Director of Communications

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:

Each position employed in the Chancery helps to extend the ministry of the Archbishop in particular ways as outlined in the position description. In order to fulfill his mission as the Shepherd, the Archbishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people).

This role is part of the Communications team, which is focused on evangelization and support of the parishes, schools and other archdiocesan entities.  Specifically, the team uses strategic communications to evangelize, inform, educate, inspire and challenge people to live the fullness of their Catholic faith.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE: 

The Director of Communications supports the Communications by assisting the Archbishop and his auxiliary bishops in their “mission to teach all nations and to preach the Gospel to every creature on earth so that all people may receive salvation by faith, baptism and fulfillment of the commandments.” (Lumen Gentium 24)

The Director of Communications plays an important role in leading the development and implementation of Archdiocesan Communications strategy and proactive campaign management, while leading teams who help execute these strategies.

Note:  This is an appointed position by the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle and subject to Archdiocesan Policy pertaining to appointed positions.  The Archbishop reserves the right to make modifications to the position description at his discretion and in accord with the provisions of canon law.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES:

1. Collaborates in the leadership of the Communications and other ministry teams for the Archdiocese of Seattle, developing and executing digital marketing and communications strategies to invite people into a relationship with Christ through the Catholic Church.  Primary responsibilities are digital and content strategy and execution via Archdiocese of Seattle channels, primarily website, social media, email, and other channels as they develop. This also includes overseeing video production efforts.

1. Supervise, train, evaluate and develop Communications staff ensuring the effective performance of duties and execution of the vision and mission of the Archbishop. This includes ensuring that all digital marketing channels, including website, social media, email and digital platforms are well managed and effective.  Also ensure content is well produced and consistent with best practices and archdiocesan branding. Supervision of team staff includes a Communications Project Manager, Webmaster, Social Media Specialist and two Communications Managers.

1. Through a collaborative effort both inside and outside the Communications team, develop annual and quarterly content strategy.  Ensure that content aligns with the teachings of the Church and the strategic vision of the Archbishop.  Ensure that digital content produced and shared by the Communications team effectively engages the people of the Archdiocese of Seattle in a persuasive and measurable way, while helping to promote the activities of archdiocesan ministries and carrying out the evangelizing mission of the team.

1. Oversee data tracking and reporting for the Communications team, including the Archdiocese of Seattle and Northwest Catholic digital channels. Glean insights from data that can be used to inform and improve digital marketing efforts.

1. Serve as an internal resource within the Chancery to help other teams support and understand the best practices of integrated communications. This includes ensuring that the resources from the Communications team are available to help other offices and organizations effectively communicate with and evangelize the people they serve.

1. Serves as a resource to the Archbishop and the Chancery for digital marketing/media.

1. Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Primary: 

1. Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Church by extending the ministry of the Archbishop.
2. Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the local Church in support of the collaboration between lay and ordained Ministers.
3. Demonstrated zeal for the life of the Church.
4. Demonstrated understanding of and ability to articulate the Church's teaching, theology and ecclesiology.
5. Knowledge of and compatibility with the mission of the Catholic Church, and strong working knowledge of the Catholic parish structures and organizations, the Church’s ministerial and pastoral work, and Catholic identity.
6. Understanding and commitment to this position as a ministry, not merely a job.

1. Education:

1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing or a related field.

1. Experience:

1. 12-15 years demonstrated competence and success in communications and/or marketing strategy and execution.
2. 5+ years of tenure in a director-level role leading both teams and strategy.
3. 10+ years' experience in digital and print media, including website and social media management.

4. Other Essential Elements:

1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings, conduct oral presentations, and write documents and/or reports.
2. Proven ability to develop, execute and measure strategic communication campaigns.
3. Demonstrated ability to lead staff, enabling them to accomplish goals through collaboration, mentorship and team organization.
4. Strong organizational skills with impeccable attention to details and project management.
5. Proven ability to multi-task, managing multiple projects, deadlines and initiatives at once.
6. Experience with using data for tracking, measurement and applied learning.
7. Experience with content production, writing promotional copy, editing websites, creating videos and other digital communication tools.
8. Experience with customer service and proven ability to collaborate well with others.
9. Ability to work with Creative Teams and critique design a plus.
10. Ability to work evenings and weekends.
11. Ability to work with people of various economic, racial and cultural backgrounds.
12. Bilingual competency (English/Spanish), a plus.
13. Possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license.

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications.

Benefits: Eligible positions receive a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation and holidays.