Director, Franciscan University Homeland Mission (Washington, D.C.)

Date: December 16, 2025

Position Available: Director, Franciscan University Homeland Mission (Washington, D.C.)

Position Reports to: Executive Director, Franciscan University Encounter

Department: Franciscan Encounter / Academic Affairs

FLSA Status: Exempt

Schedule:  Full-time; Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; some evenings and weekends required.

Please apply online:  https://franciscan.edu/director-franciscan-university-homeland-mission-washington-d-c/

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of the Franciscan University Homeland Mission will provide on-site leadership and management of The Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald Franciscan University Homeland Mission (FUHM) in Washington, D.C. By bringing the University’s Gospel-infused core values of encounter, conversion, and community to bear on the political and social atmosphere of Washington, D.C., Franciscan students, alumni, faculty, and staff will bring the light of Catholic social teaching to the most critical issues of the day. This engagement will not only bring the Church’s witness to the legislative and political process, but it will also serve to draw more people to Christ and his Church. Programs and events at the FUHM will challenge students to work and witness for ongoing, systematic change in federal government, placing the sacred human dignity of all people at the center of the work. This position will serve as a bridge between Steubenville and Washington, drawing people into closer engagement with the University and its academic and spiritual mission.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Provide high-level leadership of the FUHM program and residence in Washington, D.C., including oversight and supervision of local operations, maintenance, logistics, office functions, meeting and event coordination, and hosting students, alumni, faculty and staff, visitors, and guests. Of critical importance is active and ongoing engagement with a variety of campus stakeholders in the FUHM mission, including Missionary Outreach, Institute for Catholic Humanitarian Service, Department of Political Science, Alumni Relations, and other academic and administrative departments to create a catalog of offerings for Franciscan University students and alumni to participate in both short- and long-term mission trips, field visits, internships, seminars, events, and other professional and personal development activities in accord with the mission of the FUHM.

·         High-level engagement to identify, cultivate, and maintain partnerships and other strategic alliances with external organizations and individuals in furtherance of the mission of the FUHM. This includes governmental offices, agencies, and leaders; public think tanks, advocacy organizations, and institutions of high learning; and Catholic parishes, diocesan offices, apostolates, foundations, and individuals.

·         Lead ongoing advancement and development initiatives to assure the long-term financial sustainability of the FUHM. This includes securing gifts to increase the FUHM’s operational endowment; establishing new endowments to underwrite key positions and programs; obtaining “named” gifts to sponsor spaces within the FUHM residence in Washington; and obtaining governmental, corporate, and philanthropic grants to fund specific programs, activities, and events.

·         Serve as the first point-of-contact for the administrative and operational activities and needs of the FUHM. This includes managing all internal schedules, correspondence, travel arrangements, budgets, and expense reports as necessary and appropriate.

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Additional duties, expectations, and responsibilities may be added or changed as needed to meet the University's needs.

REQUIREMENTS

Must understand, support, and embrace the mission of Franciscan University of Steubenville and possess the following:

Technical Skills

·         MS Office experience (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

·         Basic level of facilities management skills (IT, security monitoring, custodial, maintenance, safety)

·         Emergency Preparedness and Management

Non-Technical Skills & Competencies

·         Understand and support the mission of Franciscan University of Steubenville, the Franciscan University Encounter initiative, and the Franciscan University Homeland Mission.

·         Extensive experience in leading start-ups and new initiatives and programs, with the ability to work comfortably and successfully in a new and fast-changing environment, and to multitask and prioritize to achieve goals on-time and in-budget.

·         Demonstrate a hardworking, creative, resourceful, and tenacious attitude with the ability to inspire collaboration and working collegially with faculty, staff, students, parents, partners, visitors, and guests.

·         Outstanding interpersonal skills including strong written and verbal communication.

·         Model the Franciscan University values of Encounter, Conversion, and Community, demonstrating a deep and abiding prayer life, and providing a level care, compassion, and hospitality in the spirit of Saint Francis.

·         Execute discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Education & Experience

·         BA or BS required, Masters or other advanced degree strongly preferred.

·         A minimum of 5 years in a position with increasing levels of responsibility.

·         Experience in evangelization/faith formation activities.

·         Familiarity with working in Washington, D.C., with a deep understanding of current issues at the intersection of faith and politics, and the ability to forge, strengthen, and maintain relationships with a wide and diverse array of stakeholders and partners.

·         Currently residing in or ability to relocate immediately to Washington, D.C. strongly preferred.

·         All current background checks and clearances required for working with youths in educational environments.

Workplace Factors

·         Occasional travel to off-site events and conferences throughout the year.

·         Occasional weekend and evening work for specific events.

Candidates must submit an online application, a resume, list of references, and a cover letter that demonstrates their fit for the position based on their experience, accomplishments, and skills as well as their desire to advance the mission of Franciscan University.

Please apply online:  https://franciscan.edu/director-franciscan-university-homeland-mission-washington-d-c/

For other information and job postings, visit our website at https://www.franciscan.edu

Franciscan University of Steubenville is committed to principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.