Job Description

I. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

Position Title: Director, Communications Status: Full-Time, On-site, Monday - Thursday, 8am to 5:30pm FLSA: Exempt Payroll Basis: Salaried Reports to: Executive Director, Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis Supervises: Communications Manager, Admin Assistant (Office Coordinator), Webmaster and Editor, Criterion

II. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

The Director of Communications is responsible for conceiving and executing a comprehensive, coordinated, and consistent communications strategy for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Central Offices in accordance with the long-term Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan. This includes both internal and external communications along with the development and fulfillment of earned, owned, paid, and shared marketing initiatives. This position oversees content creation across all platforms (traditional, digital and emerging technology), management of logos and identity design, creative direction, media relations, both responsively and proactively, crisis communications, stakeholder partnerships, constituent collaboration, and the development of initiatives ultimately focused on evangelization.

III. POSITION CONTENT

This job description is intended to be illustrative, not all-inclusive. Essential Functions

1. Builds Catholic Identity in the Archdiocese with an emphasis on proactively seeking opportunities to build meaningful, relevant, and trusted connections with existing parishioners, the public and disengaged Catholics.
2. Creates and implements the overall communications strategy and oversees content creation for the Central Offices of the Archdiocese, integrating websites, social media, paid advertising, earned media, emerging technology, as well as The Criterion, to accomplish communication goals in support of the Mission Statement and Vision Statement of the Archdiocese.
3. Revitalizes and manages the various Archdiocesan institutional identities, logo development for new ministries and initiatives, and creative direction of all Archdiocesan Central Office graphic needs. Develops new graphic standards for all digital, print and electronic communications, stationery and other designs. Directs proper use of these materials by Archdiocesan parishes, schools, agencies and institutions to ensure proper utilization in accordance with brand standards.
4. Serves as the subject-matter-expert on evolving communications and marketing best practices and advises on the application or incorporation of emerging technology.
5. Within the Secretariat for Evangelizing Catechesis, creates and maintains category expertise in disciple-making and the evangelization landscape of the Archdiocese, including benchmarking and audience targeting.
6. Serves as the key strategist in crisis communication ensuring that no employee communicates with the media as a representative of the Archdiocese about controversial matters, official policy of the Archdiocese, or teachings of the Church without first consulting with the Director of Communication.
7. Counsels the Archbishop and senior leadership team as well as pastors and related key staff on issues that can impact the Church by sharing industry best practices, relevant research, mission promotion, public relations viewpoints, media perspectives, and public perceptions to help formulate organizational decisions.
8. Assists with drafting speeches and statements for the Archbishop and serves as editor for communications prepared by Department Heads and Directors as requested.
9. Collaborates with other Archdiocesan offices, parishes, schools, agencies and institutions in the promotion of their programs, initiatives, and special projects in alignment with the overall communication, fundraising and evangelization strategy.
10. Ensures staff development and structure to execute strategic goals to include but not limited to professional development, trainings and goal setting.
11. Develops and maintains relationships with representatives of the media serving as the spokesperson for the Archdiocese, its personnel, and upon request the personnel at parishes, schools, agencies and institutions. Responds to media requests and inquiries and coordinates media coverage of major Archdiocesan events.
12. Develops and maintains relationships with promotion and communication organizations within the Church, both on a national and regional level, including the USCCB, the Catholic Press Association and other Catholic- affiliated organizations.
13. Directs the overall design, content, operation, and functional purpose of the Archdiocesan website.
14. Manages agency, vendor, and creative talent for archdiocesan projects and initiatives, as needed.
15. Other duties as required.

IV. POSITION SPECIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

a. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND/OR ABILITIES

1. Comfortable with various forms of electronic communications (e.g., social media, websites, digital marketing, email marketing, videography, etc.).
2. Demonstrated experience with community relations and issues management.
3. Knowledge and awareness of issues of importance in the Catholic Church.
4. Sound analytical, critical thinking and judgment skills.
5. Exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
6. Knowledgeable about developing and maintaining brand standards across an organization.
7. Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to positively inspire and motivate teams to achieve common goals and impact organizational change.
8. Strong business acumen, familiarity with international business a plus.
9. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft 365 and Adobe Suite - InDesign/Illustrator, Canva, etc.
10. Proficiency in Spanish a plus.
11. A strategic thinker, self-starter, well-organized, team player, multi-tasker, and collaborator with good time management.
12. Willingness to travel and be available for evening and weekend work, as necessary.
13. Professional demeanor with ability to maintain confidentiality.
14. Ability to work collaboratively under pressure in critical circumstances.

b. EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum of bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, business, mass media, marketing, journalism or related field. Master's degree preferred.
2. A minimum of ten years' experience in one or a combination of the following fields: marketing, public relations, graphic design, newspapers, print and digital layout, desktop publishing or special event promotions
3. Active practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church; excellent understanding of Catholic Church's ethics, theology, traditions, procedures and organizational structures

Job Tags

Full time, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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