Job Description
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. The Operations Manager is responsible for stewarding the execution of programs and events so that the Explorer journey progresses with clarity, consistency, and care. This role ensures that plans become reality—holding timelines, logistics, and follow through—while remaining attentive to the people the program is designed to serve. At the same time, this role supports thoughtful decision making about event types, spaces, and experiences, helping ensure that Explorers are met where they are and welcomed into environments that feel accessible and trustworthy. By aligning closely with content, communications, and marketing partners, and by capturing clear evidence of participation and outcomes, this role provides program and organizational leadership with the insight needed to discern what is working and where adjustments are needed. Position Responsibilities Project & Program Management Manage Explore project plan: Manage program activity across events and series to ensure shared clarity, timely follow‑through, and steady progression Maintain and steward the master program calendar, supporting appropriate pacing and readiness across the year Recommend and support tools or systems that enhance coordination among team members, Guides, and the Explorer community Ensure communications and processes flow effectively across roles and touchpoints Manage ongoing operations Ensure operational details are completed reliably so programs run smoothly Ensure contracts and payments are processed timely Data Management: Strategy, Capture, Reporting & Learning Establish data strategy Determine which metrics to track and how they will inform ongoing decision making Determine which system(s) to use Execute data strategy Track participation numbers, attendance, and basic engagement metrics Collect and compile participant survey data and Guide feedback following events Summarize outcomes, insights, and trends for program leadership and organizational leadership Provide clear reporting that supports accountability, learning, and program discernment Manage relationship with Archdiocesan Stewardship & Development team for Explore donor reporting Manage all Explore grant writing and reporting Manage Explore Event Strategy and Execution Event Strategy Plan and execute events from concept through completion, ensuring timelines, logistics, and readiness are met Solicit feedback and insight from Guides and Explorers to inform decisions about event formats, settings, and approaches Recommend event types and spaces that best serve the intended Explorer audience and the experiences they are seeking Manage venues, registration, scheduling, vendors, and on‑site logistics to support smooth execution Experience & Space Design Design event flow and physical environments that feel warm, welcoming, and conducive to sharing and reflection Select and prepare spaces that support hospitality, conversation, and trust Align with Ministry & Communications Manager to ensure brand, tone, and messaging are expressed consistently within event spaces Job Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in business, data management, or ministry At least two years of professional project and data management experience Passion for evangelization and spiritual renewal; practicing Catholic Flexibility to learn new technology and tools, particularly for project, data, and constituent management (e.g., Church Management System) Comfort tracking participation data, feedback, and outcomes, and summarizing them clearly Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across content, communications, and leadership roles A service‑oriented mindset focused on enabling others to do their work well Experience managing programs, events, or initiatives with multiple moving parts Strong organizational and project‑management skills, with the ability to drive work to completion Ability to think about participant experience while managing logistics and operational details Preferred Skills and Expe