The Director of Communications provides strategic leadership for the internal and external communications of the Western Province of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. The director works closely with Western Province Leadership, Sisters, Associates, ministries, and departments to communicate the mission, ministries, and life of the Congregation clearly and effectively. The director collaborates with the Office of Mission Advancement and serves as a member of the Global Communications Team, working with communications personnel across the Congregation to coordinate messaging, sharing stories and resources, and supporting communications needs across geographic and cultural settings. The position provides leadership in communications strategy, writing, editing, digital publishing, website management, email communications, photography, video, audio, webcasting, virtual meeting production, media relations, publications, and management of digital media assets. Essential Functions: Mission and Communications Leadership - Serve as the primary communications resource for Western Province Leadership and provide communications guidance to departments, ministries, Sisters and Associates.
- Serve as the primary communications resource for Western Province Leadership and provide communications guidance to departments, ministries, Sisters and Associates.
- Develop an ongoing understanding of the life, mission, ministries and priorities of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and communicate them effectively to internal and external audiences.
- Serving on committees like Steering Committee for Province Assembly preparation, Logistics Committee for a special event, and other committees such as the Marie Menard Committee.
- Develop, recommend, and implement communications strategies in collaboration with Western Province Leadership and other appropriate leaders.
- Identify communications needs, opportunities, and challenges in the Western Province and recommend appropriate strategies and solutions.
- Help ensure that communications accurately reflect the mission, values, identity, and priorities of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
- Provide communications leadership during significant events, sensitive situations, and crisis communications as needed.
- Serving as a member of the Nazareth Campus Incident Command Team to facilitate communication when a crisis occurs.
Global Communications - Serve as an active member of the Global Communications Team and collaborate with communications personnel throughout the Congregation.
- Participate in planning and implementing communications strategies that serve the broader Congregation while addressing the needs of the Western Province.
- Collaborate across cultures, countries and ministries to help communicate the international character and shared mission of the Congregation.
Writing, Editing and Publishing - Serve as a primary writer, editor and publisher for Western Province internal and external communications.
- Research, interview, write and edit stories, news articles, announcements, web content, press releases, and other materials.
- Collaborate on Congregational events, ministries, meetings, celebrations, justice initiatives and other activities through written stories, photography, video, audio and digital media.
- Coordinate the preparation and distribution of regular internal news communications.
Website and Digital Communications - Provide primary oversight of Western Province content on the Congregational website and regularly create, edit, update and publish online content.
- Manage and publish digital content through WordPress or other content management systems.
- Develop and manage email communications using Mailchimp or similar platforms.
- Monitor developments in digital communications and recommend tools and approaches that can improve communication with Sisters, Associates, Donors, Partners and the public.
Video, Audio, Webcasting and Meeting Technology - Lead the production of video and multimedia content.
- Record and edit audio for interviews, events, presentations and other communications needs.
- Lead and facilitate WP meetings through the effective use of communications technology, including Zoom, presentation systems, screen sharing, webcasting, video and audio tools.
- Coordinate technology for meetings involving participants in multiple locations, including international and hybrid gatherings.
- Provide audiovisual and production support for major meetings, conferences, presentations, assemblies and Congregational events.
- Maintain current knowledge of multimedia, webcasting and virtual meeting technologies and recommend tools, equipment and practices that support communications goals.
Photography and Media Management - Maintain systems for storing, identifying, retrieving and sharing media files.
- Help maintain appropriate records related to photography permissions, captions, identification and media usage.
Publications and Graphic Communications - Contribute to Congregational publications, reports, appeals, brochures, newsletters and other print and digital materials.
- Collaborate with the Office of Mission Advancement and other departments regarding publication needs, content, design and production schedules.
- Create or coordinate graphic design elements for digital and print communications.
- Work with printers, vendors and outside professionals as necessary to produce communications materials.
Media and Public Relations - Serve as a primary contact for media inquiries involving the Western Province in consultation with Western Province Leadership.
- Develop and maintain appropriate relationships with news media and other external communications partners.
- Prepare press releases, statements, background information and other materials for media use.
- Coordinate interviews and media coverage involving Sisters, ministries or Western Province activities.
- Provide communications guidance and preparation to Sisters or staff who may interact with the media.
Events and Organizational Support - Provide communications coverage and support for events, meetings, conferences, assemblies and other gatherings.
- Coordinate communications before, during and after major events, including promotion, photography, video, webcasting, reporting and follow up coverage.
- Be available for some evening and weekend events and travel when communications coverage is needed.
- Collaborate with the Office of Mission Advancement and other departments on communications projects and initiatives as appropriate.
- Work collaboratively across the organization and respond to communications needs as appropriate.
Administration and Professional Development - Develop and manage communications budget as assigned.
- Maintain communications equipment and recommend purchases or upgrades when necessary.
- Participate in relevant professional organizations, training and conferences.
- Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position as requested by Western Province Leadership Team.
In addition to the above requirements, it is also your obligation as an employee to understand and uphold the mission, charism, values and language of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. SCN Mission Statement: We Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are an international Congregation impelled by the love of Christ in the tradition of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac and the pioneer spirit of Catherine Spalding. Embracing intercultural relationships, we and our Associates commit ourselves to care for all creation and to work for peace and justice in solidarity with oppressed and marginalized peoples.
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