Would you like to use your executive leadership and strategic thinking in a purpose-filled position that aligns more closely with your faith? Are you a good communicator who enjoys relationship building? Are you interested in making a real meaningful difference in your community? If so, Catholic Charities of Madison, a charitable arm of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin, may be the place for you.
The Executive Director will ensure that all programs and entities are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Catholic Charities, Inc., the Catholic Diocese of Madison, as well as the Catholic Church. In this collaborative role, you will work directly with a talented leadership and development team, a Board of Directors, and the Bishop of the Diocese of Madison to accomplish the goals of Catholic Charities of Madison.
The Executive Director will identify the impact of the Catholic Social Teachings of the Church on health and human services and programs, promote an awareness of the health and human service needs within the diocese, and guide advocacy in various forums for social reform to meet those needs. In summary, this position requires high-level visionary and strategic skills with the ability to communicate effectively and build successful relationships.
Background
The mission of Catholic Charities of Madison is to demonstrate Christ’s love and justice by caring in faith for the human family. In service of this mission and under the leadership of Bishop Donald J. Hying, we operate more than a dozen different programs across eleven counties in a range of service areas, including nurturing children and strengthening families, empowering those with disabilities, supporting the aging, restoring the lives of those experiencing addiction or homelessness, fostering parish social ministries, and promoting growth and opportunity for all through multicultural outreach. With 150 employees and more than 30,000 annual volunteer hours, we currently serve over 17,000 people across south central Wisconsin, exemplifying our core values of compassion, respect, humility, stewardship, and community.
Catholic Charities of Madison is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, which is frequently named as one of the most livable cities in the country. In addition to a vibrant arts scene and award-winning restaurants, Madison offers outdoor activities for all seasons, from Concerts on the Square in summer to an annual winter festival on Madison’s frozen lakes, plus year-round farmers’ markets that highlight our myriad local fruit and vegetable producers, creative cheesemakers, and talented bakers.
Madison is also home to the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin, which was recently named by Time Magazine as one of the top twenty universities in the world. As one of the largest research institutions in the country, the University of Wisconsin serves as an engine for the city’s flourishing biotech industries. With a new rapid transit system and a soon-to-be-opened public market, Madison is building an infrastructure that will accommodate the city’s continued growth. As a reliable and trusted stakeholder in addressing the social challenges that accompany local growth, Catholic Charities of Madison is committed to building a culture of service to help ensure that Madison is a community where individuals and families thrive.
Primary Responsibilities
I. Governance & Strategic Vision
- Board Liaison: Facilitate all Board of Directors and Committee meetings; ensure transparent communication and the successful implementation of Board-directed policies.
- Strategic Planning: Lead the development of short- and long-term strategic initiatives to enhance program delivery and capitalize on growth opportunities.
- Mission Alignment: Balance immediate operational requirements with the future needs of the organization, ensuring all activities align with Catholic social teachings.
II. Operational Leadership & People Management
- Executive Supervision: Provide direct leadership and mentorship to the Executive Leadership Team, including the directors of finance, human resources, programs, and
development and marketing. Asset Management: Oversee the All Saints Senior Living Campus, ensuring the third-party
operator maintains Catholic Charities’ standards of care and operational excellence.
- Human Resources Strategy: Partner with HR leadership to define competitive compensation structures, comprehensive benefit plans, and sustainable health insurance strategies.
III. Financial Management & Compliance
- Fiscal Accountability: Collaborate with the Director of Finance to develop annual budgets and maintain rigorous oversight of financial performance.
- Regulatory Oversight: Ensure total compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and regulatory agencies.
- Contractual & Legal Authority: Review and approve all legally binding contracts; manage external legal counsel to mitigate organizational risk.
- Public Funding: Oversee the acquisition and management of public funding from local, state, and federal government entities.
IV. External Relations & Development
- Community Advocacy: Serve as the primary representative to diocesan ministries and external Catholic entities to advance mutual objectives regarding human life and dignity.
- Public Relations: Elevate the organization’s profile through public presentations, media appearances, and targeted public relations efforts.
- Development & Fundraising: Actively participate in donor cultivation, fundraising events, and community engagement in coordination with the Director of Mission Effectiveness.
Desired Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Advanced Education: Master’s Degree in a related field (Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Social Services, or Theology) is preferred.
- Executive Leadership: 10+ years of senior-level management experience, with a proven track record in overseeing staffing, multi-million dollar budgets, and complex operations.
- Development Expertise: Demonstrated success in nonprofit fund development strategies and donor cultivation.
Faith & Mission Alignment
- Ecclesial Standing: Must be a fully initiated and practicing member of the Roman Catholic Church in good standing.
- Theological Knowledge: Deep understanding of Catholic social teachings, Church policies, and practices.
- Diocesan Awareness: Familiarity with the structure of the Diocese of Madison and its foundational relationship with Catholic Charities.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Execution: Proven ability to define organizational strategy, set clear expectations, and drive results to meet mission-critical goals.
- Multi-disciplinary Management: Ability to lead diverse departments and manage concurrent, complex projects effectively.
- Communication Excellence: Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deliver high-impact public presentations.
- Stakeholder Relations: Adept at building relationships with a wide array of stakeholders, including clergy, professional staff, volunteers, and public/private partners.
- Decision Making: Strong ability to prioritize under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and maintain strict confidentiality.
Technical & Administrative Requirements
- Systems Proficiency: High degree of technical literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Compliance: Must successfully complete an extensive background check as a condition of employment.
Position Details
We anticipate the start date for this position to be fall of 2026. This is full-time, Madison-based position with competitive salary and benefits and great working environment. Perhaps best of all, you get to put your faith into action.
Our current executive director will serve as a mentor until the end of 2026 to assist with onboarding, training, and the 2027 budgeting process.
Application Process
If interested and qualified, please email the following to Christina Bean (cbean@ccmadison.org):
- Cover letter addressing:
- The connection between your Catholic faith and service,
- How you approach balancing needs of the community and resources of the ministry,
- How this role fits with the trajectory of your career,
- any connection you may have to Madison, Wisconsin, and
- expected salary parameters.
- CV/Resume
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Review of applications will begin on April 10, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
