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Location: Silver Spring, Maryland

The Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas is an international community of nearly 2,100 Roman Catholic Sisters who sponsor and serve in more than 200 organizations dedicated to helping those in need in the U.S., Central and South America, Jamaica, Guam, and the Philippines. Through prayer and service, the Sisters of Mercy address the causes and effects of violence, racism, degradation of the Earth, and injustice to women and immigrants, which collectively constitute their Critical Concerns.

In the last ten years, the Sisters of Mercy have been engaged in a massive process of organizational change, known as the “Journey of Oneness.” This process has led to the creation of a central organizational authority, the Institute Leadership Team (ILT) of five elected Sisters of Mercy, residing in the Institute. The current ILT was elected in June 2017 and will hold office through July 2023. As part of the consolidation, the management of key functions has also been centralized organizationally in the Institute under the direction of the Institute Chief Operating Officer, although the staff members responsible for these functions may be physically distributed throughout the organization. The Institute Office is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, with administrative offices in Belmont, NC; Omaha, NE; Rochester, NY; Cumberland, RI; and Merion, PA. Sisters live and minister throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, Guam, and the Philippines.

Reporting to the Institute President, the Institute Chief Operating Officer (ICOO) is responsible for the overall administration, management, and organizational planning for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Inc., in collaboration with the President and ILT. The ICOO works closely with the Institute Chief Financial Officer on management of financial resources, financial planning and operations for the long-term sustainability of the Institute to ensure the Institute can provide for the lifetime support of the Sisters. The ICOO acts as an advisor and thought partner to leadership in matters relating to assigned areas of responsibility, other departments, and related corporations; and is responsible for the development and implementation of operational policies and processes subject to approval by leadership. The ICOO has responsibility for administrative oversight and direction of key departments including Finance, Association, Justice Communications, Climate and Sustainability, Administrative Support Services, Human Resources, Advancement, Institute Office of Ministry, Archives, Real Estate, Anti-Racism and Racial Equity, Meeting Coordination, and Administration. The ICOO oversees 18 direct reports, a total of 800 employees in 22 states and Guam, and an operating budget for FY23 totaling $160.6 million. The ICOO also works with 14 Institute Ministers who have responsibilities delegated by the ILT to ensure the life and work of the Sisters flourishes. As the primary administrative layperson within the organization, the ICOO has a systemic view of the entire organization with responsibility for integrating functions, helping to build a sense of community within a distributed organization, promoting an organizational culture that reflects the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy, and ensuring that administrative decisions support Mercy values and Critical Concerns.

The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas seek a strategic and well-organized professional who will bring to this key leadership role strong operational experience, keen organizational, planning and facilitation skills; a strong commitment to accountability; an eye for seeing the underlying systems that drive performance; and management experience in a complex non-profit setting. The ICOO will have outstanding communication and influencing skills complemented by a collegial style that will engender trust and facilitate collaboration. The ICOO must be able to function as a good thought partner to the Leadership team; be able to identify possibilities, options and their implications as they relate to the Mercy mission; and anticipate issues that will require discussion, consultation, and decision.

Requirements include a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field with a master’s degree in Business Administration or related discipline preferred; at least 10 years of experience in an executive management position with a strong operations background and supervisory responsibilities; previous experience in human resources, healthcare, and/or budget management is required; experience with an organization that has gone through significant transition would be desirable. Other requirements include demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to think conceptually and strategically; the ability to manage effectively in a distributed environment and to mentor, motivate, and support employees; the ability to communicate complex information effectively, both orally and in writing; the capacity to work in a highly collaborative, consensus-driven environment and to work effectively as a member of a team; strong personal integrity along with a strong service mission orientation; and understanding and support for the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy and commitment to help the Sisters carry out their mission.

The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas has retained the services of the Diversified Search Group to assist in the search process. All communications will be treated confidentially. Nominations, inquiries, and applications (including a resume, cover letter addressing interest, leadership philosophy, and commitment to diversity; and the names of five references) should be directed electronically to SOMAICOO@divsearch.com.

Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D., Managing Director
 Nancy Helfman, Vice President and Senior Associate
The Diversified Search Group
2005 Market Street, Suite 3300, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer