Diocese of Rockford / Director of Research and Planning
Purpose
The Director of Research and Planning advances the mission of the Diocese of Rockford by serving as its principal researcher, planner, and evaluator. The primary purpose of the position is to support diocesan leadership in responding effectively to the present and future needs of the Catholic population. Because sound planning requires thoughtful consultation, this role also focuses on strengthening and supporting consultative structures at the diocesan, parish, and school levels.

Responsibilities and Duties - The Director of Research and Planning carries responsibility across four primary areas: Research and Evaluation; Planning and Training; Diocesan Archives; and Special Projects and Intra-Diocesan Support.
A. Research and Evaluation
To assist diocesan and parish leadership in understanding and responding to current realities and future trends, the Director will:
1. Parish Profiles Prepare annual parish profiles containing key demographic, financial, and operational data.
2. Mass Counts Oversee and analyze diocesan Mass attendance counts, including data collection over a two-week period, trend analysis, and historical comparisons.
3. Parish–Priest Database Maintain and develop the electronic database linking all priests who have served in the Diocese of Rockford with parish assignments, producing both current and historical reports.
4. Catholic Population and Demographic Trends Analyze secular and Catholic population data to assist diocesan leadership in understanding demographic trends, including the annual calculation of the diocesan Catholic population.
5. Ad Hoc Research Projects and Reports Conduct surveys, demographic analyses, and interpretive reports addressing both secular and ecclesial trends. Past projects have included community demographic studies, enrollment projections, Mass attendance trends, population shifts, and reports supporting capital campaigns.

B. Planning and Training
To strengthen consultative and planning structures at the diocesan and parish levels, the Director will:
1. Diocesan Pastoral Council Serve as Executive Secretary, including recruiting and vetting members, collaborating with the Bishop on agendas, organizing meetings, and managing Council membership.
2. Pastoral Council Training Provide training for parish pastoral councils through on-site sessions, regional workshops, and web-based offerings.
3. Parish Strategic Planning Assist parishes that request support with strategic planning and organizational development.
4. Diocesan Strategic Planning Provide planning support to diocesan offices, schools, and related entities, as requested.
5. Communication of Findings Present research findings and planning recommendations clearly and persuasively through written reports and oral presentations to parishes, committees, and diocesan leadership.

C. Diocesan Archives
In accordance with Canon Law, the Chancellor serves as the official diocesan archivist. The Director of Research and Planning supports the Chancellor by:
1. Reorganization and Maintenance Reorganizing diocesan archival materials and maintaining an efficient system that ensures secure storage and timely retrieval.
2. Diocesan History Responding to requests from pastors and others for historical parish data, including photographs, narratives, and archival records.

D. Special Projects and Intra-Diocesan Support
The Director supports major diocesan initiatives and collaborates with diocesan offices by:
1. Special Projects Providing leadership to ensure major initiatives are completed effectively and on schedule. Examples include school consolidations, the Synod on Synodality, the Quinquennial Report, and the You Will Be My Witnesses campaign.
2. Consultation and Facilitation Serving as a resource to diocesan departments as they evaluate programs, services, and structural changes to better serve the faithful.
3. Other Duties Performing additional responsibilities as assigned.

E. Professional and Spiritual Development
To remain effective in all areas of responsibility, the Director is expected to pursue ongoing professional growth and spiritual formation.
1. Best Practices Stay informed of current trends and best practices within the Catholic Church related to research, ministry, administration, and organizational leadership.
2. Christian Discipleship This role extends beyond technical expertise. The Director is expected to be an engaged, practicing Catholic who is active in parish life and committed to the mission of the Church.

F. Administration
The Research and Planning Office must operate with efficiency, accountability, and good stewardship.
1. Financial Administration Comply with all diocesan policies related to budgeting, financial management, and recordkeeping.
2. Time Management Effectively prioritize responsibilities across multiple diocesan and parish initiatives. The Moderator of the Curia may assist with this process as needed.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
1. Faith and Mission Practicing Catholic in good standing, with a deep commitment to the mission of the Church.
2. Experience Minimum of five years of relevant leadership experience in ministry, diocesan administration, education, or a non-profit environment. Executive-level experience preferred.
3. Education Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, library sciences, business administration, or a related field required. Master’s degree or higher preferred.
4. Analytical Skills Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with proficiency in data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel or SPSS.
5. Communication Skills Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, staff, and lay leaders.
6. Collaboration and Facilitation Demonstrated ability to listen, foster dialogue, build consensus, and facilitate meetings, focus groups, and planning sessions.
7. Technical Proficiency Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe applications; willingness to learn AlphaFive (used for the Parish–Priest Database).
8. Organizational Skills Strong organizational abilities, particularly related to archival management, with a willingness to develop competencies in library science as needed.
9. Flexibility Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and to travel within the diocese as required.