Director of Communications, Editor of the Catholic Compass

Job Description

DIOCESE OF PENSACOLA-TALLAHASSEE
Director of Communications and Editor of the diocesan magazine

JOB TITLE: Director of Communications & Editor of the Catholic Compass
DEPARTMENT: Communications
FLSA Status: Exempt
DATE: May 1, 2024

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications Director is responsible for developing and implementing internal and external communications plans and strategies for the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. At the direction of the Bishop or other diocesan leadership, the director of communications effectively supports the pastoral and administrative priorities, the mission/vision of the diocese, and the Catholic Church's overall teaching. The director acts as spokesperson on diocesan and worldwide issues of urgency, controversy and/or sensitivity while maintaining strict confidentiality. The director reports to the Bishop and serves as a senior leadership team member, actively contributing and providing insight, policy formation and advice.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
REGULAR DUTIES
• The director of communications is the editor of the diocesan magazine. The editor determines content, edits and coordinates production of the diocesan magazine, published six times a year
o Writes compelling stories and edits content for the publication
o Directs the work of freelance contributors to magazine, including writers, columnists and photographers
o Works with publishing partner and printer to ensure quality pre- and final press
o Maintains circulation databases in Ministry Platform, including working with parishes to maintain subscription information
o Serves as liaison to USPS to troubleshoot any postal issues
o Coordinates subscription quotas with parishes
o Processes paperwork to pay freelancers
o Works with advertisers to ensure accuracy in advertising, process advertising billing
o Coordinates and executes yearly readership appeal
• Develops and directs diocesan messages, talking points and supporting materials while keeping in mind the visibility and reputation of the Bishop and Catholic Church
• Oversees the development of digital communications including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr, NewsNotes and internal newsletter
• Develops and edits marketing, promotional materials, publications, media relations and podcast
• Serves as webmaster of the diocesan website
o Develops content for website, including audio and video
o Edits content as needed
o Serves as resource to departments to determine content and assist with posting
o Monitors website usage statistics and communicate to stakeholders.
• Creates content for bi-weekly podcast, including overseeing the production and editing of videos
• Develops script and oversee production of the Catholic Sharing Appeal video
• Produces numerous videos a year to promote the diocese and parishes
• Writes and distributes press releases throughout the diocese, including the Pastoral Center offices, parishes and schools
• Responds to media requests and coordinate media interviews
• Ensures both internal and external branding is consistent throughout the diocese while maintaining the organization's image and position
• Provides public relations and crisis management counsel to the Bishop, Pastoral Center staff, priests, parishes and schools
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism and credibility throughout the diocese, assuring positive relationships are formed
• Maximizes publicity for special events, programs and major announcements from diocesan offices, including film production, editing and providing a high-quality product
• Stays up-to-date on current news, especially on religious and ethical topics
• Maintains wise stewardship principles in developing an annual communications yearly budget and reviewing office expenditures monthly
• Performs other related duties assigned by the Bishop

SUPERVISION

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer
SUPERVISES: Communications Specialist
GUIDES: Parishes and Schools of the Diocese

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, digital Communications, public relations or a related field

QUALIFICATIONS: Five years of practical work experience in managing, marketing, communications, media relations/audiovisual production or public relations

Demonstrated experience managing crisis communications is a high priority

Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church; must possess in-depth knowledge of the Catholic faith, structures and practices

Outstanding professional writing and copy-editing skills; must be able to respond to tight deadlines and rapidly changing situations

Superior oral communications skills for speaking to and interacting with the media, including public speaking

Experience in conducting news conferences and media interviews

Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and social media platforms, including web design, photography, filming, video editing and graphic design

The willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends in order to provide event coverage and be a resource for parishes and schools

About the Employer

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, founded in 1975, covers the 18 most northwestern counties of the State of Florida. Although the diocese is young, its roots go back to the first European settlement of this region. A fleet of ships carrying 1,500 colonists sailed into what is now Pensacola Bay on August 15, 1559. On behalf of the Spanish crown, Don Tristan de Luna established the first settlement in what was to become the United States of America. The settlement was abandoned in 1561 due to damage from hurricanes that destroyed the settlers' supplies.

Our diocese enjoys the distinction of being a "dual see" diocese. It has two centers from which the bishop governs - Pensacola and Tallahassee.