Communications Manager

The  Communications Manager manages parish communications, digital ministry, and communications technology. Working collaboratively with staff, councils, committees, and ministry leaders, the Communications Manager ensures that parish communications – digital, written, and verbal – are clear, consistent, engaging, and aligned with Catholic Church Teaching and our parish mission to know, follow, and share Jesus Christ.

The Communications Manager also manages the parish’s communication systems and technology, improving processes, simplifying applications, and ensuring parish resources are stewarded effectively and responsibly.

Responsibilities

Parish Communications & Digital Ministry:

• Collaborate with clergy, staff, councils, committees, and ministries to understand parish initiatives and determine how to communicate them to the parish and beyond.
• Create, edit, design, and distribute parish communications, including:
  • Weekly bulletin
  • Weekly parish email (i.e. Flock Note)
  • Website content and design
  • Social media
  • Digital slides and content for Masses, funerals and special events
  • Flyers, signage, and promotional materials
  • Parish-wide campaigns and special communications initiatives

• Maintain consistent messaging, branding, visual standards, and quality control across parish communications.
• Maintain an organized parish communications calendar and coordinate the timing of parish-wide messages and initiatives.
• Evaluate communication methods and engagement to improve how the parish can better reach and serve the needs of parishioners.

Technology & Systems:

• Maintain an efficient and working knowledge of software, technology, and digital systems and platforms used by the parish and parish staff, including an inventory of parish software, subscriptions, licenses, vendors, users, and renewals.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison with parish IT contractors and technology vendors, including technology upgrades, equipment, and security.

Leadership and Administration:

• Provide direction and support as staff liaison to the Media and Marketing Committee.
• Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers with skills and talents in areas of communication, photography, videography, web design, social media, and marketing.
• Develop and manage the communications budget.
• Evaluate vendors, contracts, subscriptions, and technology expenses to ensure they remain within the approved budget.
• Establish clear processes and timelines for staff and ministries to submit communication requests and project deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission of St. Mary of the Lake.

Qualifications

• Understand and support the teachings and mission of the Roman Catholic Church and demonstrate a commitment to serving parish staff and the parish community.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, digital media, information technology, graphic design, or a related field preferred.
• Strong visual communication and design skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and recurring deadlines.
• Technical aptitude with the ability to learn, understand, and improve software applications and workflows.
• Successfully complete required background check, Virtus training, and Code of Conduct for Church Personnel.
• Sound judgment and discretion when working with sensitive or confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and familiarity with platforms such as Canva, WordPress, Flock Note, JotForm, ProPresenter or similar applications preferred.Top of FormBottom of Form

Please send a cover letter and resume to the Parish Business Administrator - Deacon Gary Schneider via email (gschneider@stmarys-wbl.org).