Specialist I, Church Engagement

Job Summary

The Specialist, Church Engagement, will support the development of training and engagement resources to advance CRS’ mission through fundraising initiatives, community giving programs, media coverage and strategic advocacy with US church partners and volunteers. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Create educational and training resources to mobilize parish-based volunteers in fundraising, awareness raising and advocacy.


• Support the development and implementation of engagement resources and activities for high school and university students to integrate CRS resources and calls to action into school/campus activities.


• Support ongoing engagement of parish and school-based volunteers as needed.


• Implement and maintain tracking tools for volunteer engagement and prepare routine analyses.


• Support increased amplification of CRS content on church communications channels through research, mapping and sharing of resources.


• Use existing data management systems to capture and report on activities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in social justice, social work/advocacy, non-profit management, business, pastoral ministry, social sciences, community organizing or related fields.


• Minimum five years of relevant work experience.


• Professional experience working within Catholic Church structures and culture and with multiple different church audiences.


• Experience with fundraising or related initiatives.


• Flexibility with work hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated bicultural competencies and Spanish-language fluency.


• Experience with adult education, training, presenting and public speaking.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• In-depth and wide-ranging knowledge of the Catholic Church and its social teaching in the US. 


• Knowledge of legislative advocacy and constituent mobilization.


• Proficient in MS Office package (Web Conferencing Applications, Salesforce, and other relevant information systems


• Ability to work in a changing organizational environment and be flexible with evolving roles and responsibilities


• Strong interpersonal, relational, communication and organizational skills. 


• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• Demonstrated creativity and innovation. Identifies practical improvements within established program guidance.

Required Languages: Fluency in English.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 10%.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions. 


• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.


• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.


• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.


• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.


• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.


• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.  Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role.  CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.