Business Manager

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing is seeking a Business Manager. This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the Pastor.


MISSION STATEMENT:

We are a Roman Catholic parish in a university community, joining students of all ages, joining people from all walks of life and from all corners of the world through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

VISION STATEMENT:

As a Eucharistic people, we nurture spiritual growth through worship, evangelization, stewardship, education, service, justice, outreach and hospitality.

ROLE OF PASTORAL TEAM MEMBERS:

Pastoral Team Members have responded to the call to ministry in the unique setting of St. John Church and Student Center, established to serve the pastoral needs of the Michigan State University (MSU) community, and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish established to meet the needs of the East Lansing Catholic Community. As professional ministers the pastoral team members encourage one another to practice their faith lives and continue to develop their relationships with God. The style of ministry employed by the members of the Pastoral Team attempts to model shared responsibility, equality, cooperation, consensus decision-making, mutual support, encouragement, shared faith and prayer. Participation in the prayer life of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish / St. John Church and Student Center is a part of their ministry here. As people of faith they gather regularly to plan, evaluate and formulate methods of reaching the goals established for the parish, school and student center. Their experience and insights are shared with each other for the ongoing service of the entire community and for the implementation of the parish and student center mission statement.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Business Manager supports, encourages, and promotes the vision and mission of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School, and St. John Church and Student Center. The director enhances relationships between the parish, school, and student center and their donors by encouraging lifelong financial support through a comprehensive program which includes: researching, planning, managing, implementing and leading all fundraising for endowments, major gifts, and planned gifts; coordinating the annual giving program; cultivating long-term philanthropic relationships with MSU alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, and members, parents and friends of the parish and school; and, developing and maintaining acknowledgement and recognition procedures for all gifts received.


PRINCIPLE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Coordinate the creation of a yearly parish budget (in consultation with the pastor, staff, accountant & parish finance council). Develop an annual budget for the advancement function.

2. Serve with the pastor, as the staff liaison to the parish finance council, and periodically report on the condition of the parish's physical assets, budget and revenue goals.

3. Assist the accountant and administrative staff in managing banking activities including the accounting and banking of Sunday collections, payables and receivables, stock donations, bequests and other financial gifts.

4. Oversee all fundraising activities for the parish, student center, and parish school.

5. Work with the pastor and parish finance council to plan, implement and maintain an Annual Pledge Program for the parish focused on the principles of stewardship.

6. Manage strategies and activities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and relations.

7. Maintain contact with and develop grant proposals for foundations and corporations.

8. Arrange for personal visits to current and prospective donors. Visits may include the pastor, other members of the pastoral team, students, alumni, or other members of the parish community.

9. Develop and maintain a system for personal acknowledgment letters and recognition procedures for all gifts, and ensure that all development inquiries and contributions are followed up appropriately and in a timely manner.

10. Collaborate with the director of administrative services on publications and special events which encourage giving and raise funds for the parish, parish school and student center.

11. Serve as the pastor's liaison to the Senior Ministry, Education Foundation, Parish School Tuition Assistance Committee and some volunteer ministries.

12. Work with the Facilities Supervisor to plan, coordinate, and execute capital projects at the church, school, and student center.

Manage budget and expenses for facilities, maintenance, and capital projects with collaboration of the Facilities Manager.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting or finance.

EXPERIENCE: At least three years of experience in parish or school finances, accounting, or similar operations. Experience with a non-profit is preferred. Experience working with boards and committees required. Must be fluent in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Google Workspace.

REQUIRED: Must adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing duties, employee has to sit for long periods, use hands in repetitive motion tasks, and answer telephone calls. The position also requires some standing, stooping, and bending while filing. Employee is expected to work onsite, Monday through Friday; some evenings and weekends are required. Travel is required. Employee must be able to lift 30 lbs.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the online application.