Director of Extern and International Priest

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.

Job Summary

The Director for Extern and International Priests is responsible for the timely and accurate vetting and processing of all diocesan extern priests before priestly faculties are granted or an assignment is made in the Archdiocese of Chicago. This applies whether a priest will serve temporarily (e.g., a single day), long term (e.g., more than six months), or through incardination (permanent transfer to the Archdiocese), where desired and deemed appropriate. The Director carries out this work in collaboration with the Office for Religious (OFR) and the Executive Secretary of the Priests’ Placement Board. Through the vetting process, the Director assesses each candidate’s suitability for ministry in the Archdiocese, including his ability to fulfill the requirements of the intended role. The position also coordinates with other offices and officials involved in the care and support of priests, including the Office of the Archbishop, the Office for Legal Services, the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, Vicars for Priests, the Chancellor, and the Judicial Vicar.

Essential Job Functions

• Communicate with bishops, chancellors, and leaders of religious communities when screening and interviewing candidates from their dioceses or communities, to determine eligibility for ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
• Interview applicants to assess suitability for ministerial assignment in the Archdiocese, and ensure each applicant meets the Archdiocese’s requirements for the granting of faculties. Ensure all compliance files are completed accurately.
• Provide input and recommendations to the Executive Secretary of the Priests’ Placement Board regarding faculties for priests seeking assignments
• Coordinate the onboarding of international priests and develop the International Priests Orientation Program, an inculturation and acculturation program to help priests adjust to American ecclesiastical and civil culture, along with a best practices seminar and a parish orientation program.
• Serve as liaison for priests in the incardination process: collect required documentation, monitor files, and communicate decisions at each phase of the process to other offices.

Job Requirements

• Familiarity with the Catholic Church and passion to work therein.
• Oral and written proficiency in English and Spanish (Polish is a plus).
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential data discreetly.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Proficiency with database management software and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrates strong skills in being both organized and detailed minded.
• Ability to work well with individuals at all levels; openness to other cultures
• Other duties as assigned.

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 a salary range of $97,136-$123,849. 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.