Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources – Diocesan Offices & Catholic Ministries

Future Opportunities Across the Nation | Part of OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network

✝️ A Calling Rooted in Dignity and Service

In the life of the Church, people are our greatest resource—and stewarding their gifts requires wisdom, compassion, and integrity. The Director of Human Resources in a diocesan or Catholic ministry setting is entrusted with cultivating just, pastoral, and mission-aligned workplace practices rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching.

Through OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network, we are identifying faith-filled HR professionals discerning a future call to serve in Catholic dioceses, school systems, and ministries across the country. This is not an active job opening, but part of a growing talent initiative to ensure readiness for future opportunities.

🛤️ Why Join OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network?

OnTrack is ACELA’s national network of Catholic professionals preparing for leadership roles across education and ministry. By joining, HR professionals gain:

• One-on-one career and discernment conversations
• Priority access to interim and permanent HR leadership roles, including confidential and unadvertised searches
• Optional mentoring and spiritual accompaniment
• Invitations to Catholic HR leadership webinars, legal and ethical practice discussions, and peer support cohorts
• A faith-rooted professional network with shared values and vision

Joining ACELA OnTrack connects you to a supportive and discerning community of leaders who share your commitment to the Church and her people.

🧭 HR Leadership Role Overview

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for leading human resources strategy and operations for a diocese or Catholic institution. This includes overseeing recruitment and onboarding, benefits and compensation, compliance with Church and civil law, performance management, employee relations, and organizational culture.

This leader balances pastoral care with policy clarity, serving as a guide and partner to clergy, school and ministry leaders, and lay employees across the diocese.

🌟 Leadership Focus Areas

• Oversee all aspects of human resources policy and administration across diocesan departments, schools, and ministries
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and Church employment law, including safeguarding and safe environment programs
• Lead processes related to hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and separation with justice and pastoral sensitivity
• Provide guidance and training to supervisors, pastors, and school leaders on HR best practices
• Manage benefits, compensation structures, and HR systems and vendors
• Foster a workplace culture that reflects Catholic values, collaboration, and dignity of work
• Partner with leadership on organizational planning, talent strategy, and conflict resolution
• Support internal communication, employee engagement, and professional development initiatives

🧠 Ideal Candidate Profile

Successful diocesan HR leaders come from diverse professional pathways—including corporate, nonprofit, education, and healthcare. The common thread is a deep respect for the Church’s mission and the dignity of every employee.

The ideal candidate is:

• A practicing Catholic committed to Catholic moral and social teaching
• A strategic thinker with a pastoral heart
• Knowledgeable in HR law, policy, and ethical best practices
• A strong communicator and collaborator across diverse stakeholder groups
• Grounded in justice, equity, confidentiality, and respectful engagement

🎓 Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required; Master’s degree and/or HR certifications (e.g., SHRM, PHR) preferred
• 7–10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally in Church, nonprofit, or mission-based settings
• Understanding of ecclesial structures, Canon Law, and Catholic organizational culture
• Experience managing HR staff, systems, and compliance programs
• Fluency in current employment law and human resource management systems
• Spanish-language fluency a plus in multicultural diocesan settings



📩 Start the Conversation

If you feel called to help build and care for the people who serve the Church, we invite you to join OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network.

Let’s explore together how your skills, values, and vision might serve the Church’s mission in a diocesan human resources leadership role.

The journey begins with a conversation.