Chief Operations Officer

Job Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides executive leadership and oversight of the operational, financial, human resource, and administrative functions of St. Mary Catholic Church and School in Temple, Texas. This role is essential to advancing the parish mission: At St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School, we know, love, and serve Jesus Christ, so that we can share Him with all we encounter.

The COO ensures that parish and school operations reflect this mission through responsible stewardship, efficient processes, and collaborative leadership. As the Pastor’s primary advisor on all financial matters, the COO supervises the Bookkeeper and Administrative Assistant to ensure accurate financial reporting, streamlined administrative processes, and strong internal controls. The COO works closely with the Pastor, Principal, parish staff, and advisory councils to manage resources prudently, support ministry and school growth, and promote operational excellence across campus.

This position requires a mission-driven, highly organized leader with strong financial expertise, excellent communication skills, and a pastoral, team-oriented approach.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle of unity for St. Mary Catholic Church and School. To fulfill his mission, he entrusts certain responsibilities to qualified collaborators. This position extends the ministry of the Pastor through leadership in administration, stewardship, and operations. Therefore, the individual in this role participates in and supports the pastoral mission of the parish.

Essential Job Duties

Financial Management (Primary Focus)

• Serve as the Pastor’s chief financial advisor and central point of accountability for all parish and school financial operations.
• Oversee and manage the combined parish and school budgets, ensuring alignment with mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
• Supervise the Finance and Operations Assistant, ensuring accurate data entry, reconciliations, payroll processing, and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for the Pastor, Finance Council, Principal, and School Advisory Board.
• Develop annual operating budgets in collaboration with the Pastor, Principal, advisory councils, and department leaders.
• Oversee weekly collection procedures, cash handling, deposits, accounts payable/receivable, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintain internal controls and ensure compliance with diocesan finance, audit, HR, and legal requirements.

Administrative & HR Oversight

• Supervise the Administrative Assistant, ensuring an efficient and welcoming parish office environment.
• In collaboration with the Pastor, lead HR functions including hiring, onboarding, evaluations, conflict resolution, and terminations, in partnership with diocesan HR.
• Create and maintain Employee and Operations Manuals and ensure staff compliance with diocesan and parish standards.
• Promote a workplace culture rooted in charity, professionalism, accountability, and the mission of St. Mary’s.

Ministry and Program Support

• Ensure administrative support systems for sacramental, liturgical, and pastoral ministries operate smoothly.
• Collaborate with the Principal to provide operational and financial support for the school while respecting the Principal’s leadership of all academic matters.
• Support major parish initiatives, retreats, events, and ministries by coordinating logistics and ensuring alignment with the parish mission.

Facilities & Technology Oversight

• Work collaboratively with and supervise the Facilities Director in managing parish and school buildings, maintenance, repairs, safety, and capital improvement projects.
• Assist the Pastor with long-term planning related to campus development, master planning, and facility use.
• Provide oversight and accountability for the Technology Director (who continues reporting to the Principal for academic responsibilities).

Policy, Compliance, and Operational Leadership

• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard parish and school assets.
• Ensure compliance with diocesan policies, state regulations, and best practices for Catholic parish and school operations.
• Serve as a member of the Parish Leadership Team, advising the Pastor on strategic, administrative, and financial matters.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong commitment to the Catholic faith and the mission of St. Mary Catholic Church and School.
• Knowledge of the teachings, structures, and governance of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Proven leadership and staff management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and pastoral sensitivity.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and parish/school management systems (e.g., Ministry Platform, FACTS-SIS).
• Ability to organize multiple priorities in a dynamic ministry environment.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 
• The Parish is an at-will employer.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech, including Roman Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

 Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7–10 years of experience in finance, business operations, or organizational leadership.
• Experience in a Catholic parish or school environment strongly preferred.
• Must maintain compliance with Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM).
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Office environment; some evening and weekend work may be required.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to travel locally and on occasion further as needed.