The Catholic Union, which aims to influence British politics by articulating the Church’s moral and social teaching to parliament, is seeking a new director.
Applicants for the role must be “visionary” leaders with a passion for the Catholic faith “and the contribution it can make to society and the promotion of the Common Good”.
Founded in 1870, the 1,400-member organisation educates lay Catholics on how Church teaching pertains to current political issues including assisted dying and education.
Before Christmas, the Catholic Union met Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education to discuss scrapping the limit or “cap” on admissions of pupils with religious beliefs to faith schools.
In 2023, the Union also met the free speech tsar Arif Ahmed to express concern over a Catholic Union survey which found members suffered discrimination for their faith in the workplace, especially at universities.
In 2023, union officials also met the chief constable of Lincolnshire, who is the national police lead on race and religion.
The new director’s role involves informing Catholic laity of relevant developments in politics and the life of the Church “so they can fully engage in public life.”
Thousands of Catholics now attend the CU’s annual lectures, events and webinars and receive its weekly briefings.
The director should also “act as [a] representative for lay Catholics in politics and the media on issues ranging from social justice to education, from family life to religious freedom.”
Excellent written and public speaking skills are essential. The current Catholic Union director, Nigel Parker, told The Tablet: “This is a strategic role involving leadership, management, fundraising and administration. It might suit someone who has led a small charity or been in middle management in a larger one, and who possesses an understanding of public affairs and politics.”
Mr Parker, who is stepping down from the role after seven years, said: “It is not a legal job but the law is also a good background for understanding legislation and politics.”
Prior to working for the Union, Parker enjoyed a 27-year career at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The director would be required to manage a four-person team and occasional work at weekends or in the evenings.
The salary for a full-time role starts at £46,0000.
The closing date for applications is Monday, 15 January.
To apply, please send a covering letter and a cv to jobs@catholicunion.org.uk