Vocations Communications Coordinator (Chicago, IL)

JOB SUMMARY: The Conventual Franciscan Friars are seeking a Communications Coordinator to support the Vocation Office of Saint Bonaventure Province. (The Vocation Office works with men who are considering entering the Franciscan Order.) The Coordinator serves as lead staff person for developing and implementing the office’s communications strategy.

The worldwide Franciscan Order is a Roman Catholic religious order. Our Chicago-based Province was established in 1939 to serve the Midwestern region of the United States.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Compensation $35/per hour and working 8 hours per week. Reports to Vocation Director, Br. Bernard Mary Fonkalsrud, OFM Conv.

JOB DUTIES:

• Develop and execute a digital communications strategy to grow online visibility of the Order and increase vocation inquiries for the Conventual Franciscan Friars.
• Manage the Province’s website and social media platforms.
• Coordinate with provincial leadership, friars, and relevant staff to create on-going content for the website, social media, and newsletter (The Seraph).
• Edit videos for use on social media and the website.
• Regularly collaborate with the Director of Mission Advancement to support fundraising and development efforts.
• Other assignments consistent with the general duties of position as they arise.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience: 1 year minimum of work experience in related communication field or equivalent educational experience.
• Knowledge: Understanding of Microsoft’s Office 365 Suite, basic computer programs, and design software (i.e. Canva, One Drive, Outlook). Experience with popular platforms and apps (i.e. Buffer, Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, Mailchimp). Understanding of and appreciation for the Roman Catholic Church and universal Catholic faith.
• Skills and Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong design, copy editing, and project management skills.
• VIRTUS certification preferred, and passing a criminal background check is required.
• Position requires lifting/pushing/pulling 10-15 pounds and negotiating stairs.

APPLY: Email a copy of your cover letter, resume, and two examples of past work (ideally one written and one visual) to Vocation Director, Br. Bernard Mary Fonkalsrud, OFM Conv. at friarvocations@franciscancommunity.org.

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Administrative Assistant & Database Coordinator (Chicago, IL)

JOB SUMMARY: The Conventual Franciscan Friars of Saint Bonaventure Province are seeking a detail-oriented and mission-aligned Administrative Assistant & Database Coordinator to support the Provincial Office and Mission Advancement Team.

Founded in 1939, Saint Bonaventure Province is part of the global Franciscan Order serving the Roman Catholic Church in the Midwestern United States. This part-time position plays a vital role in maintaining smooth office operations and supporting donor stewardship through accurate data management and communication.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative & Financial Support (50%)

• Answer and direct phone calls; manage general correspondence.
• Maintain accurate records using QuickBooks: general ledger, A/P, A/R, and payroll.
• Reconcile bank statements and prepare journal entries monthly.
• Assist with friars’ insurance matters and financial reporting.
• Communicate with vendors and internal apostolates.
• Support year-end closing processes and audits.
• Uphold confidentiality of financial and personal information.
• Develop, implement, and maintain efficient filing systems (both physical and digital) to ensure quick retrieval of documents and compliance with organizational standards.
• Regularly review and update filing protocols to maintain accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality of records.
• Proactively identify and resolve gaps or inefficiencies in office organization to support smooth provincial administrative operations.
• Serve as the central point of coordination for office records, ensuring that all documents are properly categorized, stored, and accessible to authorized personnel.
• Partner with leadership to establish best practices that foster a consistently organized and professional office environment.

Database & Fundraising Support (50%)

• Maintain and update donor records in the CRM with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Process and acknowledge donations and pledges in a timely manner.
• Generate reports and data insights for fundraising strategies and stewardship.
• Assist in donor outreach, campaign tracking, and event preparation.
• Provide scheduling and administrative support to the Director of Mission Advancement.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with QuickBooks preferred.
• Familiarity with CRM/donor platforms (e.g., DonorPerfect, Raiser’s Edge) is a plus.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines effectively.
• Possess an Illinois notary commission or have the ability to obtain an Illinois notary commission within 90 days of accepting the position.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.
• Collaborative, professional, and mission-driven.

COMPENSATION & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Hourly Rate: $20.00 – $22.00 per hour, depending on experience.
• Schedule: Part-time (approx. 30 hours per week).
• Includes paid personal and sick days.
• This position is not benefits-eligible.
• Work within a faith-based, values-oriented nonprofit community.

JOB

• The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Physically able to perform the duties assigned including the ability to lift to 20-30 pounds if needed.
• Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time and occasionally climb stairs.

APPLY: Please email your cover letter and resume with the subject line “Administrative Assistant” to: Jennifer Georgis, Director of Mission Advancement, at missionadvancement@franciscancommunity.org.

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