Executive Director - Marriage, Family, and Respect Life

The Catholic Diocese of Arlington • Arlington, VA

40d • $110,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Executive Director of the Office of Marriage, Family, and Respect Life (OMFRL) serves the Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington by providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and visionary direction for diocesan ministries that promote, strengthen, and uphold the dignity of marriage, family, and human life.

The Executive Director leads the development and implementation of diocesan initiatives, programs, and resources that equip pastors and parishes with the formation, guidance, and tools needed to advance the Church's mission in marriage, family, and respect life ministries. The role also provides leadership and oversight for parish-based outreach and pastoral care ministries, including the Gabriel Project, which supports pregnant women and families in need, and Project Rachel, which offers healing and accompaniment to those seeking reconciliation and hope after abortion.

The Executive Director represents the Diocese in collaborative partnerships with organizations such as the Virginia Catholic Conference, serving as the diocesan liaison for educational initiatives, public policy, and advocacy efforts that uphold and advance the Church's teaching on marriage, family, and the sanctity of human life.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Catholic theology or a related field with special emphasis on marriage and family life, or equivalent degree and experience.
• 6–10 years of leadership experience in parish, diocesan, and/or church-related nonprofit ministry focused on family and pro-life work.
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program development, budget preparation and management, and staff leadership.
• Experience managing multiple priorities, large-scale events, and complex ministry initiatives.
• Must be a fully initiated and practicing Catholic able to participate in the full sacramental life of the Church.
• Demonstrated commitment to and excellent understanding of Catholic teachings on marriage, family life, and the dignity of the human person, including the ability to apply Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and Theology of the Family to all aspects of the ministry.
• Ability to faithfully represent and implement Church teaching in ministry, policy development, and parish engagement.
• Knowledge of church structure and organizational and operational procedures.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit operations, budgeting, and development practices.
• Strong leadership, management, interpersonal, planning, and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with clergy, parish leaders, volunteers, donors, and external organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, meet deadlines, think critically, solve everyday workplace problems, and listen actively.
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly, concisely, and professionally, orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop, manage, and evaluate programs that align program goals with strategic objectives and formulate recommendations to improve program delivery and management.
• Ability to create basic documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work collaboratively, foster teamwork, address conflict, and work independently as well as in a team.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of design using Adobe or Microsoft Publisher.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Selects, develops, evaluates, and leads an effective and responsive staff.
• Provides leadership, vision, and direction for the Office of Marriage, Family and Respect Life, ensuring alignment with diocesan priorities and the Catholic Church's mission.
• Develops and implements strategic plans, goals, and initiatives in collaboration with the Senior Director, Respect Life Director, and Director of Project Rachel/Gabriel Project.
• Oversees marriage, family, and respect life programs and ministries, ensuring effectiveness, accountability, and fidelity to Catholic teaching.
• Evaluates existing programs and identifies opportunities for growth, innovation, and increased pastoral impact.
• Develops, manages, and administers the annual office budget and oversees program service fees, revenue management, and financial reporting.
• Directs fundraising initiatives, including the annual Gift for Life campaign, in collaboration with the Director of Project Rachel/Gabriel Project.
• Approves funding decisions related to Project Rachel and Gabriel Project client assistance.
• Oversees office operations, including registration systems, FOCCUS inventories, direct mailings, and administrative processes.
• Provides executive leadership for major diocesan events, conferences, and celebrations.
• Directs all aspects of a biennial diocesan festival serving approximately 5,000–8,000 participants, including planning, budgeting, venue selection, vendor management, volunteer coordination, programming, logistics, and execution.
• Attends and supports conferences, liturgies, training programs, and special events sponsored by the Office.
• Approves the design, content, and funding of educational, promotional, and advertising materials supporting Office initiatives, and ensures messaging reflects Catholic teaching and diocesan priorities.
• Serves as a spokesperson and representative of the Diocese on marriage, family life, and protection of human life issues.
• Cultivates and maintains collaborative relationships with diocesan, parish, community, and national organizations to advance marriage, family, and life ministries.
• Coordinates initiatives with organizations including the Virginia Catholic Conference, Diocese of Richmond, National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, Virginia Society for Human Life, Catholic Engaged Encounter, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Knights of Columbus, and Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.
• Collaborates with the USCCB Pro-Life and Marriage and Family Life Offices on national initiatives and programs.
• Fosters partnerships with religious, civic, and nonprofit organizations that support the Office's mission.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Bishop or Vicar General.

Benefits

• Meaningful, service-oriented, respectful work environment.
• Work-life balance.
• Telework opportunities.
• Generous leave, including paid family and medical leave.
• More paid holidays than the federal government, including Christmas week off.
• Free parking and free transportation to and from Ballston Metro.
• Paid lunch breaks.
• Professional development tuition assistance.
• Tuition assistance for children enrolled in diocesan schools after one year of employment.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans.
• 403(b) and retirement plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive