support high-level meetings documenting key decisions ensuring accountability.
• Assist with materials related to board governance, meeting preparation, and follow-ups.
• Maintain discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential and time-sensitive matters.
• Other duties may be assigned.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time hybrid position. Days and hours of work are generally 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday-Friday. Additional weekend and evening hours may be required to meet program deadlines or client needs.
Working conditions and physical demands required:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Travel at least 25% of the time to provide on-site support for CEO using public transportation or vehicle, traverse city streets, occasionally ascend/descend stairs, and be exposed to outside weather conditions.
- Remain stationary using a computer at least 60% of the time, in meetings and/or events.
- Carry a laptop to offsite work locations.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment i.e. copier, fax, scanner, postage machine and printer.
- Ability to use and respond to phone calls.
- Ability to lift and file documents in cabinets.
Qualifications
Education and/or experience required:
• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred in Public Administration, Public Policy, Juris Doctor, Communications or related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in project management, communications, public policy, operations, or other cross-functional strategic support roles and/or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to conduct research, synthesize findings, and create high-quality deliverables (memos, talking points, presentations, etc.).
• Exceptional writing skills for a variety of audiences required (e.g., speechwriting, newsletter development, digital design).
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment.
• Experience working in or with nonprofits, advocacy, government, or social services preferred.
• Experience coordinating special projects or initiatives with executive leadership.
• 2–4 years of experience in project management, communications, public policy, operations, or other cross-functional strategic support roles and/or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to conduct research, synthesize findings, and create high-quality deliverables (memos, talking points, presentations, etc.).
• Exceptional writing skills for a variety of audiences required (e.g., speechwriting, newsletter development, digital design).
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment.
• Experience working in or with nonprofits, advocacy, government, or social services preferred.
• Experience coordinating special projects or initiatives with executive leadership.
Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
Salary : $115,000 - $125,000