Employment Opportunity in Washington

Jocelyn Thomas Around the Province

The Franciscan Action Network is seeking a candidate with strategic, visionary and influential leadership to fill its exciting and fast-paced executive director position – whose multi-faceted duties include fundraising, public relations, community engagement, public policy advocacy, programming, and fiscal management.

FAN, which was established more than 10 years ago, consists of friars, sisters and laity who advocate for a wide range of social justice issues, from human rights to the environment.

The new administrator, who would work with a staff of five and the organization’s 12-member board of directors that includes Mark Reamer, OFM, would represent FAN to policymakers and government leaders, such as members of the U.S. Congress.

The focus of all responsibilities would be to build on FAN’s mission, which states: “Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of Saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network is a collective of Franciscan voices seeking to transform United States public policy related to care for creation, poverty, human rights, and peace building.”

The position requires the skills, passion and commitment to implement this mission.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to support and promote the values and work of FAN through the lens of the Franciscan theological and spiritual tradition, according to the job description posted on the organization’s website.

The executive director functions with the full support and guidance of the board of directors, and is the chief executive authority with complete accountability for all aspects of FAN’s mission and operations.

Candidates should bring robust political acumen and an open management style that is creative, collaborative and team-oriented, as well as leadership that inspires growth and employee development.

The executive director would work collaboratively with other faith-based and public policy entities to jointly promote the common mission; maintain relationships with the Franciscan family and collaborate on grassroots efforts through the Franciscan Solidarity Tables, and serve as Fan’s public face and voice.

Applicants should have a minimum of three years of prior employment in the non-profit sector, including experience with public policy advocacy, as well as a demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals independently and within a collaborative structure.

A detailed job description can be found on FAN’s website. Resumes and cover letters – with the words “executive director” in the subject line of the email – should be sent to jobs@franciscanaction.org by Sept. 15.

The Franciscan Action Network was established in 2007 to bring a coordinated and effective voice to matters of justice, peace, and care for creation in the world. Since then, its team has advocated for issues related to the environment, immigration and others that are important to the Franciscan charism.

Patrick Carolan

Patrick Carolan (Photo courtesy of FAN)

Patrick Carolan, who has served as executive director of the social advocacy network since 2010, will be leaving the position at the end of the year.

“I feel blessed and honored to have worked with the Franciscan family for the past nine years and to have had the opportunity to get to know people throughout the world who work for justice,” Carolan said.

Information about FAN’s advocacy issues can be found on its website. The organization’s office is located on Quincy Street NE, a short distance from the Franciscan Monastery and The Catholic University of America.

Readers who would like to share employment opportunities at HNP ministries, or at schools, parishes and other organizations affiliated with the Province, are welcome to provide job information to the HNP Communications Office.

— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.

Related