Job Overview
The Director of Communications is expected to work primarily in the office with flexible hours due to providing Communications support on Wednesday nights, Sunday mornings, and some weekends based on church activities and events. This position provides focused proactive leadership and team development of the oversight and execution of all aspects of Communications and Promotions of First United Methodist Church. The Director of Communications is to adhere to the Employee Handbook and Foundational Traits for staff.
General Responsibilities:
· Utilizes Shelby Next Database for all Congregational Care documentation
· Participates in all staff meetings, staff retreats, leadership meetings, and the general life of the church, collaborating with the Pastors and other worship staff and key volunteers
· Maintains First UMC Project Agreement and submits to supervisor for regular review as determined with supervisor
Design and Brand Management Responsibilities:
· Creates and champions the First UMC Brand and Style Guide for all areas of communication and promotion.
· Designs promotional materials and stationery for First UMC.
· Proofs and signs off on all items of communication and promotion for consistent branding and style.
· Brings alignment within all ministries of First UMC to the First UMC Brand and Style Guide.
Communication, Marketing Strategy, and System Development Responsibilities:
· Designs and implements strategies and systems to organize, prioritize, and communicate with promotional and storytelling items.
· Oversees all digital and print communication and promotional vehicles, ensuring they are executed with excellence and adherence to the First UMC Brand and Style Guide.
· Partners with all ministries and missions of First UMC for communication and promotional items.
Digital Communication Management Responsibilities:
· Leads all efforts related to the strategy, creation, and execution of First UMC's digital front doors (Website, social media, road signs and church app).
· Leads promotional campaigns digitally for First UMC (social media, text messaging, and eblasts).
· Oversees the strategy and execution of weekly online campus worship.
· Develops teams to assist with weekly online campus worship.
· Oversees the digital communications on campus for events.
Print Communication Management Responsibilities:
· Leads all efforts related to the strategy, creation, and execution of First UMC print communications both internal and external for the church.
· Partners with staff for the production and delivery phase of print communications.
Media Relations Responsibilities:
· Creates positive relationships with local, regional, and national media.
· Oversees efforts related to securing or responding to media attention.
· Provides guidance on policy and procedures related to media relations.
Any other tasks or projects assigned, which may supplement these duties; and further the mission of First UMC.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Communication Team Volunteers
Qualifications - Education:
· A two-year degree in communication, media, and/or marketing required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
Qualifications - Specialized Knowledge:
· Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite Programs (Final Cut, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Reader) ProPresenter, Website Management Platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite
· Shelbynext Church Database for backend website and app interface (preferred)
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Qualifications - Skills and Abilities:
· Proven ability to oversee the completion of projects from beginning to end.
· Proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple projects and initiatives.
· Relates well to diverse people, builds effective relationships, communicates effectively both interpersonally and corporately.
· Committed to creative thinking, highly productive and fast-paced team-oriented environment.
Qualifications - Personal Characteristics:
· A passion for growing as a follower of Jesus Christ.
· A heart for the community of First UMC.
· Must be willing to participate in conflict resolution between staff and/or congregation, and other community members using church facilities, to uphold the mission of the church.
· Growth mindset committed to helping use the avenue of communications and marketing to reach and make disciples.
Qualifications - Experience:
· Three years’ experience in communications and/or media related area (preferred).
Qualifications - Working Conditions:
· Normal business office environment with partial remote work option.
· Must be able to travel and attend off-site events on occasion.
Qualifications - Physical Characteristics:
· Operation of a computer and viewing information on a monitor.
· Ability to sit in artificial light for extended periods of time.
· Must be able to sit for many hours each day.
· May be required to stand for extended periods of time.
· Must be able to communicate via telephone and possess dexterity to include filing documents, reaching, and bending.
· Ability to listen and comprehend speech.
· Ability to speak English, express ideas and have difficult conversations in person and over the phone.
· Ability to problem solve, make decisions, interpret data and information, read, write, and organize information in an orderly manner.
· Ability to lift or carry up to 20 pounds.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to work flexible hours to include Wednesday evenings, Sunday mornings, and some weekends?
Education:
Language:
Location:
- Gastonia, NC 28052 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Gastonia, NC 28052 (Required)
Work Location: In person
