Chief of Operations

Job Description

The Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls is seeking a dynamic Catholic Leader to serve in the executive role of Chief of Operations.

Position Summary:

The Chief of Operations serves as a key advisor and strategic partner to the Bishop, ensuring the effective execution of diocesan priorities and fostering operational excellence across the diocese. This role facilitates communication, manages critical projects, and provides leadership to ensure alignment with the mission and values of the Catholic Church. The Chief of Operations acts as a liaison between the Bishop, clergy, staff, and external stakeholders, promoting collaboration and advancing the diocese’s spiritual and administrative objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Bishop, providing strategic counsel on diocesan initiatives, policies, and operations.
• Collaborate with the Chancellor ensure compliance with canonical and civil regulations, including record-keeping and reporting requirements.
• Oversee immigration process for clergy, religious and order priests.
• Serve as co-chair of the Bishop’s Leadership Team, presiding over meetings and establishing ad-hoc committees to address discerned needs.
• Serve as a member of the Chancery Leadership Team to monitor progress on key diocesan projects, ensuring alignment with the mission of the Catholic Church and diocesan goals.
• Collaborate to develop and implement policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and compliance with diocesan and canonical standards.
• Collaborate with the Bishop, Vicar General and Chancellor on clergy personnel matters.
• Serve as a point of contact between the Bishop and diocesan departments, parishes, schools, and affiliated organizations.
• Facilitate communication regarding clergy personnel changes to internal email groups and communication venues
• Facilitate communication with external stakeholders, including other dioceses, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and community organizations.
• Draft and review official correspondence, statements, and reports on behalf of the Bishop or diocese.
• Represent the Bishop at meetings, events, or committees as needed, ensuring alignment with diocesan priorities.
• Serve as recording secretary in a variety of corporate, diocesan council and non-profit board meetings.
• Collaborate on special projects, including research, planning, and execution, to support the Bishop’s pastoral and administrative goals.
• Work with the Chief Financial Officer to monitor budgets, financial reports, and resource allocation for diocesan operations.
• Serve as point of contact on Acts of Administration, collaborating with Chief Financial Officer to prepare information and reports for approval.
• Supervise and provide oversite to multiple department heads to ensure the successful implementation of priorities and initiatives

Essential Qualifications:

Primary:

• Willingness and ability to effectively make known the Catholic Church’s teachings through the varied ministry activities expected of this position.
• Willingness and ability to act as a personal witness to the Catholic faith and religion by living both one’s professional and personal life in accordance with the doctrines and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, as embodied in the various documents of the Roman Catholic Church, including, without limitation, the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, theology, nonprofit management, or a related field required; Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience:

• Exceptional organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace is required.
• Familiarity with Church hierarchy and its application in diocesan governance.
• Ability to represent the diocese in public settings, engage with diverse communities and foster ecumenical and community partnerships
• Minimum of 5-7 years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, religious, or business setting, with at least 3 years in a managerial or executive role.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality in all diocesan matters.

Other Elements:

• Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and foster collaboration across diverse groups.
• Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative, servant-leadership style with a focus on empowering others.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Proactive problem-solver with a strategic mindset and adaptability to changing priorities.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• An understanding and proficiency in working with all desktop applications included in the Microsoft Office Suite and various web applications.
• Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build relationships with clergy, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality and discretion.
• Familiarity with canon law, diocesan governance, and Catholic Church operations is highly desirable.

Work Environment:

The work environment within the diocese is mission-driven, collaborative, and rooted in the values and teachings of the Catholic Church. The role operates within a faith-based setting that emphasizes servant leadership, integrity, and a commitment to fostering a prayerful, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere. The Director of Operations works closely with clergy, parish staff, volunteers, and diocesan leadership, including the bishop, finance council, and other department heads. The environment encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual support across ministries to ensure operational alignment with the diocesan mission.

To Apply:

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a current resume along with a cover letter describing the role your faith plays in your daily life and your familiarity with the Catholic Church to Twila Roman, Director of Human Resources at troman@sfcatholic.org. For confidential inquiries please contact Twila by calling (605)988-3741.