Business Manager

Job Description

The Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, FL, is searching for a dynamic and collaborative Business Manager to help foster the mission and life of the Cathedral parish community. Established in 1950, the Cathedral serves as the Mother Church of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and provides spiritual leadership, sacramental life, and community engagement to over 2,000 families. The Business Manager supports the Rector/Pastor in administrative responsibilities and is a member of the Parish Leadership Team under the direction and vision of the Rector. The Business Manager is a steward of the financial, physical, and human resources of the Cathedral, ensuring that all business practices align with the mission, vision, and values of the parish. This role oversees parish administrative staff, including the parish secretary, bookkeeper/accountant, maintenance staff, and reception team. The Business Manager also works in close collaboration with the Principal and staff of the Cathedral School of St. Jude the Apostle, maintaining a strong spirit of partnership in support of Catholic education. Additionally, the Cathedral provides bookkeeping support for St. Joseph Vietnamese Parish in St. Petersburg, in collaboration with Deacon Carter, under the guidance of the Rector.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the diverse types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

A. Parish Mission: The Business Manager collaborates with the Rector, clergy, and staff in implementing the mission of the Cathedral. This is accomplished by participating in the comprehensive planning, implementation, and evaluation of parish goals and objectives, with a specific focus on prudent stewardship of human, financial, and capital resources. The Business Manager also contributes to regional/deanery and diocesan planning efforts to ensure alignment with the broader mission of the Diocese.

B. Financial Management/Accounting: The Business Manager oversees all aspects of financial management for the Cathedral, ensuring compliance with diocesan, state, and federal requirements. This includes providing an annual report to parishioners, maintaining balanced financial records, preparing reports, and collaborating with the Rector and Parish Finance Council to implement a multi-year financial and development plan. The Business Manager assists with major fundraising initiatives, stewardship campaigns, capital projects, and endowment/legacy giving, while also seeking bids and managing contracts for capital and maintenance projects. In addition, the Cathedral supports St. Joseph Vietnamese Parish through preparing checks and bookkeeping services, in collaboration with Deacon Carter.

C. Stewardship: The Business Manager directs the Cathedral's offertory and stewardship initiatives, including the Catholic Ministry Appeal, while also promoting planned giving, memorials, endowment programs, and capital campaigns. The position maintains relationships with major donors, provides annual reporting on offertory contributions, and supports the Rector's stewardship initiatives. Stewardship is promoted not only as a financial practice but as a way of life across the parish community.

D. Budget Process: The Business Manager prepares a comprehensive annual Cathedral budget, including revenue and expense projections, for review and approval by the Rector in consultation with the Parish Finance Council. The process includes assisting ministry leaders in developing their annual budgets, presenting financial projections to both the Finance and Pastoral Councils, and monitoring budget performance throughout the year. Monthly reporting ensures transparency and accountability while supporting ministries in interpreting their budgets.

E. Parish Facilities: The Business Manager is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the Cathedral's facilities and strategic technology plans. This includes managing major repairs, renovations, and capital projects; coordinating with diocesan offices, contractors, and government agencies; and ensuring parish properties are safe, secure, and well maintained. Oversight extends to security, leasing, rentals, and day-to-day facility usage.

F. Communications/Calendar: The Business Manager collaborates with staff to ensure the Cathedral maintains a strong communication and marketing presence, both internally and externally. This includes assisting with the parish bulletin, website, social media, and overall communications strategy. The Business Manager also provides support for the parish calendar process and oversees IT needs, ensuring that technology effectively supports the Cathedral's mission.

G. Human Resources/Risk Management: The Business Manager oversees all human resource functions for Cathedral staff, including maintaining personnel files, job descriptions, staff development, and compliance with diocesan HR policies. This role also provides oversight of volunteer guidelines and safe environment compliance. In addition, the Business Manager is responsible for risk management and insurance matters, including reporting to Catholic Mutual, assisting with worker's compensation claims, and ensuring that parish grounds and facilities are maintained in a risk-averse manner.

H. Purchasing and Inventory: The Business Manager ensures the effective management of Cathedral inventory and purchasing. This includes evaluating expenditures, negotiating contracts, and ensuring goods and services are obtained at the best possible price while avoiding conflicts of interest.

COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS

The Business Manager reports directly to and is evaluated by the Rector/Pastor and is accountable for time and attendance. The Business Manager works closely with the Rector, parochial vicars, clergy, and the Director of Religious Education in coordinating parish operations. Strong collaboration is expected with the Parish Finance Council (Cathedral and St. Joseph Vietnamese) and Pastoral Council to ensure transparency, accountability, and strategic planning in the areas of finance, facilities, and stewardship.

The Business Manager also maintains a close working relationship with the Principal and staff of the Cathedral School of St. Jude the Apostle, fostering cooperation and partnership between parish and school. In addition, the role includes collaboration with Deacon Carter at St. Joseph Vietnamese Parish to provide effective bookkeeping support and ensure sound financial practices. Finally, the Business Manager works in regular communication with diocesan offices, including the Finance Office, Human Resources, Stewardship and Development, and the Construction and Real Estate Office, to align parish operations with diocesan standards and directives.

PARISH EVENTS

Support and assist with parish wide events as needed.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The Business Manager serves as part of the Parish Leadership Team and Stewardship Committee, assisting in discipleship and evangelization efforts. The position also supports parish communications through bulletin, website, and social media updates as requested, attends parish and diocesan functions as appropriate, and performs other duties as assigned by the Rector.

QUALITIES AND SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Must be an active member of a Catholic community to express personal knowledge of the Catholic faith and commitment to Catholic ideals.

Must complete the online Safe Environment training.

BA/BS in a related field, preferably Business Management or Church Management Administration, 5-7 years recent experience in a comparable leadership position recommended.

Possess a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative fashion with diverse groups as well as have good, and healthy conflict resolution skills.

Effective communication skills, including oral presentation and business writing. An ability to compose correspondence and reports.

Must have the ability to manage while prioritizing workflow and maintaining flexibility. Possess an ability to manage multiple projects/priorities. Be able to work well & creatively under pressure required.

Confidentiality must be strictly adhered to.

Successfully pass a Level II (FBI) criminal history background check and attend Safe Environment Training Prior to Employment

About the Employer

Our Mission

The people of God, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, in union with our bishop, are transformed by Baptism, sealed with the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Word and Eucharist to promote the incarnation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.