Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

Compensation

Full Description

The Archdiocese of Portland, established in 1846, exists to witness the Good News of Jesus Christ by exercising His mission to teach, sanctify, and shepherd His people. From the Pacific coast to the Cascades, our local church is blessed with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Our parishes infuse a keen sense of faith, hope, and purpose – all of which we believe can be truly found in a relationship with Jesus, who offers a love that transforms and unites. Join us in our mission to "witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ". General Statement of Duties: The Director of Communications assists in development and implementation of external communications strategies and plans, and public relations through media relations and messaging to effectively convey and support the priorities of the Archbishop and the mission of the Archdiocese. Initiates, develops, and maintains excellent relationships with traditional and online media, and responds to media inquiries in coordination with Archbishop. Serves as spokesperson as directed. Researches, writes, and edits press materials, correspondence, etc. Works with other staff members to implement consistent messaging for initiatives across all communications platforms. Coordinates communications planning for potential and actual crises. Develops and maintains Archdiocesan website to current creative standards. Manages priorities of office staff including interns. Consultant to parishes regarding websites and communications strategies. Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities: (These essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.) 1. Develops a comprehensive communications plan utilizing both traditional and new media to broaden visibility and enhance Archdiocesan goals. 2. Advises Pastoral Center departments and offices on communications best practices including, but not limited to: print copy and design, promotional strategy, and use of available audio or visual media. 3. Develops Archdiocesan messages, talking points, and supporting materials as needed to maintain the visibility of the Archbishop. Coaches senior staff as needed. 4. Works closely with the Archbishop in his visibility and messaging via social media. 5. Researches and advises on emerging communications technologies. 6. Acts as liaison to, and coordinates communication with, other local and national Catholic Media, especially the Catholic Sentinel and local Catholic radio. 7. Works closely with Stewardship & Development Office to produced annual Archbishop's Catholic Appeal video and supporting materials. 8. Works closely with the Office of Vocations to produce annual Seminarian Appeal video and supporting materials. 9. Serves as point person for general public inquires via email and phone. 10. Writes and distributes news releases for the Pastoral Center offices, parishes and schools (as needed) in response to media inquiries. Also coordinates media interviews. 11. Develops public relations strategies for Archdiocesan events. 12. Publishes and distributes Archdiocesan Fact Sheet. 13. Supervises Creative and Media Services Departments in development of video productions and print materials 14. Coordinates audio-visual needs for Archdiocesan events, including videotaping, Skype, remote training, production and editing. 15. Develops and maintains the Archdiocesan web page and social media accounts, as well as consulting parishes and schools on the same platforms. 16. Produces and records radio spots and programs, video voice-overs and other projects as needed. 17. Assists parishes and schools with media relations and consults on media resources. 18. Acts as liaison to other diocese and national offices for media and communications matters. 19. Conducts the annual Catholic Communication Campaign. 20. Applies for communications grant money, e.g., Forester’s Communications Grants. 21. Holds partial accountability for long-range operational and strategic planning. 22. Manages a budget of approximately $230,000 and assets of approximately $100,000. Job Scope: Position encounters frequent new and varied work situations with a high degree of complexity. Director determines own practices and procedures, operating with minimal supervision. Contacts are normally made inside and outside the Pastoral Center and throughout the Archdiocese. Contacts are usually made on own initiative and frequently contain confidential/sensitive matters necessitating discretion at all times. Specific Job Skills: Thorough knowledge of communication principles and practices with exceptional ability to communicate effectively, both verbally (including oral presentations) and in writing. Skill in audio/video production, along with knowledge of Church organizational and operations procedures, Position requires creativity, decision-making, interpersonal skills, use of discretion, teamwork, negotiation, service orientation, and public relations to foster the Church’s mission and Parish/School relations, use independent judgment/action, make presentations, provide training, mentoring and supervising, and conduct problem analysis. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parishes and schools, vendors, and the media. Must be able to handle multiple projects/priorities. Proficiency with PC software, and Microsoft Office Suite, and office equipment Education and/or Experience: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in communications or public relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience with a minimum of five to ten years’ media relations/ audio-visual production or public relations experience in a comparable position; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above-described essential functions.Specific experience in church organizational and operations procedures or a complex, multi-unit organization (preferably nonprofit) with service orientation. Valid driver’s license required. Bilingual in Spanish preferred. Working Environment: Work is performed mostly in an office setting. Employee is required to attend evening meetings and work with parishioner clients. Supervises: Creative Services and Media Services staff, and potential interns.