About the Archdiocese of Chicago and the PIIM Initiative
The Archdiocese of Chicago is one of the most vibrant and historically rich Catholic jurisdictions in the United States. Serving a diverse and growing Catholic population, the Archdiocese is deeply committed to the Gospel mission of proclaiming the Good News, nurturing the faith of its members, and championing social justice for the most vulnerable. One of its most impactful programs is the Polish Immigrant Ministry (PIIM), a dynamic network of parishes, lay leaders, and community partners that works tirelessly to welcome, empower, and integrate Polish immigrants and their families into the life of the Church and the broader Chicago community.
In response to increasing demand for coordinated pastoral support, the Archdiocese is seeking a passionate, bilingual (Polish/English) professional to serve as the Remote Polish Immigrant Ministry Coordinator. This part‑time, remote role will be the linchpin that brings together parish clusters, lay leaders, and community resources to create an ecosystem of support, formation, and advocacy for Polish immigrants. If you are driven by faith, love community building, and possess a knack for strategic coordination, this position offers a meaningful way to live out your vocation.
Why This Role Matters
Polish immigrants bring with them rich cultural traditions, a deep devotion to their faith, and a desire to contribute positively to American society. Yet, navigating a new language, legal landscape, and cultural environment can be overwhelming. The PIIM Coordinator amplifies the Church’s call to “welcome the stranger” (Lev 19:34) by ensuring that lay leaders are equipped, parish resources are aligned, and community partnerships are thriving. Your work will have tangible impact—helping families find housing, employment, spiritual nourishment, and a sense of belonging.
Core Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Daily
- Lay Leader Recruitment & Training: Identify, recruit, and onboard passionate Polish‑heritage lay leaders across the archdiocese; design and deliver comprehensive formation programs that blend theological education, pastoral care, and community organizing.
- Strategic Planning & Implementation: Partner with parish pastors and staff to co‑create ministry action plans that address local needs such as language classes, legal assistance, youth outreach, and cultural celebrations.
- Curriculum Development: Write, update, and maintain training manuals, resource guides, and digital toolkits that reflect current immigration policies, Catholic social teaching, and best practices in community development.
- Retreat Coordination: Organize annual and seasonal retreats for lay leaders, securing facilitators, venues (virtual or in‑person), and post‑retreat evaluation processes that inform continuous improvement.
- Resource Mobilization: Curate and disseminate a roster of speakers, service providers, legal experts, and social service agencies that can respond to emerging needs within Polish immigrant neighborhoods.
- Partnership Development: Build and nurture relationships with local NGOs, government entities, and faith‑based organizations to expand the ministry’s reach and leverage complementary resources.
- Advisory Committee Support: Serve as the primary staff liaison for the archdiocesan PIIM advisory committee, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and translating committee decisions into actionable parish‑level initiatives.
- Calendar Management: Design and maintain a master calendar of PIIM events, workshops, cultural celebrations, and advocacy campaigns for each parish cluster and the vicariate at large.
- Communication Hub: Facilitate clear, timely, and bilingual (Polish/English) communication among lay leaders, pastors, and parish staff through newsletters, e‑mail updates, social‑media posts, and virtual meetings.
- Pastoral Support & Advocacy: Offer one‑on‑one pastoral accompaniment to lay leaders, listening to challenges, celebrating successes, and guiding them in aligning ministry work with Catholic social teaching.
- Data Collection & Reporting: Track ministry outcomes, compile impact metrics, and prepare quarterly reports for archdiocesan leadership to demonstrate effectiveness and inform future funding.
- Other Assigned Duties: Remain flexible to meet emerging needs, including emergency response for crises affecting immigrant families, special liturgical celebrations, or community advocacy initiatives.
Essential Qualifications – What You Need to Succeed
- Bilingual Fluency (Polish/English): Ability to communicate effectively in both languages, both written and spoken, to serve diverse parishioners and partners.
- Minimum Three Years of Relevant Experience: Proven track record in social ministry, pastoral care, community outreach, or nonprofit program coordination—preferably within a Catholic or faith‑based setting.
- Deep Understanding of Catholic Mission and Social Teaching: Familiarity with the Catechism, papal encyclicals on migration (e.g., Fratelli Tutti), and the Church’s preferential option for the poor.
- Knowledge of Immigration Law and Policy: Current awareness of U.S. immigration statutes, asylum processes, and refugee resettlement pathways, as they relate to Polish nationals.
- Leadership Development Expertise: Experience designing and delivering formation programs, workshops, or training curricula that empower lay leaders for sustained service.
- Technological Proficiency: Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite, virtual collaboration platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams), and basic graphic design tools for creating bilingual resources.
- Social‑Media Savvy: Ability to manage and grow ministry presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, crafting culturally resonant content that engages the Polish diaspora.
- Flexibility for Evenings & Weekends: Willingness to attend parish events, community gatherings, and emergencies that may fall outside traditional business hours.
- Reliable Transportation: Personal vehicle to travel to occasional in‑person meetings, retreat sites, or community events as required.
Preferred Qualifications – Bonus Points for Exceptional Candidates
- Formal theological education (e.g., Bachelor’s in Theology, Religious Studies, or Canon Law).
- Certification in nonprofit management, community development, or social work.
- Previous experience working directly with immigrant or refugee populations, especially Polish communities.
- Fluency in an additional language (e.g., Ukrainian, Russian, or Spanish).
- Experience with grant writing, fundraising, or donor stewardship.
- Proven ability to lead virtual teams and coordinate cross‑parish initiatives using project‑management software (e.g., Asana, Trello).
Key Skills & Competencies – The DNA of a Successful Coordinator
- Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture, set long‑term goals, and align day‑to‑day tasks with the Archdiocese’s mission.
- Interpersonal Sensitivity: Empathy, active listening, and cultural humility to serve immigrant families with respect and dignity.
- Organizational Agility: Skillful juggling of multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations without sacrificing quality.
- Collaborative Spirit: Experience working in team environments, fostering unity among diverse parish clusters, and building consensus.
- Problem‑Solving Orientation: Creative thinker who can adapt quickly to changing immigration policies or community needs.
- Communication Excellence: Clear, concise, and persuasive writing and speaking abilities for both formal reports and informal pastoral dialogues.
- Digital Literacy: Comfortable using content‑management systems, database tools, and social‑media analytics to measure impact.
Work Environment & Culture – What It’s Like to Join the Archdiocese Team
Although the position is remote, you will be part of a vibrant, mission‑driven community that values collaboration, faith, and service. The Archdiocese encourages a healthy work‑life balance, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate family responsibilities and parish events. You will have regular virtual check‑ins with a supportive supervisor, access to ongoing professional development, and opportunities to attend in‑person diocesan gatherings, retreats, and liturgical celebrations when feasible. Our culture is rooted in the Gospel: compassion, inclusivity, and a commitment to justice for all people, especially those on the margins.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks – Investing in You
The role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, reflecting the importance of the ministry to the Archdiocese’s mission. In addition to monetary compensation, you will receive:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options (through Archdiocesan benefits pool).
- Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
- Paid time off for holidays, personal days, and sick leave.
- Professional development stipend for conferences, workshops, or graduate courses related to ministry leadership.
- Access to Archdiocesan resources such as theological libraries, online learning platforms, and mentorship programs.
- Opportunities to attend national Catholic conferences on immigration, social justice, and lay ministry.
- A supportive, faith‑centered community that celebrates cultural heritage through liturgies, festivals, and communal meals.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
This position serves as a springboard for further leadership roles within the Archdiocese or broader Catholic nonprofit sector. As PIIM Coordinator, you will develop:
- Strategic Leadership Skills: Managing multi‑parish initiatives and influencing diocesan policy.
- Expertise in Immigration Ministry: Becoming a go‑to resource for clergy, laity, and community partners on migration issues.
- Network Expansion: Building lasting relationships with civic leaders, advocacy groups, and national Catholic organizations.
- Public Speaking & Teaching Experience: Delivering formation sessions, workshops, and retreats.
- Fundraising & Grant Management: Learning to secure resources that sustain and grow ministry impact.
These competencies position you for advanced roles such as Director of Immigrant Ministries, Vocations Coordinator, or even diocesan-level administrative leadership.
Application Process – How to Join This Mission‑Driven Team
If you feel called to serve Polish immigrants, empower lay leaders, and champion Catholic social teaching, we encourage you to submit your application promptly. The Archdiocese values heart, humility, and a willingness to grow over a perfectly polished résumé. Please include a cover letter that tells us why you are passionate about this ministry, a résumé highlighting relevant experience, and two professional references.
All applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and qualified candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview. We aim to fill this role quickly, as the need for coordinated pastoral support is immediate.
Don’t Hesitate—Apply Today!
Take the next step in a vocation that merges faith, community service, and cultural stewardship. Join us in living out the Gospel call to love the stranger, and help Polish families across Chicago find hope, belonging, and a vibrant faith community.
Apply Now