Explore Ministry and Outreach Manager

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 Explore Ministry & Outreach Manager exists to develop and manage the communications strategy for Explorers and to develop and manage the bridge for explorers from Human to parish community. This involves developing systems that help Explorers find meaningful content and experiences that support and strengthen their spiritual journey. This role ensures that content is released thoughtfully and at the right moments so that people encounter invitation, encouragement, and connection rather than noise or pressure. This role also engages parishes to receive explorers who are ready for Church experiences after Human. With an initial focus on Human and a broader lens across Explorer programs, this role creates warm, welcoming communications that instill trust, foster belonging, and build long‑term affinity with the mission. Through personal, relational communication and an inviting digital presence, the Ministry & Outreach Manager develops the ecosystem to help Explorers take meaningful next steps toward deeper reflection, connection, and spiritual growth. Position Responsibilities Develops and Manages Communications & Marketing Strategy and Implementation Develop and Own Explore Messaging Craft and deliver communications that feel personal, relational, and human, helping Explorers feel seen, welcomed, and invited into deeper engagement Ensure timely communication before, during, and after events to support readiness, reflection, and continued connection Use language that builds trust and clarity, strengthening brand loyalty through consistency, care, and tone Present events and programs as hospitable invitations that meet people where they are Support awareness and participation through messaging that emphasizes meaning, connection, and experience rather than urgency or persuasion Maintain a warm and coherent brand voice that reflects safety, authenticity, and respect Develop and Own Distribution Strategy Content Release & Alignment Align with the Content & Guide Accompaniment role to ensure content is released in ways that support accompaniment and spiritual readiness Collaborate with program leadership to align communications with program flow, calendar, and broader strategy Social Media and Web Presence Steward social media platforms as spaces of connection, curiosity, and storytelling Share content that draws Explorers in gently, encouraging reflection and further engagement Research and adapt to platforms where Explorers are already active, using insight from Guides and program feedback Own relationship with web site developer / manager to ensure web site is up to date and meets the audience’s needs Develops and Manages Strategy for Accompanying Explorers to Parishes and Other Ministries Within Explore Team, owns strategy for and implementation of how an explorer transitions from Human community to a parish community Tethers with Co-Implementation team to establish bridge to co-implementation parishes Establishes relationships with other partner parishes, including forming the parish to receive explorers well As appropriate, identifies opportunities to establish similar links between Human and ministries such as Catholic Charities, Young Catholic Professionals, Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, etc. for service and other opportunities Job Requirements Graduate ministry degree or equivalent work experience Passion for evangelization and spiritual renewal; practicing Catholic Experience in communications, marketing, or digital engagement in a mission‑driven, community‑based, or relational context Ability to communicate with warmth, clarity, and respect across diverse audiences Comfort managing social media and digital communications in a thoughtful, intentional way Sensitivity to how timing, tone, and language impact trust and engagement Strong collaboration skills and adaptability within a developing program environment Preferred Skills and Experiences Professional experience with operational scaling Professional experience managing an organization’s social media platforms The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here. This position has an annualized salary range of - $66,875.80 - $83,594.75. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Archdiocese-of-Chicago