Director of Operations

Description

Job Summary:

The Director of Operations serves as the senior administrative leader of the parish and is responsible for the overall management and coordination of all parish operations. Reporting directly to the Pastor, this position oversees all administrative, financial, facilities, and personnel functions of the parish to ensure efficient, compliant, and mission-focused operations.

The Director of Operations provides leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight to support the pastoral mission of the parish while ensuring effective stewardship of parish resources. This role acts on behalf of the Pastor in operational matters and ensures that parish departments function cohesively and effectively.

Essential Job Duties

Executive Leadership & Parish Administration:

• Serve as the chief administrative officer of the parish, overseeing all non-pastoral operations.
• Implement the Pastor’s vision and priorities through effective operational planning and execution.
• Provide leadership and direction to all parish departments to ensure alignment with parish mission and goals.
• Act as the primary decision-maker for day-to-day operational matters, escalating issues to the Pastor as appropriate.
  
  

Staff Leadership & Human Resources

• Directly supervise all parish staff and department directors.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes.
• Establish and enforce parish personnel policies and procedures in compliance with diocesan standards.
  
  

Financial & Budget Oversight

• Oversee all parish financial operations in collaboration with finance staff and parish finance council.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the parish operating budget.
• Ensure proper financial controls, purchasing procedures, and accurate financial reporting.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the Pastor.
  
  

Facilities, Operations & Risk Management

• Oversee maintenance, safety, security, and use of all parish facilities and grounds.
• Manage contracts, vendors, and service providers.
• Ensure compliance with safety, insurance, and risk-management requirements.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness and response
  
  

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure parish compliance with diocesan policies, civil laws, employment regulations, and EIM requirements.
• Maintain accurate administrative and personnel records.
• Serve as liaison to diocesan offices as needed for operational matters.
  
  

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Pastor to support pastoral leadership and parish planning.
• Communicate operational policies, procedures, and expectations to staff and parish leadership.
• Participate in parish councils and committees as appropriate.
  
  

Scheduling & Availability

• Maintain availability to support parish operations, including evenings, weekends, and emergencies as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish of St Helen Catholic Church which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St Helen Catholic Church help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Strong executive leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-department operations.
• Advanced financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in administrative, financial, and personnel management systems.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Church.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Trainings:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of three (5) years of senior-level management or operations experience.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing staff, budgets, and facilities; parish or nonprofit experience strongly preferred.
  
  

Language

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing)
• Spanish (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing). Preferred but not required.
  
  

Catholic Requirement

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
  
  

Licenses/Certifications

• Certified Professional (PHR or CP-SHRM)
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
  
  

Working Conditions

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Parish are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• May be required to use personal vehicle to drive off-site locations.