What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Counsel position at Diocese of Springfield in Illinois?
General Counsel
Department for Canonical and Pastoral Services – Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
We are seeking a mission-driven attorney with a desire to use their skills, knowledge, and proven experience in service to the Church. As chief legal officer, this vital role provides counsel to the diocesan Bishop as well as other Curia staff, pastors, and parish personnel in all legal matters. This position provides legal advice, interpretation and guidance on a variety of legal topics including employment, insurance and benefits, properties, liability, risk, etc., and coordinates interactions with outside legal counsel.
Why Join Us?
- Live Your Faith: Serve the Church while using your professional expertise in a meaningful way.
- Be Part of a Dynamic Team: Be a part of a team who strives to bring about the Kingdom through their work and interactions.
- Make a Lasting Impact: Help parishes and schools strengthen their policies and governance.
This is a full-time, onsite position working a 4-day work week.
Key Responsibilities
- Provides legal advice, interpretation, and guidance to the Diocesan Bishop, other Curia staff, pastors, parochial administrators in basic matters of civil law regarding routine diocesan and parish activities.
- Coordinates and reviews the work of outside legal counsel when appropriate.
- Advises on inquiries or other communications to diocesan entities from law enforcement, investigators or legal counsel representing other persons or non-diocesan entities.
- Collaborates with and advises the Office of Human Resources, Office for Catholic Education, and any other appropriate entity on employment-related issues.
- Monitor legislative activities and court precedents that may impact diocesan entities.
- Advises on religious liberty and First Amendment protections, questions, and policies.
- Oversee and supervise corporate compliance and governance, legislative compliance and compliance with diocesan policies.
- Provides input to diocesan strategic plans and vision.
What We’re Looking For
- Practicing Catholic in full communion with the teachings of the Church.
- Requires a degree from an accredited law school in the United States.
- Requires license to practice law with admittance to the Illinois bar.
- Five or more years of relevant working experience is preferred.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- Proven compliance with the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys, including but not limited to conflicts of interest and ethical duties.
- Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring crisis prevention and management.
- Willingness to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Great Benefits
- Salary Range of $115,000-$160,000
- Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options.
- Employer paid life insurance and pension plan
- 403b options
- Paid parental leave
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Generous paid time off and holiday/holy day schedule
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
- Opportunities for spiritual formation and participation in Curia events
- A chance to work in a faith-centered environment with dedicated professionals
Mission Summary:
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois seeks a dynamic and joyfully Catholic individual to help us "build a fervent community of intentional and dedicated missionary disciples of the Risen Lord and steadfast stewards of God’s creation who seek to become saints,” (Fourth Diocesan Synod, Statue #1). Every member of the Curia staff, as an extension of the ministry of the Diocesan Bishop, has a ministerial calling, and each position therefore has a ministerial dimension.
Every employee or consultant, whether employed by the Diocese, a parish within the diocese, or a Catholic School, shall act in an honest and forthright manner in all workplace concerns; treat co-workers, supervisors, volunteers, parishioners, students, and visitors with respect; and conduct themselves in a moral and ethical manner consistent with Catholic principles, including but not limited to the Church’s teaching on sexual ethics and human dignity.
FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND TO APPLY:
Send a resume and cover letter to Erin Danaher, Director, Office of Human Resources at edanaher@dio.org.
Salary : $115,000 - $160,000