Job Opening: Communications Director

Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church is looking for a full-time Communications Director. The Communications Director supports the ministry of the church by coordinating communications and programmatic logistics. Please direct any questions and/or applications to employment@blacknall.org and please include “CD Position” in the subject line. 

TITLE: Communications Director (CD)

PURPOSE: The Communications Director supports the ministry of the church by coordinating communications and programmatic logistics, serving members, visitors, and the public. The CD develops church communications to strengthen ties with current members and attenders and to engage new audiences. He or she will assist in providing program support for ministry departments, small groups, adult education, and other events as determined by the Senior Pastor.

SUPERVISION: This position is supervised by the Senior Pastor.

RELATIONSHIPS: The CD works closely with the Pastoral Leadership Team to implement messaging that reflects the church’s life and philosophy. He or she coordinates with all staff members to ensure that church communications are engaging, timely, effective, and appropriate. The CD coordinates volunteers in communications, video, and program logistics for the church. This position is hired by the Session and accountable to that body through the supervision of the Senior Pastor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Work with staff and ministry leaders to create and implement communication strategies and plans that align with the church’s mission and vision.

  2. Develop and align design/brand standards to produce consistent, creative, and engaging digital and print materials.

  3. Create and maintain protocols for the submission and approval of announcements submitted by church staff, ministry leaders, members, and external partners.

  4. Create and produce Blacknall’s weekly Order of Worship, printed and digital.

  5. Plan, create, and schedule Blacknall’s midweek e-newsletter.

  6. Edit and develop Blacknall’s website, Blacknall.org:

    • Regularly update the content of Blacknall’s website with information regarding the church, its mission, events, and announcements.

    • Monitor and develop the website to achieve accuracy, appropriate tone, accessibility, and ease of navigation.

  7. Update member/attender resources in Church Center — a members-only site/mobile app integrated with Blacknall’s church management software — including the church’s online member directory.

  8. Set up the livestream link and, as needed, coordinate with the volunteers who livestream Blacknall’s weekly Sunday morning worship service via YouTube.

  9. Ensure that photography, videography, and/or broadcasting are in place for special church events and services.

  10. As necessary, film, record, and/or edit media files for distribution.

  11. Produce other digital and printed materials as needed, including PowerPoint slides, congregational mailings (letters and postcards), printed programs for special events and services, event and building signage, and seasonal devotionals.

  12. Maintain a current inventory of Blacknall Church official communications documents, electronic and hard copy, e.g., brochures, newsletters, congregational letters, and bulletins.

  13. Provide program support to ministry departments, small groups, adult education, and other activities as determined by the Senior Pastor.

  14. Support and help maintain the church’s membership database, maintaining necessary records in coordination with the Clerk of Session. Work with the Administrative Associate to produce letters of transfer and certificates for new and transferring members.

  15. Coordinate with the Director of Operations to develop structure, monitor, and train staff and volunteers in utilizing the church management software effectively (e.g., event registration pages and group lists).

  16. Coordinate with the Director of Operations in identifying and maintaining any technology and supplies necessary for staff and members to engage with communications strategies.

  17. Assist the Director of Operations with other administrative duties as assigned.

CHARACTERISTICS:

All staff:

  • Christian faith, character, and practice that is consonant with Blacknall’s doctrinal and missional commitments.

  • Knowledge of and commitment to Scripture and its role in the life and ministry of the Christian church.

  • Has an active personal prayer life and maintains personal, emotional, and spiritual health through active commitment to Christian spiritual practices and deep relationships with other mature believers.

  • Commitment to servant leadership.

Position-specific:

  • Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Public Relations, or equivalent degree and/or equivalent experience.

  • Professional communications and team management experience of 3+ years.

  • Positive attitude and ability to build relationships with a multi-generational and diverse congregation.

  • Must be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, leadership of teams and coworkers, and excellent written/oral communication skills.

  • Demonstrated creativity.

  • Expertise with design software, word processing, website development tools, and other related software. Preferred knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign (required) and Illustrator and Premiere Pro (preferred), Squarespace, Mailchimp, Planning Center Online, Canva, YouTube Studio, basic HTML (required) and CSS (preferred), Apple, Google, and Microsoft products.

  • Expertise in print and electronic media design and development.

  • Independent and resourceful — able to learn new things, find answers, and solve problems.

  • Attention to detail and accuracy.

  • Ability to plan, organize, and multitask in a deadline-intensive environment.

  • Command of the English language, proper style, usage, and punctuation. Knowledge of AP style is a plus.

  • Involvement and participation in the life of the church to provide understanding and insight into the church and its mission

SALARY RANGE: $45,000 - $60,000 (based on experience)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Voluntary simple IRA with employer match

  • Flexible stipend (paid as additional tax income)

  • Term life insurance plan • Long-term disability insurance

  • Paid vacation and holidays

HOW TO APPLY: Send a cover letter, résumé, and statement of faith to employment@blacknall.org and please include “CD Position” in the subject line.