The National Director of Catholic Mission is the agency head of the organisation. This position exists within the Strategic Leadership Forum (SLF) and is physically located in the North Sydney Office. It is an appointment by the Dicastery for Evangelisation on the recommendation of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for 5 years with possibility of renewal for a further 5 years only.

In anticipation of the completion of the incumbent’s second and final fixed term appointment later in 2025, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is seeking expressions of interest in order to prepare a terna of suitable candidates for consideration by the Dicastery for Evangelization. Shortlisted candidates will be submitted to the Dicastery for Evangelization in May 2025, with the preferred candidate commencing an appointment in November 2025.

The role

The National Director works in conjunction with the Pontifical Mission Societies’ President and Secretaries-General and the Archbishops and Bishops of all the Archdioceses and Dioceses in Australia to implement the national program for Catholic Mission (CM) within the spirit and purpose of Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS).

The primary focus of this job is to:

• Provide management oversight and responsibility across the organisation to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the organisation.

• Provide strong and clear leadership internally to the organisation and its people and externally to the organisation’s key stakeholders.

• Ensure the organisation’s code of conduct/values is a living document, monitored and communicated.

• Create and sustain a culture of innovation and enablement, underpinned by and expressing the values and philosophy of the organisation.

• Be a good steward of resources and donations ensuring superb financial management of the organisation.

The position plays a pivotal part in helping raise awareness, within the broader Australian society, of the reality that most human beings struggle daily to survive and that faith in action can bring about effective hope-filled change to people who are suffering.

The ideal candidate

We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate who embodies the following attributes, making this opportunity truly enticing for a passionate and experienced individual.

• Exceptional Servant Leader: You understand and embrace the catholic servant leadership model being a servant to all, working to create a culture that encourages and celebrates the achievements, both personal and professional. You are magnanimous and humble – you recognise that through Christ and because of our dignity as God’s beloved, we are worthy to conquer great things. This virtue requires having a vision but also living a life that witnesses with words and actions. You have exceptional communication skills, spanning various mediums, that can inspire people (both catholic and secular). You are passionate and compassionate and committed to social justice. Your approach is synodal, collegial and collaborative.

• Excellent Fundraiser: You are excited about fundraising and understand the importance of ‘story telling’ in reaching our supporters. You have a deep understanding of fundraising best practice and have extensive experience in engaging with diverse stakeholder groups. You know how to support and mentor staff to develop and deliver campaigns that make a difference.

• Inspiring Mission Advocate: You understand and deeply value our mission, and your enthusiasm is infectious. You have experience in facilitating faith-based formation and/or education in a faith-based setting.

• Essential Credentials: You will be eligible to work in Australia. You will have your driver’s license. You will be willing to travel throughout Australia and to our overseas projects. Tertiary qualifications or equivalent work experience in relevant disciplines such as fundraising, communications, marketing, education, management, theology, or international development are vital for success in this role. Ideally, you have prior experience or with mission in action in developing countries. You will meet the National Safeguarding requirements.

About us

Catholic Mission is the Pope’s international mission agency in Australia. We partner with communities, helping them to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and faith formation, and being an active voice for human rights. For over 100 years in Australia, and 200 years as a global network, we have provided crucial funding and project support to communities most in need across Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas.

What we can offer you

You’ll have the chance to lead our Catholic Agency, Catholic Mission, across Australia. You will be based in our new North Sydney location but will often be out and about getting to know our supporters, meeting new people, attending events, presenting at gatherings and hosting international guests. You’ll feel supported by our Consultors, Strategic Leadership Forum, and our wonderful staff and network of colleagues around the country. We offer work flexibility. You’ll have access to an Employee Assistance Program and opportunities for professional development and learning.

How to apply

For insight into life at Catholic Mission, view our short video here: https://www.catholicmission.org.au/aboutcatholic-mission/about-us#our-people.

Further information can also be obtained by contacting [email protected]

To express your interest, please click on the “apply” button or “find out more”. Ideally applicants will submit a one page cover letter explaining your interest in the role and suitable experience with your resume.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 26 January 2025.