Communications Director

Job Description:

Director of Communications Responsible to:

Prioress and Director of Development

Job Summary:

This position serves as the primary resource person for external communications, including media and public relations programs that support the ministries of the Congregation and upholds, articulates and exhibits the charism/mission, values and vision of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in all forms of communication.

Essential Functions
· Develops and maintains relationships with civic and church communities, organizations, and individuals to raise awareness of the presence, mission and works of the Congregation.
· Serves as facilitator between the media and the Congregation.
· Oversee the design and prepare print-ready copy for publication of printed materials while ensuring consistent use of logo and the mission in all material.
· Updates the Congregational website and Monastery Creations e-Commerce site.
· Gathers information and conducts interviews for feature articles, writes articles and other items as requested for Spirit & Life magazine, promotional brochures, direct mail pieces, website, news releases, etc.
· Takes and edits photos and video for a variety of needs and projects.
· Coordinates all social media. This includes providing content for a variety of channels and monitoring all accounts for activity.
· Places and designs print and radio ads for a variety of departments including development, vocations, altar breads, Monastery Creations and human resources.
· Provides coverage of special events such as, but not limited to, assemblies, jubilees and other Congregational gatherings.
· Develops and maintains working relationships with media personnel and alerts them to story ideas and coordinates medica requests for interviews.
· Maintains association with or follows news from professional organizations to stay current on issues relating to religious communities. Examples include Communicators for Women Religious, Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Catholic Press Association and Catholic News Service.
· May also be asked to work in the development office, inputting data into the donor database and assisting with a variety of development reports.
· Other duties as assigned by the Prioress, Director of Development, or their designee.

Requirements
· Bachelor’s degree in communications (or similar area) preferred
· Keeps all sensitive information confidential
· Ability to show good stewardship skills in managing department’s financial resources
· Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proficiency in AP Style
· Photography and video skills
· Experience in social media management
· Proficiency in using computers and graphic design programs
· Ability to approach people in a manner that creates harmony and promotes cooperation.
· Familiarity with and understanding of the Catholic faith and traditions preferred.dpvi