Established in 1969, Dignity USA is one of the oldest faith-based advocacy organizations working on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community. We promote the integration of personal spirituality and sexuality. We envision a day when our community can participate fully in all aspects of Church and Society as beloved persons of God.  We promote Christian maturity through sacraments, Scripture, prayer, active love of others and participation in liturgical celebrations including Mass. We engage in actions that promote social and institutional reform, collaborating with other justice-oriented organizations. We labor to remove barriers to full personhood and promote inclusivity in liturgical and community life.  Through our nationwide network of local communities, we provide opportunities for community and connection in an environment that fosters friendships and affirms the dignity of all.  DignityUSA is led by a Board of Directors elected by the membership, and an Executive Director.

The Executive Director implements the goals and objectives articulated by the Board of Directors; manages the daily operations of the national organization; and serves as the principal representative of and spokesperson for DignityUSA to the membership, Catholic Church leadership, allied organizations, media, general public, and funding sources. Catholic identity and background will be integral for this role due to the need to speak frequently with Church officials on LGBTQ+ matters. The ideal candidate, therefore, will demonstrate a deep familiarity with both Catholic doctrine and LGBTQ+ issues, and have executive leadership experience. The Executive Director position is a home office position that requires a moderate level of travel (15-20%), including occasional international travel. This is a full-time, salaried, professional position with flexible hours which can include periodic execution of responsibilities in evenings and on weekends.  Compensation is commensurate with experience. Candidates must be located in the United States.

Primary Objectives

The Executive Director, supervised by the President of DignityUSA, reports to the DignityUSA Board of Directors and provides effective leadership and management with a primary emphasis on fundraising, public visibility and advocacy, and programming for DignityUSA.  In collaboration with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director helps to craft and implement the strategic vision for the organization. The Executive Director will implement the policies of the DignityUSA Board of Directors, oversee the day-to-day activities of the organization’s national office, and represent the organization on the national and international level.  

‍Implementing Mission and Strategy  

• Works closely with the Board of Directors to determine strategic goals and objectives in support of the mission and vision. Develops programs and projects that support them.  

• Aligns resource requirements to both available resources and fundraising strategies.

• Serves as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.

• Provides support for Board committees as requested.

‍Fundraising / Development

• Conceives, develops and implements fundraising strategies necessary to support and expand DignityUSA’s goals and objectives, as established by the Board of Directors.

• Identifies, solicits and maintains relationships with all major donors; achieves annual development goals, as established by the Board of Directors.

• Supervises membership, annual giving, direct mail and digital campaigns including developing supporting materials, and maintaining the quality and integrity of records.  Defines giving level benefits in conjunction with the Development Committee of the board.

• Identifies, attracts and retains both unrestricted and restricted foundation support. Ensures that all restricted support fulfills the mission of the organization, and that related program objectives are both deliverable and delivered.

• Develops volunteers and financial support from both religious and lay communities, and individuals that may support DignityUSA’s work.

External Relations and Advocacy

• Serves as the principal liaison with other organizations whose aims and objectives are compatible with and supportive of DignityUSA’s.  Represents DignityUSA in key meetings with these organizations.

• Determines the extent of participation and leadership in networks and coalitions that helps to advance DignityUSA’s mission and strategic priorities.

• Determines, in collaborationn with the Board of Directors, DignityUSA’s participation in advocacy activities, including sponsored campaigns, amicus briefs, national or local witnesses, petitions, etc.

• Evaluates strategic “fit” of requests from these organizations for support and resources to ensure that they provide a demonstrated benefit to DignityUSA, its members and communities.

• Serves as principal liaison between DignityUSA and the official leadership of the Church – most notably the Vatican, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, individual dioceses, religious communities, and/or organizations of Catholic leaders. Supports community leaders, as needed, in interactions with local bishop(s).

• Monitors statements and activities of church leaders as they relate to human sexuality, gender identity, civil rights, and DignityUSA priorities, and responds in a timely manner, on behalf of DignityUSA and in coordination with the Board of Directors and impacted community leaders.

‍Public Relations and Media Relations

• Serves as the primary spokesperson for DignityUSA. Consistently conveys a message consistent with the organization’s strategy, mission and vision.

• Conceives and executes proactive communications strategies including media calls, media alerts, digital media, press releases and statements to further the initiatives and visibility of DignityUSA.

• Maintains relationships with key press who cover religion and LGBTQ+ issues.

• Working closely with the President and Media Relations Committee, responds in a timely and compelling manner to key events and policy statements in order to secure print, electronic, radio, television, and social media for DignityUSA.
• Identifies, cultivates and coaches other organizational spokespersons from both the Board of Directors and general membership.
• Coordinates and supports the above with local Dignity leadership when events are of a local nature or when a local response may be sought.

‍Member Relations

• Develops and supervises execution of all programs that sustain and build the national membership base, within, and independent of, chapters, communities, and caucuses.

• Develops and supervises execution of programs that sustain and build the welfare of members and local chapters and caucuses; provides pastoral care to members and local chapters, caucuses and communities; this may be accomplished by visits to communities and caucus gatherings as resources permit.

• Ensures timely resolution of complaints or problems associated with membership or communities; reports trends to the Board of Directors.

‍Staff and Office Management

• Responsible for hiring, supervising and terminating, as appropriate, remote paid staff in collaboration with the Board of Directors.  Manages work allocation, scheduling, performance reviews and compensation recommendations.

• Responsible for hiring and supervising remote contract employees as necessary..

• Supervises national volunteer recruitment and manages those relationships to secure optimum outcomes.

• Supports the development and monitoring of DignityUSA’s annual budget in conjunction with the Treasurer and the Board of Directors.  

‍Other

• Stays abreast of emerging trends in church and society that may impact DignityUSA’s members and mission and raises new issues with the Board of Directors.

• Serves as a key member of the planning team for the national conferences and other events.

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To express interest in this role, please send a resume and cover letter to careers@dignityusa.org.