Job Description

WHAT WE DO

The Catholic Diocese of San Diego is dedicated to the mission of Jesus Christ, focusing on love, service, mercy, and justice. Serving over 1.3 million Catholics across San Diego and Imperial Counties, the Diocese includes 96 parishes, 41 elementary schools, and seven high schools. We are a diverse, multilingual community committed to creating an environment where all members—clergy, religious, and lay staff—can grow personally and professionally while contributing meaningfully to the Church’s mission.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to care for the most vulnerable and serve the broader community through social services, educational programs, and parish support initiatives. We seek to cultivate a workplace and organizational culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and shared responsibility, where employees feel valued, empowered, and aligned with the Diocese’s mission and values.

The Catholic Diocese of San Diego offers programs that support spiritual growth, community engagement, and social justice for individuals and families across San Diego and Imperial Counties. Key initiatives include evangelization and catechetical ministry, mental health support, prisoner reentry, immigration assistance, and foster care and adoption support.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

Under the guidance of Bishop Michael Pham, the Diocese fosters a culture of collaborative leadership, inclusivity, and spiritual discernment. Leadership is shared among clergy, religious, and lay staff, with active encouragement of women in leadership roles. The Diocese emphasizes empathy, active listening, and engagement across diverse communities. Programs like the Office for Ethnic and Intercultural Communities support cultural unity, empower local leaders, and promote dialogue to strengthen organizational cohesion.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary – $120,000 - $130,000 annually

• Comprehensive Medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and AD&D insurance

• Vacation and Sick time

• Pension Plans: Defined Benefit Plan and 403b, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

LOCATION

This is a full-time in-person role located at Pastoral Center - 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, CA 92117.

POSITION SUMMARY

Working with the Director of Human Resources, the Associate Director supports the Pastoral Center, diocesan parishes, and schools by providing consultation and hands-on assistance on human resources matters. These include conflict resolution, employment law, diocesan policy interpretation and application, wage and hour issues, and employee classification matters. The Associate Director also works with existing staff on onboarding, training, and leaves of absence, including workers’ compensation and unemployment. This role reports to the Director of Human Resources, a 15-year veteran of the Diocese.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• UtiUtilize HRIS systems, create and maintain ongoing audits to ensure database integrity as well as ACA compliance.
• Work with the HR Coordinator to oversee leaves of absence throughout the Diocese, including workers’ compensation.
• Assist with creating and maintaining all user guides and manuals, while exploring ways to expedite processes.
• Provide ongoing development for location administrators through continuing HR education and training, utilizing technology (e.g. Zoom sessions), as well as onsite visits to roll out new systems (e.g. Onboarding, Time and Labor, etc.)
• Work with the Finance/Payroll team in problem-solving and implementing new processes where needed.
• Provide coaching, counseling, and hands-on assistance to management/location administrators regarding conflict resolution, internal investigations, discipline, and terminations.
• Respond to employee requests for assistance and information regarding employee-related matters while being sensitive to potential underlying issues.
• Effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong database/analytical skills: able to apply functional knowledge to solve problems and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual – English/Spanish a plus.
• Clear understanding and strong commitment to the tenets, values, and mission of the Catholic Church.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Deeply supportive of the Catholic Diocese’s identity, committed to its mission and values, dedicated to fostering a positive, empathetic, and inclusive community.
• Equipped with a learning mindset and a collaborative spirit to ensure seamless execution and implementation of HR policies.
• Minimum of 5 years of HR management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in providing exemplary HR services in a multi-site organization.
• Experience working in an environment where strong influencing skills are integral to success.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related major.
• Strong presentation skills: ability to prepare and make presentations that are cogent and compelling.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, PPT, etc.).
• PHR/SPHR certification a plus.

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