Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth
Diocese of Erie

The Diocese of Erie is a collaborative, mission-oriented organization which prioritizes teamwork. This full-time, confidential, director-level, position will include managing child protection clearances for clergy, employees, and volunteers of the Diocese of Erie, parishes, schools and other Catholic institutions. This person is to be a practicing Catholic who possesses excellent organizational and human skills. Additionally, the director will progressively update the diocesan Policy for the Protection of Children based on changing state and federal law, as well as evolving circumstances. This position also will manage compliance of the policy for all diocesan institutions, and continue outreach to past victims. Because of the sensitive and confidential nature of this position, the successful candidate must demonstrate discretion and integrity in handling protected information. Essential skills include a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (especially Word and Excel) as well as familiarity with operating database software.

The full position profile and application may be found at:
https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html

Please feel free to contact Fr. Chris Singer ([email protected], 814.824.1130) or Cindy Zemcik ([email protected], 814.824.1195) for more information.

To Apply:
For best consideration please submit application materials by March 20, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume (including references), and a signed and completed job application in one of the two ways described below.

1. Scan and email all materials to: [email protected]
2. Or by postal mail to: Fr. Chris Singer, 429 E Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504

About the Role
The Diocese of Erie is seeking a compassionate, mission driven leader to serve as the Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth (OPCY). This role is central to ensuring that our parishes, schools, and ministries remain safe, transparent, and fully compliant environments where children and young people can grow in faith and flourish.

The Director oversees all aspects of child protection policies, safe environment education, clearance compliance, and outreach to survivors of past abuse. This ministry requires a professional with deep integrity, exceptional organizational skill, and a heart for serving others-particularly survivors and their families.

If you are a practicing Catholic committed to promoting healing, trust, and accountability within the Church, we invite you to consider joining us in this vital work.

Key Responsibilities

The Director will lead the diocesan efforts to protect children and youth by:

Leadership & Oversight
• Directing and managing the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth.
• Overseeing support services for survivors of past diocesan child sexual abuse.
• Managing historical diocesan files related to past abuse cases.

Education & Training
• Coordinating scheduling and delivery of training for clergy, employees, volunteers, parents, and children.
• Issuing OPCY clearances and letters of compliance.
• Overseeing safe environment programs in parishes and schools.

Compliance & Auditing
• Managing diocesan compliance software tracking clearance and training documentation.
• Conducting annual audits of parishes, schools, and agencies.
• Preparing the annual USCCB audit and CARA report.
• Preparing annual reports and policy update recommendations for the Diocesan Review Board.

Communication & Outreach
• Maintaining the diocesan Child Protection webpage and online training content.
• Preparing and distributing communications on safe environment programs, reporting procedures, and victim outreach.
• Serving as diocesan representative to the Erie County Child Abuse Prevention Task Force.

Intake & Collaboration
• Managing the intake of allegations and collaborating with the Catholic Schools Office, Chancery, Clergy Personnel Office, and law enforcement as appropriate.

Administration
• Maintaining detailed correspondence records with parishes, schools, and ministries.
• Preparing an annual budget proposal for OPCY.

Qualifications

Required
• Must be a practicing Catholic committed to the mission of the Church and to upholding the diocesan Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Occasional travel within the diocese.

Skills & Competencies
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Advanced skill with modern database software.
• Exceptional attention to detail and record keeping accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Experience
• Prior experience in compliance management and office administration.
• Experience coordinating training programs.
• Experience with clearance documentation and safe environment processes preferred.

Why This Ministry Matters
The work of the Director of OPCY helps ensure that the Diocese of Erie remains a community where children and young people are safe, respected, and nurtured. This position is ideal for someone who is deeply committed to transparency, accountability, and the healing mission of the Church.