Job Opening: Communication Director

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is seeking applications for the position of Director of Communications. Inquiries should email resumes to info@txcatholic.org.

The director of communications is responsible for the development and implementation of internal and external communications strategies and plans under the supervision of the executive director. This includes outreach to the public and messaging to effectively convey and support the priorities and mission of the TCCB, and the teachings of the Church. This is a full-time, exempt position with a high degree of independent judgment with a high level of confidentiality.

Ministerial Character

The Bishops of the State of Texas are the visible principle and foundation of unity in the (arch)dioceses entrusted to them. In a unique and visible way, the bishops make Christ's mission present and enduring as Shepherds of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill their mission, the bishops formed the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) and actively cooperate with and direct its staff to serve as the public policy voice of the Texas Catholic church in Texas and nationally, coordinate the accreditation and cooperation of Texas Catholic Schools, and help preserve the documents and cultural history of the church through the Catholic Archives of Texas. The bishops appoint an executive director who is responsible for employing staff to carry out those functions, subject to the TCCB budget.

Each position employed by the TCCB helps extend the ecclesiastical ministry of the Texas bishops within the church community in particular ways, as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the bishops in the performance of their ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church. As a result, the person employed as Communications Director is a lay minister position in the TCCB.

Job Summary

The director of communications is responsible for the development and implementation of internal and external communications strategies and plans under the supervision of the executive director. This includes outreach to the public and messaging to effectively convey and support the priorities and mission of the TCCB, and the teachings of the Church. This is a full-time, exempt position with a high degree of independent judgment with a high level of confidentiality.

Essential Job Duties

• Develops a strategic and comprehensive communication plan, with metrics, utilizing both legacy and digital media, to broaden visibility of the TCCB.
• Serves as an active, contributing member of the staff, providing visionary insight, advisement, and evaluation.
• Develops messages, talking points, and supporting materials as needed to maintain the brand identity of the organization.
• Coordinates the identity standards and appearance of all print and electronic materials to ensure professional appearance and consistency.
• Able to design and capture compelling images and video or direct/organize photographers, videographers and creative content artists.
• Creates and maintains digital communication platforms, such as databases, websites, email systems, social media, and keeps informed and up to date on current issues (such as privacy standards) and developments in the digital industries to advise the organization in this rapidly changing environment.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism and credibility with staff, clergy, diocesan leadership, the public, and all media through knowledge, forthrightness, and truthfulness, with a high focus on building effective and positive relationships.
• Provides public relations, digital communications and crisis management counsel to the TCCB, which may at times require consultation with diocesan communications, and legal counsel.
• Utilizes wise stewardship principles in developing and implementing an annual budget with monthly review of office expenditures and oversees the budget procedures.
• Plans and implements special programs, presentations, and events related to Catholic social teaching topics to dioceses, Catholic agencies, and advocacy coalitions and partners.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Superior professional writing and copy-editing skills; must be able to present ideas in a cogent, understandable, and compelling manner. Must also be able to adjust and respond accordingly on tight deadlines and in rapidly changing situations.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques for disseminating information to the public as well as facilitating internal communication among departments and agencies.
• Skilled in strategic planning, program development, media relations, and digital communications.
• Ability to capture critical information by using exceptional active listening skills and asking appropriate probing questions while documenting conversations and recommendations given.
• Must have a collaborative style, be a proven team builder with effective employee-relations skills and the ability to lead and motivate teams through recognition, participation and delegation. Possess a leadership style that is approachable, engaging, as well as results and action-oriented with experience in being a “leader of leaders” with a semi-autonomous team.
• Must be able to organize and prioritize work, be proactive, take initiative, resolve complex problems, follow through, and simultaneously manage multiple priorities.
• Pursues this ministry with energy, drive and a need to produce results, especially in the face of resistance or setbacks. Must be flexible, self-confident, assertive and persuasive.
• Proficient with information technology including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suites, WordPress and social media usage.
• Knowledge of Catholic theology relating to social and ethical teachings.
• Knowledge of basic public policy issues of the Catholic Church.
• Ability to educate and advocate on behalf of church teaching and public policy issues.
• Ability to work to accommodate the fast and unpredictable pace of the Texas legislature.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, digital communications, or public relations and/or practical work experience in communications, media relations or public relations.

Experience

5 years experience in communications.

2 years experience in Catholic ministry.

Licenses / Certifications

Possess a valid driver license.

Must be in compliance with the safe environment (Ethics and Integrity in Ministry) requirements of the diocese in which the Communications Director resides.

Catholic Requirement

Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church who has the ability to respect, promote, accommodate, and not be in conflict with the mission, moral and social teachings, doctrines, and laws of the Roman Catholic faith.