Outreach & Policy Advisor

Job Description

Job Description

As staff to the Committee for Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, the Outreach & Policy Advisor has the responsibility to research and analyze policy issues and positions, in collaboration and coordination with the Office for Government relations, and other USCCB civic engagement offices. The Advisor is directly responsible to the Executive Director, and through that relationship to the Committee Chairman. The Advisor serves as LMFLYs point person contributing to the Churchs mission of the promotion and protection of Marriage as the union of one man and one woman for the whole of life, the fruitfulness of this union witnessed in a generous openness to the gift of children, and addressing the threat of gender ideology. In this the family is the most fundamental living cell of society. At the personal level the Advisor demonstrates the willingness and ability to understand, respect and contribute to the USCCBs mission, and fulfill his/her job duties in accordance with its Catholic identity. The Advisor is a practicing Catholic registered in or regularly attending a Catholic Parish, and who embraces, upholds and promotes in every aspect of his/her work the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Advocacy Communications and Research Papers Development:Analyze issues and other materials related to marriage and family issues, including related matters of human sexuality and gender ideology, that lead to development of current USCCB policy positions.

• Contribute to the development, review and clearance of bishops statements, official correspondence,resources and other communications on marriage and family issues to promote the USCCB missionand the bishops policy positions and priorities.

Collaboration and Support

• Provide staff assistance and support, under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director,to joint efforts between the LMFLY Committee and other Conference committees and task forces asappropriate.
• Work in collaboration with catechetical and theological staff of the LMFLY Committee and theCommittee for Doctrine to ensure consistency of analysis with Church teaching.
• Help develop annual plans, programs, and budgets necessary to fulfill the USCCBs mission andobjectives.
• Maintain and build necessary relationships, represent USCCB, communicate positions andstrengthen collaboration with other faith groups, national Catholic organizations and other nationalorganizations.
• Work in a collaborative manner with other staff members of the USCCB.

Education/Convening/Communications

• Help develop advocacy communications, educational materials, and other initiatives to informCatholics about and engage them in issues related to marriage and family, and human sexuality.
• Develop, deliver, and arrange presentations (e.g., speeches, articles, talks, testimonies, interviewsand workshops) on marriage, family, and human sexuality issues.
• In coordination with the Department of Communications, respond to requests from journalists andothers and promote USCCB positions on marriage, family, and human sexuality.

Other Responsibilities

• Under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director perform other duties as requested.

Educational Level: Masters or Juris Doctorate preferred, MA Public Policy, or related graduate degree/professionalcertification. An accompanying theological formation in the Catholic vision of the Human Person is desired.

Major Field/Specialty: Public Policy, Theology, Law.

Other Specialized Training:

• A sound understanding of Catholic teaching, church structures, and practices.
• Research experience and knowledge of assigned area and related areas.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in technological aspects of office life, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, e-mail,Internet, etc.
• Contributes to a collaborative working environment.

Type and Nature of Professional Experience:

• Experience with legislative process.
• Public policy research and analysis on life and dignity, marriage and family issues or related areas.
• Knowledge of the theological foundations to the Churchs positions.
• Problem solving and articulating complex situations persuasively.
• Following established policies and procedures.
• Effectively collaborating with peers, colleagues and others to achieve mission goals and objectives.

Experience Required: 3-5 years

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $93,000